Model United Nations
Welcome to Georgia Southern University’s Model United Nations (MUN) Program! Created in 1972 under the direction of Dr. Lane Van Tassell and Dr. Zia Hashmi. The MUN was designed to provide students of all ages with realistic simulations of the actual United Nations and other international bodies. To date, millions of students around the world have participated in Model United Nations conferences and have gained a greater understanding of international events and the global community.
What is the Model United Nations Program about?
Every year, scores of high school and college Model United Nations conferences students may represent one of over 190 countries in the world, or they may represent a non-governmental organization–such as the International Red Cross or Greenpeace. In every case, students act as the “official spokespeople” of their country in the body they are assigned to. Students learn about their country’s position on critical domestic and global issues and act as diplomats to represent their country’s point of view. During the course of their experience, students learn the complexities of diplomacy — including the give and take involved in writing resolutions and securing their passage — as well as the art of parliamentary procedure. Most, if not all, students come away from the Model United Nations experience with a renewed appreciation for the process of peace and cooperation. Many, if not all, come to realize that global cooperation cannot be achieved by being passive bystanders. They must become active participants.
Georgia Southern University Model United Nations History
Georgia Southern University’s Model United Nations program has been in existence since 1972. We are one of the longest-standing, continuous Model UN programs in the country and one of the most highly decorated delegations as evidenced by our continued success. In addition to attending the National Model United Nations (NMUN) Conference in New York City every year, Georgia Southern University’s Model UN hosts three Model UN Conferences for middle and high schools, engaging over 1,000 students annually in Model UN activities. We are proud of the outstanding tradition of excellence that has been established by the Model United Nations program at Georgia Southern University and look forward to its continued success.
In 2024, our delegation was awarded Outstanding distinction for delegate preparation – the highest award bestowed by NMUN – for the 13th consecutive year, and for the 15th time in 16 years. In addition, we were recognized for Outstanding Position Paper Writing for the 22nd time in 23 years. Eight of our 20 students were recognized by their peers as Outstanding in their committees. Georgia Southern University’s Model United Nations programs strives to make global citizens of Georgia Southern students by training them in public speaking, formal writing, diplomacy, debate, and research.
Last updated: 11/11/2024
