Why are MUNs important?

As Peter Hitchens used to say, “Real education begins when students are told how to think rather than what to think.” The concept of Model UN enables students to drop the dogma of the selective books that they use at school and explore the world through different eyes. It not only builds character of every individual but also makes the leaders of tomorrow who are going to carry the torch of our forefathers. A world where its young minds work in cohesion would surely be the one with peace, prosperity and harmony. A Model United Nations conference is more than a formal debate in which rehearsed speeches are articulated, and more than an event of roleplaying and pretending. Model UN conferences are opportunities to practice research, public speaking, teamwork, negotiation, and writing skills in a safe and structured environment. It is an opportunity to continually widen your mental horizons to political, financial and military issues present in every nook and corner of this planet, and to leave with a comprehensive solution formulated, which is the most important aspect in the era of globalization. MUNs make better orators, better critical thinkers and negotiators, better writers and help to develop the overall personalities of its delegates. “When I was an undergraduate at Stanford, I was twice a delegate to the Model United Nations and once a member of the Secretariat (when Stanford was the host). Students are enthusiastic role-players. We had to learn how nations and their representatives could work with others. We learned about how the United Nations (and international relations) worked in practice. The experience was valuable ;the conferences were educational; and it was great fun. I am delighted to learn more than half a century later the Model UN is still going strong. I should think that in today's great global conversation it offers students an even more valuable experience.” — U.S.. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breye