Hays High School’s Model United Nations (Model UN) team started off its season with an informal mock round practice simulation on Oct. 17 at Fort Hays State University.
The purpose of this mock round was for the Model UN team to learn the rules and procedures of Model UN contests and to improve skills, such as speaking, researching and negotiating before attending a real conference.
During the mock round, students first took on specific roles as their assigned countries and researched their backgrounds. Next, individuals on the team prepared their opening statements, debated the given topic and negotiated with other countries to find shared solutions.
“The mock round experience at FHSU helped me to understand what a real conference would look like, and it was a cool experience,” freshman Ellee Lang said.
Lang said she joined Model UN to improve skills that go beyond the classroom. It helps participants to gain confidence in public speaking, to learn how to think critically under pressure and to better understand global issues. For many delegates, Model UN is also a way to work closely with teammates who share similar interests and to meet new people.
At a real contest, the delegates will debate in hopes of earning awards and of building skills since there is no overall winner. Instead, Model UN focuses on collaboration and cooperation, rather than competition. When Model UN began in the 1920s shortly after World War I, it was created to help participants better understand how the UN operates and how they work towards common goals.
While the Model UN team does not have set practices, the members will continue to work on their own time to be prepared for the conference on Jan. 23 at Wichita State University. However, delegates do not have to do much research on their own time because they write their statements at the conference. Once students arrive, they begin researching their assigned countries and preparing for the debate. They do this right before debating so the information is in their minds when presenting their arguments. Hays High delegates will work in teams of three to advocate for their assigned countries on topics of nuclear disarmament, the safety of journalists and the issue of impunity.
“There are a lot of new students participating this year, so they may not be as confident as I am in their abilities,” Model UN coach Jerry Braun said. “We have a solid team, and I am excited to expose so many people to a new experience. We may not walk away as overall champions, but we will do well, and I think the students will have fun.”
