14 November 2010

Dundee students to debate global issues

Students from the University of Dundee's Model United Nations Society will debate some of the most pressing issues facing the world at an international conference later this month.

The Dundee delegation will attend the Cambridge University International Model United Nations (CUIMUN) conference on November 26-28. The Society has been busy preparing delegates for the event by discussing the most prevalent issues in international affairs through their Mock Sessions programme.

Nine members will travel from Dundee to Cambridge for the event, the largest ever delegation from the Dundee MUNS, which was formed three years ago.

Law and International Relations student Alexander Newell, President and a founding member of the Dundee MUNS said the society had a proud track record of representing the University on the international stage at prestigious conferences, with past delegations being awarded prizes for their endeavours.

'The delegation being sent to Cambridge will provide delegates with first hand experience of representing a UN member through negotiation with allies and adversaries,' he said. 'Their aim is to provide remedies for the worlds most complex problems - all in the interest of mobilizing 'international co operation' to resolve global issues.'

'This is our largest ever delegation. Our delegates have been tenaciously preparing for the conference and I am sure the delegation will represent our university well. I would like to express my appreciation to Kirsty Brown, the Vice President of Students Activities in DUSA, for all her re assuring advice and encouragement.'

Model UN societies are popular at University campuses across the world. Members simulate different UN functions, such as the Security Council and Human Rights Council, taking on the roles of foreign diplomats and presenting their position on contemporary global events and problems.

Participants are expected to research a country, investigate relevant domestic and international issues, and represent that country in mock debates with delegates who have taken on the role of diplomats from other countries, and who are often presenting conflicting interests and views.

Through these debates, members learn about global citizenship, improve their communication skills, and discover the advantages and problems arising from multilateral diplomacy. By debating and consulting on these issues, they then develop solutions to world problems.

Olivia Mieszala, a member of the Society who will attend CUIMUN, added, 'The Model UN helped me in developing public speaking and negotiation skills as well as giving me an understanding about the United Nations and international affairs.

'Students can go to conferences which are a great opportunity to meet people from all over the world and learn their view of important global issues. I highly recommend it!'

Established in 2007, the society has sent delegations to conferences across the UK and Europe. Alexander Newell has recently been selected to chair the Cumbre Iberoamericana (Ibero-American summit), a Spanish speaking committee which will take place in Salamanca, Spain in April 2011.

More information about the Model UN Society is available by contacting Vice-President Chantal Doran on dundeemodelun@dundee.ac.uk.

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