Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulation of The United Nations. Students are tasked with solving a global issue through research, drafting, lobbying and debate to pass a suitable ‘resolution’.
Blackrock’s MUN programme runs for the duration of the school year and involves groups participating in conferences hosted by other schools. MUN meetings take place weekly on Fridays after school in The Digital Learning Centre.
Students consider real-world issues discussed by the United Nations at the weekly meetings. Topics range from general topics such as rights of religious minorities to specific topics such as improvement of accident safeguards surrounding nuclear plants. The meetings take place under formal ‘Rules of Procedure’ to replicate the format of the UN.
During the meetings and conferences, students take on the roles of delegates, speakers, and chairs, representing different countries and work together with other students from different backgrounds to take part in discussions and reach a solution for the topic they are furnished with.
Preparing and participating in a MUN enables students to enhance public speaking leadership skills. They improve their worldly knowledge and research skills. Students develop their analytical and problem-solving skills. Moreover, coming up with solutions that are acceptable to a majority of the representatives also inculcates skills of negotiation, conflict resolution, and cooperation.