Being successful in a Model UN conference requires much more than just good research or a well-written position paper. A delegate must also be able to influence the dynamic of the committee by acting as a leader throughout the session. However, even the best delegates sometimes have a hard time understanding how to properly utilize their leadership skills. Being able to establish yourself as a leader from the start of the conference can make you one of the best delegates in the room. Here are three simple ways you can establish yourself as a leader in a MUN committee!

Step Number 1: Be Confident

When establishing yourself as a leader, you should be confident in your own abilities. This will give other delegates and the chair the impression that you are knowledgeable on the topic and an experienced delegate. By completing your research ahead of time, being well prepared, and dressing professionally, you will help boost your self-confidence. After you have gained self-confidence, delivering speeches and leading unmoderated caucuses will be easier.

Step Number 2: Communicate

Becoming a leader in a conference isn’t easy and requires that you have an open line of communication with other delegates. When you first enter the committee room or are waiting for opening ceremonies, start talking with other delegates from the same committee. You can discuss your ideas for the committee, but try to be personable and not too formal since the committee has not officially started. After the conference has commenced, there are several ways through which you can communicate with other delegates. To reach out to an individual delegate, send them a note! If you would like to learn how to pass notes, take a look at this article on the Best Delegate website! To communicate with the committee as a whole, show your leadership with formal speeches in a moderated caucus. Use unmoderated caucuses to address your bloc and the committee in an informal manner. 

Step Number 3: Be Respectful

In Model UN, there are two types of leaders: a productive leader, and “power delegate.” A power delegate’s main goal is to win, not to be collaborative and share their ideas. A productive leader learns to get their ideas across but in a respectful manner and is willing to compromise. They are open to suggestions from all delegates and learn to find the middle ground where everyone can contribute to the debate. A productive leader might also want to win an award but the actions they take in the committee aren’t solely for the benefit of him/herself but rather for the bloc itself. Being respectful is crucial in order to not only maintain good relations with the other delegates but it also prompts others to respect you as well. 

Although being a leader generally applies to Model UN in the committee setting only, a delegate can also become a leader in their delegation or their Model UN team. A Model UN team usually has a board that is responsible for recruiting members, organizing and conducting meetings, training delegates, and organizing conferences. By showing dedication to the school’s Model UN club and being an active member, a MUN delegate might be able to run for a position on the school board. These positions can include President, Secretary-General, Head Delegate, and more. 

At the Model United Nations Institute, we believe that the best delegate is one that brings out the best in other delegates. If you want to learn more about how to be an effective leader, and how to bring out the best in yourself and others, then check out the Ambassador and Diplomat programs at the Model United Nations Institute! Sign up or learn more about the MUN Institute here.

Over the years that I’ve participated in Model UN, I have gained so many helpful skills in areas from public speaking and networking to conducting research projects and understanding global politics. However, one of the most rewarding parts of Model UN for me has been the opportunity to meet new people from across the world. I’ve gotten to know some of my best friends and most inspiring mentors through my Model UN team, the conferences I’ve attended, and my two summers at the Model UN Institute. This ability to make lasting connections alone is a great incentive to get involved with Model UN. Here are three areas of Model UN that can lead to amazing friendships:

1. Your Model UN Team

Joining a Model UN team is a great way to meet new people and make friends from your school, university, or community! By being part of a team, you will get the chance to spend time with individuals who share your interests but have wide ranging perspectives. My teammates have passions ranging from biomedical science to graphic design, but something that brings us all together is an interest in international relations and finding solutions to global issues through Model UN. Some of the best and most engaging conversations I’ve had were with my Model UN teammates, whether about politics, our country or character assignments for an upcoming conference, or whether a hot dog is really a sandwich (by the way, it clearly isn’t)! Through our Model UN team, we bonded over our shared experiences and made strong, lasting friendships. 

2. Conferences

Although Model UN is a diplomatic competition, it is a misconception that you cannot make friends when competing at conferences. As taught at the Model UN Institute, the best delegate brings out the best in other delegates, and collaboration is integral to success in Model UN. Some of my past committee allies have become true friends that I’ve kept in touch with to this day! I have even met some of the same delegates at multiple conferences along the years, and it is always fun to see how they have progressed and to catch up with familiar faces.

In a United Nations General Assembly or United Nations Security Council committee, you’ll get to learn about the policies and points of view of many different nations. However, the learning can continue outside of your committee through meeting international delegates and getting to hear firsthand about what it’s like to live in a different country. I have met delegates from Russia, China, Panama, Canada, Bolivia, and many other nations on the high school Model UN circuit. 

Another exciting aspect of conferences are the ample time they provide to get to know other delegates outside of committee, with events ranging from themed galas and networking events to trivia, bingo, or movie nights! More likely than not, you’ll leave conferences with newfound friends.

3. The Model UN Institute

The Model UN Institute unites the best of both team spirit and the conference experience, by bringing together passionate students to develop their skills and forge friendships at the same time! The average conference lasts only 2-3 days, while the Model UN Institute is a weeklong experience where you’ll get to spend time with fellow campers not only in classes and simulations, but during meals, in the dorms, on field trips, and during free time spent on the beautiful campus of a university like Harvard or Georgetown! Just like at conferences, the Model UN Institute is very international and has hosted students from more than 50 countries along the years. 

Another wonderful aspect of the Model UN Institute is the staff, who are some of the best and most inspiring students on the college Model UN circuit. With a 1-to-12 staff-to-delegate ratio and a MUN Mentor assigned to each student, the programs allow you to learn from and make friends with incredible leaders who will equip you with Model UN tools and strategies that help you feel confident in representing your country or character. My first ever experience with Model UN was during middle school, when I attended the Junior Diplomat summer program. That was how I discovered my love for the extracurricular and for the knowledge and friendships Model UN gives you, and as soon as the program ended I already couldn’t wait to come back for more! I attended the Ambassador program the following summer, where all the techniques I learned from my MUN Mentors prepared me really well for my first year of doing conferences on the high school circuit. My mentors from both Best Delegate programs remain some of my biggest role models and the most brilliant, passionate, and knowledgeable people I’ve ever met. 

Whether you’re ready to begin your Model UN journey through the Junior Diplomat or Diplomat programs, excited to further develop your abilities at the Ambassador or Crisis Institutes, or are interested in assuming a leadership role in your team through our Secretary General program, the Model UN Institute offers great options that can help you achieve your goal while also making unique friendships along the way. Registration is now open!

Writing resolutions is a critical skill in Model United Nations – resolutions are the culmination of delegates’ hard work in researching and debating their assigned topic. Students work together to create in-depth resolutions that effectively solve global problems – but what if you’re new to Model UN, and you’re not sure how to write a resolution?

In this video, you’ll watch a sample lesson from the MUN Institute that teaches you all of the basics in writing Model UN resolutions. Best Delegate Co-founder Ryan Villanueva lays out everything you need to know in order to write your first resolution – check it out!

The MUN Institute grows every year, and we are proud to share the incredible experience of the world’s top-rated Model UN summer program with more and more students, parents, and teachers. After starting years ago with only 1 or 2 programs and locations, we are so excited to continue expanding.

Did you know that the 2020 MUN Institute is shaping up to be the biggest yet? Last year, we offered six program locations across the United States. For Summer 2020, we are offering twelve program locations! Check out the info below to see if we’re offering innovative and engaging Model United Nations academic summer programs near you.

Note: This event is not owned, controlled, supervised or sponsored by any of the following institutions or any of their schools or programs

Northeast Locations

• Georgetown University (Washington, DC)
• Boston University (Boston, MA)
• Wasserstein Hall, 1585 Massachusetts Ave. (Cambridge, MA)
• Columbia University (New York, NY)
• Fordham University, Westchester Campus (West Harrison, NY)

Southern Locations

• University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL)
• Emory University (Atlanta, GA)
• University of Houston (Houston, TX)

Midwest Locations

• DePaul University, Loop Campus (Chicago, IL)

California Locations

• UCLA (Los Angeles, CA)
• UC Irvine (Irvine, CA)
• UC Berkeley (Berkeley, CA)

Register for the MUN Institute before February 1st to get up to $200 off your enrollment at all new locations!

Middle schoolers are some of the most curious and creative students that we have worked with at the MUN Institute – they are excited to learn more about the world and eager to come up with globally-minded solutions. Some people think that Middle School students are too young for Model United Nations. But here at Best Delegate, we respectfully disagree! Middle school students are excited about learning new skills, and are capable of honing their public speaking and negotiation abilities. Model UN is one of the best activities out there for globally-minded Middle Schoolers.

Check out this video that goes even more in-depth about why it’s awesome that more and more middle school students are participating in and excelling at Model United Nations, and how the activity can help them grow personally and academically. Plus, check out our programs for Middle Schoolers at the MUN Institute – we have programs for students ages 11-13 who are MUN beginners and experienced delegates alike!

When you first receive your country assignment for a Model United Nations conference, it’s hard to know where to begin your research! Just as gaining knowledge about your committee and debate topics is an essential part of preparing, so is understanding the country you are tasked with representing, as well as learning how it relates to others on the world stage. To accomplish this, indexes are your best friend. 

First of all, what is an index and what can it help you learn? Indexes are alphabetical lists organized according to different measurement systems that analyze data and characteristics of different nations. They are used by organizations ranging from the United Nations to the Central Intelligence Agency to examine countries, their differences and similarities, and where they stand in relation to other nations in terms of factors like development, economic growth, poverty, etc. Therefore, indexes are a great resource when it comes understanding the ins and outs of your country assignment.

Below are 5 of the best indexes for learning about your country assignment. Using the example country assignment of Romania, we can delve into how these indexes can be a valuable asset in your committee research.

#1. Human Development Index

The Human Development Index (HDI) is compiled annually by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) and provides detailed profiles for each country based on indicators such as health, poverty, gender equality, trade and financial flows, average income, environmental sustainability, etc. 

You can use this index as a launching point for your research into your country policy on a wide range of topics. For example, if you were representing Romania in World Health Organization committee, checking Romania’s HDI profile can give you important statistics on its citizens’ health that can help you understand where the nation succeeds, where it faces challenges, and how its health levels intersect with its development. 

#2. Gini Coefficient

The Gini coefficient is another interesting annual index to look at to find out a nation’s level of wealth inequality. The Gini coefficient examines the way money is distributed across nations, and is based on data from government statistical agencies and World Bank country departments. If a country has a Gini coefficient of zero, then it has achieved equality in terms of financial prosperity. If a country’s Gini coefficient is one, then it has the maximum financial inequality possible among its residents. 

While the Gini coefficient and index analyze income and wealth distribution, they are not a measure of absolute income or wealth. Therefore, countries can have the same Gini coefficient even if they have widely different absolute incomes.

Currently, Romania is ranked #14 on the Gini index, indicating that its level of income inequality is relatively low.

#3. Corruption Perceptions Index

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is released by Transparency International on a yearly basis, offering an overview of relative corruption in countries and territories across the world. Defined as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, corruption can greatly influence a country’s decision making, progress, and freedom. Transparency International divides the impacts of corruption into four categories – political, economic, social and environmental.

The most recent CPI, which was released in 2018, uses data from 13 surveys and expert assessments to assign each country or territory a score from zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean), and then ranks them accordingly. 

Romania has a CPI score of 47, ranking 61st in the world for levels of corruption. Aside from being an interesting fact about the country, the CPI score is an important thing to consider when researching your committee’s assigned topics, as corruption intersects and influences other issues, and can be a major obstacle for a country’s progress.

#4. Fragile States Index

When you are representing a country, it is important to know about the risks and vulnerabilities it faces. The Fragile States Index (FSI), released by the Fund for Peace, is an important tool for identifying these factors. The FSI ranks countries based on twelve indicators of state vulnerability in several categories: Cohesion, Economic, Political, and Social. These indicators are each given a score from 0 (most stable) to 10 (least stable,) creating a scale spanning 0−120. These indicators examine a country’s likelihood of conflict or collapse, and assess states on a spectrum ranging from sustainable and stable to warning and alert. 

Romania is ranked 137/178 countries as of 2019 with a score of 47.8/120. To put this in perspective, Yemen is ranked 1/178 and Finland is 178/178. Therefore, Romania is classified as “stable,” and its score indicates that it has a smaller chance of entering conflict than the majority of other countries.

#5. CIA World Factbook

One of the most comprehensive indexes and resources, the Central Intelligence Agency’s World Factbook offers a wealth of knowledge on different nations. For 267 countries and territories, it provides information on history, people and society, government, economy, energy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues, making it ideal for your country research. In fact, it even encompasses data from other indexes including the Gini coefficient!  The CIA World Factbook is an excellent place to begin your research on any country policy or topic.

BONUS! Best Delegate Model UN Country Profile and Policy Map

Did you know that Best Delegate has their own country profile and policy map? We’ve gathered some of the best resources on the web for you to use in your research! Simply find your country on the map and click on the red pin to find links to resources that are helpful for delving into country research. 

Want to further cultivate your research and analysis skills so you can excel at representing your country in committee? Then the Model United Nations Institute summer programs are just for you! As part of the Diplomat program, you’ll have the chance to gain knowledge you need to excel in Model UN as well as skills that will help you research your country policy using sources, techniques, and strategies like these. Meanwhile, the Ambassador program is a great opportunity if you are a Model UN veteran looking to refine your abilities in research, public speaking, resolution writing, negotiation, and leadership! Registration for the 2020 Model UN Institute summer programs is open now.

Every year we love welcoming hundreds of students to our large programs located in Cambridge, Massachusetts – home of top-tier universities and companies that are making waves globally in technology, healthcare, international relations, and more. This year, we are excited to conduct Model United Nations programs for middle schoolers and high schoolers at our Cambridge location of Wasserstein Hall, 1585 Massachusetts Avenue.

The MUN Institute is the world’s best Model United Nations academic summer program – but you don’t need to take our word for it! Listen to students and parents from all over the world as they talk about what makes the MUN Institute special, and why it’s the experience of a lifetime.

Click here to learn more about our programs located across the United States for middle school and high school students!

Microaggressions, lack of representation, biases, credibility and imposter syndrome — it is time to talk about the experiences of women of color (WOC) in Model United Nations.

It is no secret that the circuit attracts privileged students, is male dominated and heavily lacks in diversity. Navigating this environment as a woman alone is already challenging, so with the added dynamics of racial identity, WOC face even more mental obstacles.

While non-WOC share the experience of maneuvering through misogynistic environments perpetuated by certain delegates, the difference in their experiences lies in intersectionality. This means that a WOC not only has to deal with the biases of being a woman, but are also faced with the biases of their race.

As a WOC who competes on the circuit, I believe it is important for other WOC in MUN to know that they are not alone in these experiences. I hope my experiences, as well as the experiences that other WOC have faced, can also offer new perspectives to non-WOC.

Biases
After every committee session, I anxiously wonder if I am seen as more aggressive or less competent than others because of biases against my brown skin. These are a couple of biases I have dealt with, but there are others that also need to be given attention to. For example, Asian American women delegates have to work harder to assert themselves as studies have shown that they are seen as submissive and lack leadership skills. Another example can be seen with Black women delegates as numerous reports show that they are subconsciously viewed as more aggressive. Black women delegates, therefore, may be extra cautious when speaking as they do not want to labeled as threatening or angry. With this, it is vital to be mindful of biases you may not realize you may have and to remember WOC delegates deal with these biases outside of MUN.

Lack of Representation
My first time participating in MUN was very intimidating because I was not used to being in a room surrounded by people who did not look like me. I kept wondering if people I had just met had biases against my background, making me extra careful when I navigated committee dynamics. This is a common experience for WOC delegates who enter the circuit for the first time. It is a reason why whenever I see another WOC in my committee, I immediately feel a sense of happiness knowing I will have a friend alongside me for the next three days, sharing in my experience.

Microaggressions
When traveling across the east and west coast for conferences, you encounter delegates who may not realize what their words may imply. One time, I was approached in a crisis committee where a delegate asked me to co-sponsor a directive because “my people” would approve of it. Confused, I asked what they meant (they could have meant my character). Unfortunately, he said it was a joke about my racial background. This is only one example of microaggressions I have faced on the circuit. Remembering to not assume someone’s background and to not make generalizations about groups of people is key to being a successful diplomat.

Credibility as a Leader
Something I noticed when I first began competing was who I associated as a credible leader. What I noticed was that I unconsciously looked towards non-WOC for leadership and validation rather than my WOC peers. The reason that I, as well as a majority of people, have done this is due to racial biases. As a result, WOC delegates have to work harder than their non WOC peers in order to prove their credibility as a leader. While these biases are ingrained within us due to society’s norms, with an active approach we can undo these prejudices and be more mindful of WOC in committee.

By sharing these experiences, I hope to bring visibility to the challenges that are intensified and unique to WOC in MUN. Being cognizant of the challenging dynamics that WOC must navigate is crucial in ensuring that you are an effective ally, and helps you recognize some difficulties that you may not have had to deal with.

At the MUN Institute, we strive to create an inclusive environment that empowers our students from all backgrounds. This past summer, I had the amazing opportunity to work as a Residential Counselor for students all over the globe. Being able to see so many WOC delegates’ confidence rise, and seeing them become empowered leaders was by far my favorite memory. It is an experience I wished I had because my confidence and leadership abilities would have grown tremendously. Registration for the MUNI Summer Institute 2020 is now live!