Padua’s Model United Nations Team participated in the Philadelphia Invitational held at Father Judge High School. Padua’s Model UN seniors, Sarah Olsen and Devon Bartholf, represented France in Security Council 1 as they debated international issues. The other two participants, freshmen Chloe Mortenson and Alexia Nebrao also represented France in Security Council 3.
Participants of Model United Nations research information for the country they represent, where they also investigate global issues, debate, deliberate, and reach a consensus to solve world problems. Model United Nations is made up of the General Assembly and different levels of the Security Council based on the degree of experience each delegate presents.
During a conference, competitors demonstrate their critical thinking and communication skills in order to deliver credible policies for their country. Public speaking, research, policy analysis, negotiation, note taking, and conflict resolution are just a few of the necessary skills to ensure success when debating other delegates. Each spring, Model UN teams can choose to participate in the Model NATO competition in Washington, D.C.
Model United Nations is a great way to promote students’ interest in international relations and related subjects, where it serves as a building block to help increase their capacity to solve world problems. The overall educational benefits of Model UN offers a great learning experience for the participants and ultimately provides a new perspective on issues across the world.
Although there is a wide range of activities offered at Padua, it is strongly encouraged that students take part in this opportunity. Freshmen Chloe Mortenson recalls, “MUN has changed my perspective on world matters, helping me look at both points of view. I’ve made some friends and the meetings are just generally enjoyable.” The majority of the conferences consist of discussions regarding global issues such as famine in the horn of Africa, Somalian piracy, statehood for Palestine, and so forth. However, friendships also form as a result of these simulations, which further expands students’ perspectives of effective communication techniques.