Spartans Participate in Model United Nations Simulation

When 60 Upper School students convened in the St. Stephen’s Chapel in early December for the Model United Nations (MUN) simulation of a UN Security Council, their seriousness and preparation matched their sharp, professional attire. The first topic of United Nations operations in the Middle East proved delegates prepared with facts and research to support and challenge a proposed resolution for an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire and compliance with international humanitarian law and hostage release, among other things.

The St. Stephen’s Model UN is set up much like the real one. Students represent different countries as assigned. They conduct research from the perspective of their country to gain a better understanding of the issues and its effect on the country’s residents. Students use that knowledge, information and parliamentary procedures to write and present resolutions that could lead to meaningful change. Not only are students exercising media literacy skills by sifting through international and foreign news sources and vetting and understanding different perspectives but they are also honing their public speaking skills.

International Program Assistant and faculty sponsor Henry Colangelo explains that students are also learning the importance of analyzing different perspectives, demonstrating and communicating knowledge, and leading delegations effectively. The process allows students to foster collaboration and reach consensus, ultimately simulating the UN's decision-making process.

During this recent session students debated topics ranging from the impact of Israeli airstrikes and the need for peace to regulating Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the civil war in Myanmar. The faculty sponsors know they have done their job when the students can run the simulation themselves. The twice-a-year meetings happen once during the fall term and once in the spring. 

 

The St. Stephen’s Model UN is set up much like the real one. Students represent different countries as assigned. The real benefit of the simulations is how much they motivate students to practice skills the History Department teaches. They conduct research from the perspective of their country, assess sources, practice media literacy skills and select data to back up their positions. 

 

Anyone watching can see how measured and intentional students are, even on heated topics because honoring parliamentary procedures is a big focus of the exercise. That is why the parliamentarian is in a really important position. Students practice debate and also real deliberation to win support for their resolutions. There is always some healthy competition among friends on different sides of issues.