Beginner's Guide

What is Model United Nations?

Model United Nations is an educational simulation of the United Nations in which students represent countries, debate global issues, and draft resolutions among (usually) 20-30 other delegations in a committee.

Overview

The Basics

In Model UN, each participant (delegate) is assigned a country and a committee. Committees focus on a specific global issue ranging from nuclear warfare and cybersecurity to climate change and human trafficking.

Delegates research their country’s foreign policy positions, write position papers before conferences, deliver formal speeches, and collaborate with other nations to draft resolutions, which are formal write-ups proposing solutions to the committee’s topic.

At its core, MUN is a simulation of diplomacy. Delegates learn to build blocs, negotiate with opposing groups, and advocate for their country’s interests. Committees are run by chairs — the people who officiate debate and moderate the flow of committee.

Conferences range from single-day local events to multiple-day (some even overnight!) collegiate conferences at universities.

At a Glance

What you do Represent a country, debate issues, write resolutions

Committee chair A head chair and vice-chairs run each room

Conference length 1–3 days depending on the conference

Awards Best Delegate, Outstanding, Honorable Mention, Verbal Commendation, and Best Research

Dress code Western business attire required (see paacking list for details)

Experience needed None; most of AVMUN's new members have no prior experience and some have even gone on to win Best Delegate awards!

Process

How a Conference Works

Country Assignment

Delegates are assigned a country and a committee. The assigned country guides your foreign policy position, alliances, and stance for the entire conference.

Position Paper

Before the conference, delegates submit a position paper, a 1-2 page document per topic outlining their country's stance, past UN actions and their proposed solutions to the issue.

Opening Speeches

Committees begin with the Speakers List. Each delegate delivers a 60 to 90-second speech introducing their country's stance on the topic.

Moderated Caucus

Structured debate on specific sub-topics of the main issue. Delegates raise their placards to be recognized by the chair to speak, speak for 30–60 seconds, and address their and other delegates' arguments.

Unmoderated Caucus

A period where delegates move freely to form blocs, draft working papers/resolutions, and build blocs with countries that share similar positions.

Resolution & Voting

Working papers become resolutions with formal preambulatory and operative clauses. The committee debates, amends, and votes on them in voting bloc. Passed resolutions are adopted by the committee.

Why It Matters

Skills you develop through MUN.

Model UN develops a specific set of high-level skills that are difficult to acquire elsewhere — and directly applicable to careers in law, policy, business, and international relations.

Public Speaking

Delivering impromptu speeches in front of large audiences builds confidence.

Leadership

Forming blocs, gaining support, and guiding delegates toward a shared goal are skills that form the basis of any great leader.

Negotiation

Finding common ground across conflicting interests and turning disagreement/feuds into compromises.

Communication

Persuading others clearly and concisely, through formal speeches, resolution presentations, and more.

Critical Thinking

Analyzing complicated global issues, brainstorming solutions, and making well-reasoned arguments to support them.

Committee Types

Types of MUN Committees

General Assembly (GA)

The most common committee type. Large rooms of 50–200+ delegates debating broad international issues like sustainable development, human rights, or global health.

Specialized

Usually simulate UN agencies like WHO, UNICEF, or UNEP or other scenarios like presidential cabinets and more. Topic-specific and often more dynamic (issues might become more complex over the course of the committee).

Crisis

Fast-paced committees where the scenario evolves in real time. Often representing fictional/historical characters rather than countries. Delegates write directives instead of resolutions and respond to new developments that arise.

Ad Hoc

Committees where the topic is given on arrival at the conference, not beforehand. Delegates get a set amount of time (e.g., 30 minutes) to research, prepare, and improvise solutions and strategies.