The short version
What is a Model UN?
Model United Nations is an academic simulation that enacts the procedures of the United Nations to find solutions for real-world issues. Students participate as delegates of UN member states and simulate UN committees.
The point is to learn how current events, international relations, diplomacy and the UN agenda actually fit together — and, along the way, to get considerably better at public speaking, presentation, persuasion, situation analysis, research and critical thinking than you were before.
You will represent a country that is not your own, and you will have to argue its position even where you personally disagree with it. That constraint is the entire exercise.
The mechanics
How does MUN work?
A council moves through the same sequence every time. Once you have seen it once it stops being intimidating, so here it is in order.
Vocabulary
The words you will hear on day one.
Position paper
A short written statement of your country's stance on the agenda, submitted before the conference. Your chair reads and corrects it before debate begins.
Rules of Procedure
The rulebook that governs how debate runs — who speaks, when, and how motions and votes work. The R&D team publishes a full guide written for beginners.
Background guide
The research document your chair writes for your council: the agenda explained, the history, the blocs, and the questions a resolution has to answer. Released before the conference.
Moderated caucus
A timed, structured debate on one narrow sub-topic. The chair calls on delegates individually; each gets the same number of seconds.
Unmoderated caucus
Debate stops being formal. Delegates get up, form blocs and negotiate directly. This is where alliances and draft resolutions are actually built.
Draft resolution
The document a bloc writes proposing what the council should do. If it passes the vote, it becomes the council's resolution and its official outcome.
Recognition
Four awards in every council.
Announced at the closing ceremony, judged by the chairs of each council.
Questions
Things people ask before registering.
Do I need experience?
No. Delegate training is run by your chairs before the conference, and the Rules of Procedure guide is written specifically for people who have never done this. A majority of delegates will be first-timers.
Can I choose my council?
You rank three preferences when you register. Your preferences will be considered, based on your experiences and availability of the council position. Most people get one of their three.
Is food included?
Yes. Catered lunch, in-council breakfast and snack breaks on both days, arranged around vegetarian, non-vegetarian, and allergen requirements. Tell us yours on the registration form.
What do I need to bring?
Christ ID Card
What is the Dress code?
Formal attire.
What if I am not a delegate?
Press, security and runner roles are open too, cost less, and are a genuinely good way to see how a conference works from the inside before committing to a council.