What Is Model United Nations?

Model United Nations, commonly called Model UN or MUN, is an academic simulation of the United Nations. Students represent assigned countries and participate in committees addressing current international issues.

Delegates do not argue from their own personal perspectives. Instead, they research their assigned country’s interests, policies, relationships, and past behavior. During the conference, they use that research to make speeches, negotiate with other delegations, write resolutions, and vote on proposed solutions.

What Do Delegates Do?

Before the conference, delegates:

• Research their assigned country
• Study their committee and its topics
• Write a position paper explaining their country’s priorities
• Prepare an opening speech
• Learn the rules of procedure
• Develop possible proposals and negotiation strategies

During the conference, delegates:

• Deliver formal speeches
• Participate in moderated and unmoderated caucuses
• Negotiate with other countries
• Build coalitions around shared interests
• Draft and amend resolutions
• Debate proposed solutions
• Vote on resolutions and other committee decisions

Successful delegates understand their country’s interests, communicate clearly, listen carefully, and work constructively with others. Model UN is not simply a speaking competition. It is an exercise in diplomacy and collaborative problem-solving.

How Do Committees Work?

Each student participates in one of six committees:

• General Assembly First Committee
• General Assembly Second Committee
• Economic and Social Council
• United Nations Environment Assembly
• Security Council
• International Court of Justice

Most committees consider two topics. At the beginning of the conference, delegates deliver opening speeches and vote to determine the order in which the topics will be discussed.

Committee sessions alternate between formal debate and caucusing. Formal debate allows delegates to address the entire committee. Caucuses allow delegates to discuss proposals, negotiate, and write working papers with other countries.

Working papers that meet the committee’s requirements may be accepted as draft resolutions. Delegates then debate, amend, and vote on those resolutions.

The International Court of Justice follows a different format. Participants examine a legal dispute between states, evaluate written and oral arguments, and apply international law to the case before the Court.

Who Leads the Committees?

Each committee is led by a dais composed of University of Montana students enrolled in PSCI 337: Model United Nations and PSCI 492: Model United Nations Leadership.

Dais members may serve as:

• Chair: Leads committee sessions, recognizes speakers, rules on motions, and manages the flow of debate.
• Vice Chair: Supports the chair and helps maintain accurate records of attendance, participation, and committee proceedings.
• Rapporteur: Maintains the speakers list and displays current motions, voting results, and other information for delegates.
• Expert: Reviews working papers and draft resolutions, provides topic guidance, and helps delegates understand committee requirements.

The dais is responsible for applying the rules fairly, helping delegates participate, and creating a productive environment for debate and negotiation.

What Do Students Learn?

Model UN helps students develop skills in:

• Research and policy analysis
• Persuasive writing
• Public speaking
• Diplomatic communication
• Negotiation and coalition-building
• Leadership and teamwork
• Listening and responding to competing perspectives
• Collaborative problem-solving

It also asks students to confront a central challenge of international politics: countries must cooperate to address shared problems while still protecting their own interests and sovereignty.

Montana Model United Nations

The University of Montana has hosted the Montana Model United Nations High School Conference since 1966. The conference brings together students from Montana and the surrounding region for two days of debate, diplomacy, and international problem-solving.

University of Montana students organize and staff the conference as part of their academic study of the United Nations, international relations, negotiation, and parliamentary procedure.

Ready to begin preparing? Review the Committees and Topics and visit Delegate Preparation for research, writing, speaking, and procedural resources.