Model UN Basics
Still a bit confused? Watch a video about it....
The video is made by a German Model UN group. It is a super short introduction to Model UN and how it works. Once you've done that, follow the other tabs under "for first-timers" to learn more, or follow the links at the bottom...
Prefer reading?
Click here for the United Nations Association guide to Model UN for University Participants.
1. Participants are assigned a UN Member State. They assume the role of that country’s diplomats at whichever UN body is being enacted. The delegations represent the views of ‘their’ country, reflecting that country’s national interests, rather than their own personal opinions on an issue.
2. The delegates research their country’s position on selected topics, paying particular attention to their country’s perspective on the topics to be discussed at the Model UN. The topics are issues of global importance – such as provision of clean water, economic justice or the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
3. The delegations come together and enact the UN meeting, based on agreed rules of procedure. The delegates present statements of their countries’ positions and debate and negotiate with the other delegations, both through formal and informal debate.
4. A resolution is written, debated, negotiated and amended, in line with each country’s interests and in response to the debate. Votes are held on the resolution and the amendments. A final resolution is produced, which is acceptable to a majority of delegations and represents the final product of the meeting.