Model UN conference helps high schoolers hone research, negotiation skills
College of Arts and Sciences staff writer
High school students will have the chance to hone their research, leadership and negotiation skills through a Model United Nations conference Western Michigan University will host on April 22-24.
Adjunct professor Dr. Kenneth Steuer expects attendance from students out of both Michigan and Indiana — some seasoned participants, some first-timers. While these types of conferences typically occur between October and February, Western’s will focus more on freshmen, sophomores and juniors to prepare them for competition next year.
Participating students represent various countries to whose interests they must remain faithful as issues are discussed and resolutions written to solve problems.
Western’s conference will feature three simulations: one of a Security Council meeting regarding Russian intervention in the Ukraine, one of a General Assembly committee discussing international property rights and pharmaceuticals and genetically modified organisms, and one of a General Assembly committee discussing the Spratly Island dispute. Committee members eventually must present to the entire General Assembly.
Before participants arrive, they must submit position papers telling how their countries would be affected in their chosen scenario, then convince the majority of the delegates to accept their positions.
WMU faculty members will read the position papers and watch the students on the floor to see how they negotiate. Awards will be presented in the areas of research, negotiation and leadership.
Western is beginning its own Model UN Club, which currently has 26 members. They, along with Alpha Kappa Alpha — which is focused on assisting minority students — will also help with the conference.
Steuer sees the first Model UN conference WMU has held in a long time as a positive for the school.
“It’s a way to showcase Western,” he said. “Students who join Model UN clubs are usually academically gifted and competitive, the kind of students we want at Western.”
They will eat in the dining halls, partake of campus tours and learn about the international studies program.
In addition, “we hope to reach out to teachers in the schools,” he said. “We hope they see their students having a good time at Western and will remember that.”