The Valdosta State University Model United Nations team participated in the 23^rd annual Southern Regional Model United Nations Conference Nov. 15-17. The conference had nearly 700 students from 53 schools participate in a simulation of the United Nations and other international governing bodies.

Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy and the United Nations agenda. Participants research a country, take on roles as diplomats, investigate international issues, debate, deliberate, consult and then develop solutions to world problems.

VSU students employed a variety of communication and critical thinking skills in order to represent the foreign policies of the United States and Bahrain. These skills included public speaking, group communication, research, policy analysis, negotiating, conflict resolution and technical writing. The team represented the United States and Bahrain in a number of simulations of United Nations committees, including the General Assembly Plenary, Food and Agricultural Organization, International Atomic Energy Agency and the Security Council.

“Attending SRMUN allowed VSU students to experience what it would be like to serve as an ambassador to the United Nations, debating real-world issues such as climate change, peace and security and access to food,” said Dr. Carol M. Glen, faculty advisor. “I’m proud of our students, many of whom are new to Model UN, for the many hours they spent researching and preparing to fully immerse themselves as a delegates from either the United States or Bahrain.”

The team’s hard work was recognized with the following awards: Honorable Delegation, Outstanding Position Paper and two Outstanding Delegate awards. 

“Participating at SRMUN was a wonderful experience, and it has given us the chance to improve our skills while learning about the many global issues of today,” said Alexandra Fortes, a junior political science student who served as the head delegate for the team. “We are extremely proud to have been a part of this conference and will carry with us the friends we made as well as the knowledge we gained. It was our great honor and pleasure to represent Valdosta State at this conference.”

For more information about the VSU Model UN program, please contact Dr. Carol M. Glen atc[email protected].