Module 1
Factual Background
Chapter 2: Good Practices
2.1 Good Practices in Greece: Organization of Model United Nations Conferences
Over the recent years we are witnessing a great paradox: Although it is the youth that has the potential and the qualifications to intervene dynamically in the progress of society, it seems it has distanced itself from many social and political events. They often abstain from elections, devalue politics or are ideologically confused; they are very often immersed in their own personal problems and show indifference, dissatisfaction and apathy towards political matters and public affairs. As a counter- act to Greek youth’s a-political behaviour, many schools are currently organizing Model United Nations Conferences (MUN) on an annual basis.
Since the aftermath of World War II when the first MUNs took place, the popularity of student MUNs has been constantly increasing and more and more conferences are taking place all around the world. In Greece only, there are currently 15 MUN conferences organized mainly by secondary education private institutions every year with participation of many hundreds of students of all ages.
MUN is in essence a simulation of the works and procedures of the United Nations where students play the role of delegates from different countries. They meet in different committees and attempt to solve real world issues representing a country other than their own. Prior to the conference, the students must do extensive research into the topic of their committee and the policy of their country towards it. Then, they need to come up with possible solutions to the problem and formulate them into official resolution statements, exactly as in a UN Resolution document.
The benefits of participation in a MUN conference are many and manifold. To start with, it clearly increases knowledge of the world, of political and social matters on a global scale. It also helps students practice the skills of diplomacy, negotiation, and problem solving. It builds their confidence and language skills as they need to make speeches in front of an audience, defend their point of view and question openly the opinion of others. Most importantly, it involves students actively in discussions on several issues that concern the world and society at large and it gives them the feeling of being able to play a role in decision making, leaving the passive viewpoint of an observer and assuming the role of an agent that can influence the flow of things, an essential characteristic of an active citizen.
Since the aftermath of World War II when the first MUNs took place, the popularity of student MUNs has been constantly increasing and more and more conferences are taking place all around the world. In Greece only, there are currently 15 MUN conferences organized mainly by secondary education private institutions every year with participation of many hundreds of students of all ages.
MUN is in essence a simulation of the works and procedures of the United Nations where students play the role of delegates from different countries. They meet in different committees and attempt to solve real world issues representing a country other than their own. Prior to the conference, the students must do extensive research into the topic of their committee and the policy of their country towards it. Then, they need to come up with possible solutions to the problem and formulate them into official resolution statements, exactly as in a UN Resolution document.
The benefits of participation in a MUN conference are many and manifold. To start with, it clearly increases knowledge of the world, of political and social matters on a global scale. It also helps students practice the skills of diplomacy, negotiation, and problem solving. It builds their confidence and language skills as they need to make speeches in front of an audience, defend their point of view and question openly the opinion of others. Most importantly, it involves students actively in discussions on several issues that concern the world and society at large and it gives them the feeling of being able to play a role in decision making, leaving the passive viewpoint of an observer and assuming the role of an agent that can influence the flow of things, an essential characteristic of an active citizen.
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