Parents

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Model UN?

In Model UN, students (or delegates, as we refer to them!) step into the role of diplomats as they address complex global issues like climate change, human rights, and global health, among others. Using parliamentary procedure (just like the real UN), students represent assigned countries as they give speeches, engage in formal debate, collaborate through open discussion, draft solutions (called resolutions), and vote. This experiential program teaches students valuable skills for life and leadership, including communication, collaboration, problem-solving, critical thinking, and perspective taking. Each of UNAGB’s Model UN Conferences are 1-day programs.

2. Why do Model UN?

While participating in Model UN, students gain a multitude of 21st century skills that are not often practiced in a traditional classroom setting – public speaking, negotiation, and advanced critical thinking skills.

Participating in Model UN challenges students beyond the hurdles of international relations terminology and textbook research. During the program, students present speeches to a group of peers, incorporate the ideas of others, develop and write proposals, find allies, and use parliamentary procedure. It teaches skills, builds confidence, and engages students in a way only experiential learning can!

3. My child is interested in Model UN but has never done it before and their school doesn’t have a team/club. Can they still participate?

Yes! For UNAGB Model UN Conferences, you can register without a team as an “independent delegate.” UNAGB’s Model UN Conferences can be found here. Reach out to info@unagb.org with any questions.

Once your student gets started with Model UN, you can also consider starting an independent team separate from the school. It’s been done with great success by other parents before! Reach out to UNAGB directly at info@unagb.org if you’d like to talk through what would be involved in this.

Note: Non-UNAGB Model UN Conferences have different rules regarding independent delegates. Reach out to conference organizers to learn more about whether they require a school-based team.

4. My child is interested in Model UN and I think there is a teacher at the school who would be interested in starting a team/club. How can I support?

Share this website with them! It’s built to help students, teachers, and parents feel confident joining Model UN. Additionally, encourage the teacher to reach out to UNAGB directly at info@unagb.org or (617) 482-4587. We are happy to have a phone call to help the teacher get started with a club or team. The steps are simple:

1. Register for a conference

2. Follow directions from conference organizers to support students in preparation and complete/communicate logistical details

3. Act as a “guide-on-the-side” to help students understand, reflect, and celebrate what they are learning through their Model UN experience.

5. Model UN rules and terms - what do they all mean? How much do I need to understand to support my student?

There’s a lot of Model UN “lingo” that you might be hearing from your your child.

Be assured that the rules of parliamentary procedure are part of what make the Model UN experience so much fun! You can learn more the basics of Model UN on the Intro to Model UN page.

The best way for a delegate to learn how to use Model UN parliamentary procedure is simply to join a conference and learn by watching other delegates. They’ll be experts in no time!

6. My child loves Model UN. Are there more ways to participate?

Yes! We recommend that you talk with your child about UNAGB’s Summer Institute in Global Leadership. These are week-long programs that take place over the summer. You can learn more about them here.

We also offer a school-based Model UN program in which UNAGB partners with a teacher to integrate Model UN into a grade level’s Social Studies curriculum. If your school is interested in our school-based Model UN program, email us at education@unagb.org.