Model United Nations Conference

Iasi, November 28-30, 2009

Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulation of the United Nations in which students research global problems and propose solutions from the perspectives of different countries. MUN conferences have been held since the 1950s and thousands of students participate in such conferences all over the world.
From a language learning perspective, attendance at MUN conferences offers participants exercise in research, writing, speaking, and listening in English. Participants also find inspiration and confidence to make a positive difference in the world and make lasting friendships with other participants.
We have confirmed our conference dates and I would like to ask your help in publicizing the event to your students, or student you know would be interested in attending. The workload and number of public speaking situations makes this activity ideal for self-motivated students who are comfortable conversing and debating in English. It is targeted for high school students, but exceptions can be made for very advanced 8th form students.

The conference will be held at "Emil Racovita" National College from November 28-30. For non-Iasi students who do not have a place to stay in Iasi, we will offer them a host family to stay with during their time here.

During the three days of the conference, students will informally discuss 12 topics in 4 committees on political, environmental, human rights, social and economic problems. Students will then write their proposed solutions in the form of resolutions, which they will debate and vote on for the remainder of the conference.

IASIMUN also offers an excellent opportunity for students interested in journalism to practice and develop their skills. IASIMUN will feature a Press Corps that will write and publish a short newspaper each day of the conference to report on the activities of other students.

If you would like to learn more details about MUN and the conference, please visit our webpage at http://iasimun.org <http://iasimun.org/> . Please share this with any interested students!

In terms of training your students, there is a training manual on the Resources page that takes you step by step through the training process. You can also find the training schedule used at Emil Racovita. Finally, Peace Corps volunteer, David Pi will travel to other sites to do an in-person training session if possible.