Model UN is a competition where multiple students come from different schools and act as delegates to the United Nations. It is a simulation of what the UN looks like and represents the country that they are given. Many students competed in Model UN this year, most recently on Feb. 6 and 7, and have advice for future competitors.
Junior Emma John, representing the United Kingdom this year, stressed the importance of research and writing a strong position paper to lay the groundwork.
“Breaking down complex topics into key points and understanding different perspectives helped me develop my stance,” John said. “Start researching early and be confident when speaking. The most valuable lesson I learned was how to think on my feet and adapt during debates.”
Senior Grace Tan participated in weekly meetings that focus on debate techniques and research methods. Before the competition, mock debates and workshops on position papers gave delegates a chance to refine their skills.
“Model UN has weekly meetings and in the beginning of the year, they usually cover the basic debate procedure,” Tan said. “Later on, we venture into meetings on debate techniques and research methods. To apply these lessons, the officers and I curate mocks which are Model UN debate practices.”
Junior Devni Shah always makes sure to thoroughly read a background guide provided to competitors to gain a better understanding of the issue discussed, along with doing research on her assigned country’s protocols.
“Examining past policies and actions taken by my country allowed me to predict how it would respond to similar challenges in the present,” Shah said.
Junior Sayuri Naha uses websites such as Britannica. However, if she is a historical figure, it is a lot more difficult to have reliable information.
“I also recommend reading actual UN resolutions to help with resolution writing, using whatever sources are cited on the background guide and of course some fun outline videos,” Naha said.
Shah also suggests using review sample resolutions because of the structured format to follow during the conference. Additionally, working with other delegates requires knowing the importance of being open to other people’s opinions.
“Resolutions are essentially formalized ways of expressing ideas, so practicing synthesis and argumentation helps in combining an entire bloc’s proposals into a coherent working solution,” Shah said. “When working with other delegates, it’s important to practice compromise and develop an understanding of different perspectives. It also helps to research potential allies and opposing countries in advance to identify areas where collaboration is possible.”
The advice for newcomers was consistent across the board — be bold, do research, and embrace the collaborative nature of Model UN.
“Speak loudly and confidently, and let your preparation and research shine through,” Shah said.
Senior Aditi Srivatsan emphasized the importance of confidence, urging new delegates to speak up, even if they felt nervous.
“Sometimes people will talk over you, sometimes you’re gonna feel insignificant in committee,” Srivatsan said. “It doesn’t matter—go ahead, keep your own ideas.”
Tan reminded new competitors to be open to change.
“Bad research is often emphasized during competition, and a solution based on faulty research is just bad representation,” Tan said. “It’s also important to be flexible and malleable to critique and change.”
The club sponsor Christine Badillo believes the best piece of advice is to learn from the experience.
“Everything is scary the first time,” Badillo said. “The best you can do is show up and learn from others. Even if you never speak, you are still absorbing idea and tactics and growing as a delegate.”
Badillo believes the best skill students can learn from Model Un are quick thinking skills and writing.
“Members get a lot of practice in being collaborative team members, public speakers, and effective communicators,” Badillo said. “They build an effective tool-box for doing academic research and policy writing, as they have a minimum of two papers to write for each conference, one ahead of conference (position paper) and one during (resolutions). Students also become quick thinkers who have to adapt quickly when new ideas shift their committee’s debate down a route they had not predicted.”
Tan reflected on how Model UN changed her perspective on global issues.
“Never underestimate, assume, or generalize,” Tan said. “A huge part of Model UN is representation. Learning about global issues on a closer level, outside of just one lens, prepared me to become the best delegate possible.”
Shah now sees the value in negotiation and diplomacy.
“Model UN has given me the ability to articulate my ideas clearly and speak my mind in real-life situations,” Shah said.
Srivatsan reflected on how much more confident she had become in expressing her ideas.
“The most valuable lesson is realizing that your voice can make a difference,” Srivatsan said.
Many competitors found managing nerves and expectations to be the hardest part.
“The most challenging part, I’m sure many can relate, is preparing for rebuttals and speeches largely because there is the factor of nerves and fear,” Tan said. “Even after four years, I still feel some nerves.”
Naha felt the pressure of being an officer.
“The most challenging thing for me now as a veteran and officer is pressure,” Naha said. “There is a certain expectation to do well, which you usually meet, but extra pressure usually only hinders performance.”
Srivatsan reflected on how Model UN pushed her out of her comfort zone and helped her grow socially.
“Model UN really helped me branch out and connect with people I wouldn’t have met otherwise,” Srivatsan said. “It gave me the confidence to speak up, collaborate with others, and build relationships. The skills I’ve gained—public speaking, negotiation, and teamwork—are things I know will help me in the future, whether in college, my career, or any leadership role I take on.”
