Model United Nations team places fourth in conference

Nicolas Saravia / Staff Writer

Representing the Republic of India, 24 FIU students joined over 3,000 participants from across the country in this year’s Harvard National Model United Nations conference.

The University placed fourth nationally and seventh internationally at the HNMUN conference in March.  Held at the historic Boston Park Plaza Hotel, 11 FIU MUN delegates received individual recognitions.

FIU MUN delegates participated in rigorous parliamentary debate, fierce diplomatic negotiations and preparation of draft resolutions, reports and directives.

The 57th annual conference, hosted by the Harvard International Relations Council, pushed the FIU MUN delegates to participate in parliamentary debate, diplomatic negotiations, and arrange draft resolutions, reports, and directives.

The HNMUN gives students an opportunity to practice for the National Model United Nations Conference held in New York City each spring.

This year’s team managed to set new records for FIU, such as having two first-year members receive the award for best delegate. Also for the first time, six members received recognition for Outstanding Delegates.

“The HNMUN conference is very competitive. For first year delegates it can be a bit overwhelming at first. [We are] constantly giving speeches, making motions and working to create innovative solutions to current existing international issues,” said Ioanna Sanchez, who received an honorable mention in 2010 and an Outstanding Delegate award this year.

At this year’s conference, the University’s team represented the Republic of India and discussed issues concerning the UN Human Rights Council, World Health Organization and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, among others.

“I strongly believe that the resolutions passed at Model UN conferences would work if they were applied to the world today,” said Hayden Simms, who received an honorable mention at the conference.

Among the program’s goals are for students to practice public speaking, negotiating and policy writing.

“In Model UN you lose your fear of public speaking and are soon able to speak in front of anywhere from 30 students to 300. You’ll be able to engage any audience. Your writing and research skill also improve,” said Sanchez, a member of the group since 2009.

The Model UN program at the university is run by the Jack Gordon Institute of Public Policy, within the School of International and Public Affairs, and is offered as a course each spring semester. It is also supported by the College of Arts and Sciences and the Student Government Association.

“My experience in the Model UN program has undoubtedly expanded my grasp of international relations, politics and the overall process of diplomacy,” said Simms, a senior delegate. “My ability to do effective research and engage large bodies of people has improved drastically.”

“I have to say the skills you learn in Model UN are useful and can be applied to any major. I have gained skills that have helped me become a better presenter and writer,” said Sanchez, an international business major.

The team’s next challenge involves participating in the National Model UN Conference in New York City, to be held April 19 at the Marriott Marquis and the United Nations General Assembly Hall, for which they are preparing.

“The team has dedicated every Saturday anywhere from 9am to 4pm, and sometimes 7pm or later to participate in simulations as practice,” said Sanchez.  “We are a family; we learn together, work together, spend time together and help each other inside and outside of Model UN.”

 

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