For more than two decades, young people from across Minnesota and the Midwest have gathered each spring to take part in Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government Model United Nations. While focusing on role-playing an “adopted” country, students in grades 7-12 exercised the arts of compromise and diplomacy to attempt to solve pressing global problems. Model United Nations aims to teach students to be responsible “world citizens” in our global community.
Model United Nations is a simulation in which students, representing UN member states, meet to find solutions to common problems. It is a fascinating laboratory where concepts and principles from the classroom can come to life.
As students simulate international organizations, they begin to find new answers to tough questions, to learn and respect opposing points of view, and to utilize the tools of peaceful change.
They also gain a better understanding of the role of the United Nations in the world and often develop a life-long interest in international affairs. This program creates a working replica of the United Nations, conducted almost entirely by students. Students can participate in a model General Assembly, International Court of Justice, Economic and Social Council, Security Council, Human Rights Council or Conference Newspaper.
Young minds are challenged to research world issues and global concerns. They accomplish this by studying a particular nation’s history, culture, economy, and system of government. Students form groups of up to six people to represent their choice of a country in the United Nations.
In its “learning by doing” approach, Model United Nations is an innovative teaching technique that helps students develop a global perspective and sharpens their researching, writing and speaking skills. Through various stages of inquiry, study, negotiation and debate, students acquire new skills and gain substantive knowledge about international issues and the various national perspectives on those concerns.
Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government Model United Nations offers a world of opportunity to young people!
