Model United Nations

{{Short description|Educational simulation of the UN}} {{Redirect|M-UN||Mun (disambiguation){{!}}Mun}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2023}}{{Use British English|date=January 2026}}

[[File:JMUN UNSC.jpg|thumb|Delegates at MUN committee in Jakarta, Indonesia|alt=Delegates attending a committee]] [[File:TIMUN08OpeningCeremony.jpg|thumb|Conference assembly at the Turkish International Model United Nations in Istanbul, Turkey|alt=Conference assembly]]

'''Model United Nations''' ('''MUN'''), also known as '''Model UN''', is an academic activity consisting of an educational simulation of the United Nations (UN). Participating students represent a country or organization or analyze and check diplomatic and international relations. During a conference, participants (referred to as "delegates") work together to make decisions on global issues.<ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Model United Nations |url=https://www.un.org/en/mun |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251213143024/https://www.un.org/en/mun |archive-date=December 13, 2025 |access-date=2025-09-06 |website=United Nations |language=en}}</ref>

MUN delegates may engage in research, public speaking, debating, arguing, and writing during preparation for conferences. While MUN is offered as a recreational extracurricular activity, some schools include it in their class curriculum. Organizers often state that the objectives of model UN includes building awareness of global issues and encouraging civic participation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.winthrop.edu/modelun/default.aspx?id=26613|title=Model UN – Courses – Winthrop University|publisher=Winthrop University|access-date=4 June 2015|archive-date=3 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190303002702/https://www.winthrop.edu/modelun/default.aspx?id=26613|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Student delegates prepare for conferences by conducting research, drafting position papers, and developing policy proposals. The documents are discussed and amended during sessions, then lead to the creation of written policies—often called "resolution papers"—which are voted on. Depending on the conference, awards may sometimes be given based on committee performance criteria.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Awards Criteria |url=https://www.nmun.org/awards-criteria.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250612144946/https://www.nmun.org/awards-criteria.html |archive-date=June 12, 2025 |access-date=2025-12-14 |website=www.nmun.org}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Awards Criteria |url=https://ymun.org/awardscriteria |access-date=2025-12-14 |website=Yale Model United Nations |language=en-US}}</ref>

<ref>{{Cite web|title=Model United Nations Conferences Database|url=https://bestdelegate.com/model-un-conferences-database/|access-date=2022-02-04|website=Best Delegate Model United Nations|date=4 May 2011 |language=en-US}}</ref> Students commonly attend the conferences as part of a delegation from their school or university, but some participate independently as “individual delegates”.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestdelegate.com/independent-model-un-teams/|title=The Sudden Rise of Independent Model UN Teams: Homeschool, Community, and Private Travel Teams|work=Best Delegate|date=29 February 2012}}</ref>

==History== Model United Nations began as a series of League of Nations simulations. The first simulation was held at the University of Oxford in November 1921.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The History of the First MUN |url=https://www.wisemee.com/history-of-the-first-mun/ |website=WiseMee |date=15 October 2019 }}</ref>

In 1922, Mir Mahmood, the president of the Oxford International Assembly, visited Harvard University and inspired the establishment of the first American International Assembly on January 10, 1923.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |title=HOLD FIRST MEETING OF INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY TONIGHT {{!}} News {{!}} The Harvard Crimson |url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/1923/1/10/hold-first-meeting-of-international-assembly/ |access-date=2025-06-13 |website=www.thecrimson.com}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wisemee.com/history-of-the-first-mun/|title=The First MUN|date=15 October 2019|publisher=WiseMee |access-date=15 October 2019}}</ref> The Harvard event included fifteen nations and debated issues such as the status of the island of Rhodes and the international opium trade.<ref name="auto1" />

Following World War II and the founding of the United Nations in 1945, the simulation of the United Nations replaced the simulation of the League of Nations.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unausa.org/global-classrooms-model-un/how-to-participate/getting-started/frequently-asked-questions#how_did|title=Frequently Asked Questions|first=Ross|last=Feldman|work=United Nations Association of the USA}}</ref> The first recorded conference named "model United Nations" took place at Swarthmore College on April 5, 1947.<ref name=":0">{{Cite news |date=April 6, 1947 |title=Model U.N. Sessions Held at Swarthmore |url=https://timesmachine.nytimes.com/timesmachine/1947/04/06/96582746.html |access-date=5 May 2019 |work=The New York Times |page=54}}</ref> At the event, more than 150 students from 41 colleges simulated a UN General Assembly, discussing topics like atomic-energy control, disarmament, refugee citizenship, and the reconstruction of devastated areas.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Muldoon |first=James P. |date=1995 |title=The Model United Nations Revisited |journal=Simulation & Gaming |volume=26 |issue=1 |pages=28 |doi=10.1177/1046878195261003 |s2cid=154218744}}</ref>

Another early MUN event was held at St. Lawrence University from February 11 to 13, 1949,<ref>"Ten Colleges Participate in Model Session of United Nations Held at S.L.U. Campus," ''Watertown Daily Times'', 14 February 1949.</ref> organized by Dr. Harry Reiff and Otto L. George.<ref>"Ten Schools Form Synthetic UN Group," ''Hill News'', 3 February 1949.</ref> Delegates represented regional colleges, including Adelphi University, Alfred University, Champlain College, Clarkson University, McGill University, Middlebury College, Potsdam College, Saint Michael's College, and the University of Vermont.<ref>"To Conduct Model Security / Ten Colleges to Follow United Nations Procedure / Sessions Will Take Place on St. Lawrence Campus February 11–13," ''St. Lawrence Plaindealer'' [Canton, N. Y.], 25 January 1949.</ref><ref>"SLU I. R. Sponsors Model UN Meeting," ''Commercial Advertiser'' [Canton, N. Y.], 1 February 1949.</ref><ref>"St. Lawrence IRC Host to 9 Colleges," ''Hill News'' [Canton, N.Y.] 9 February 1949.</ref> The conference continued annually for years,<ref>Pink, Louis H. and Rutherford E. Delmage, ''Candle in the Wilderness: A Centennial History of the St. Lawrence University'', 1856-1956 (New York: Appleton-Century-Crofts, Inc., 1957). p. 157.</ref><ref>Edward H. Blankman and Thurlow O. Cannon, ed. by Neal S. Burdick, ''The Scarlet and the Brown: A History of St .Lawrence University 1856-1981'' (Canton, New York: St Lawrence University, 1987), p. 56.</ref> and has since been revived on campus.<ref>Duell, Ryan, "Rise Fall Rise Again," ''St. Lawrence University Magazine'', LXIV, 4 (2015), pp. 18-19.</ref>

Three of the oldest active conferences in the world were established in the early 1950s. They are the Berkeley Model United Nations (BMUN) at Berkeley (1952),<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestdelegate.com/berkeley-model-united-nations-bmun-xli-transformation-into-a-true-teaching-conference/|title=Berkeley Model United Nations (BMUN XLI): Transformation Into a True Teaching Conference|work=Best Delegate|date=12 March 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author1=Ryan |url=http://bestdelegate.com/berkeley-bmun-60/ |title=Berkeley Model United Nations Celebrates 60th Year as the First and Oldest MUN Conference in the World |work=Best Delegate |date=12 March 2012}}</ref> the Harvard Model United Nations (HMUN) at Harvard (1953),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://bestdelegate.com/10-top-events-in-the-history-of-model-united-nations/|title=10 Top Events in the History of Model United Nations|last=Chan|first=Kevin Felix|date=January 18, 2016|website=Best Delegate|access-date=6 June 2019}}</ref> and model United Nations of the Far West (MUNFW), which has held college-level conferences since 1951. The first was held at Stanford University, where diplomat Ralph Bunche spoke.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://stanforddailyarchive.com/cgi-bin/stanford?a=d&d=stanford19510420-01.2.17&srpos=28&e=------195-en-20--21--txt-txIN-model+united+nations------|title=MUN Delegation Arranged|date=20 April 1951|work=The Stanford Daily|access-date=29 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://munfw.org/past-hosts/|title=Past Hosts|date=14 February 2014|language=en-US|access-date=2019-08-01}}</ref>

== Academic aspects == The main objectives of participating in model UN are to develop skills in negotiation, speaking, and communication.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |date=2022-02-01 |title=Model UN Ultimate Guide - Everything you need to know |url=https://munprep.org/model-un-ultimate-guide/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204210310/https://munprep.org/model-un-ultimate-guide/ |archive-date=4 February 2022 |access-date=2022-02-04 |website=MUNprep.org |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://socialsciences.uottawa.ca/international/opportunities/un-course|title=Model United Nations Course {{!}} Faculty of Social Sciences {{!}} University of Ottawa|website=socialsciences.uottawa.ca|language=en|access-date=20 February 2017}}</ref> Material issues of diplomacy and policy are approached through a quasi-academic process. Crisis committees involve rapid response to evolving crisis scenarios, which require participants to make quick decisions.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|last=MUNprep|date=August 6, 2021|title=MUN committees - Which style works best for you?|url=https://munprep.org/introduction-to-mun-committees-which-works-best-for-you/|access-date=August 7, 2021|website=MUNprep|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820041635/https://munprep.org/introduction-to-mun-committees-which-works-best-for-you/|url-status=dead}}</ref> In preparation for a conference, topics are chosen for each committee. Typically, research and background guides are made available by the organizers of a conference. Based on these guides, delegates of each committee are often expected to research and formulate a position for the country or group they represent and submit a position paper.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|date=2022-01-02|title=The MUN Position Paper - Making your solutions GROOVY|url=https://munprep.org/the-mun-position-paper-how-to-stay-groovy-with-it/|access-date=2022-02-04|website=MUNprep.org|language=en-US|archive-date=4 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204211819/https://munprep.org/the-mun-position-paper-how-to-stay-groovy-with-it/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Position papers outline each delegate’s stance on the topic and summarize relevant research.<ref name=":6" />

== Procedures == [[File:MUN-SH2005KielGermany.jpg|thumb|Delegates negotiating during an unmoderated caucus in Kiel, Germany]] Model UN committees often use parliamentary procedures derived from Robert's Rules of Order.<ref name=":5" /> In addition, the United Nations has contributed to the development of model UN rules of procedure that are more influenced by those used by the actual UN.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestdelegate.com/un4mun-workshop-recap-4-big-differences-between-model-un-and-the-real-un/|title=UN4MUN Workshop Recap: 4 Big Differences Between Model UN and the Real UN|work=Best Delegate|date=21 September 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/14/opinion/the-un-on-the-model-un.html?smid=pl-share&_r=0|title=Letter: The U.N., on the Model U.N.|author=Maher Nasser|work=The New York Times|date=13 August 2013|author-link=Maher Nasser}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.un.org/en/ga/about/ropga/|title=UN General Assembly - Rules of Procedure|work=un.org}}</ref><ref name="MUN Rules">{{cite web |url=http://www.unausa.org/global-classrooms-model-un/how-to-participate/model-un-preparation/rules-of-procedure |title=Rules of Procedure |publisher=United Nations Foundation |access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref> Since there is no governing body for model UN, each conference differs in their rules of procedure; conferences affiliated with the same format (like a shared rule set) often use similar procedures.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.wisemee.com/introduction-mun-rules-of-procedure/|title=Introduction to Model UN Rules and Procedure (ROP)|date=8 July 2019|publisher=WiseMee |access-date=31 October 2019}}</ref><ref name=":7" />

The following rules of procedure apply to general MUNs, but may not apply to every MUN:

=== Points and motions === Points and motions outline how topics are prioritized, how resolutions are voted on, and how the general flow of debate is facilitated.<ref name=":7" /> Points are used to discuss topics that are outside of substantive debate. They are more personal and do not require a vote. There are several types of points, including a point of information (POI), which is a question asked of a speaker after their speech; a point of order; a point of parliamentary inquiry; and a point of personal privilege.

Motions are used to discuss procedural matters, and they help to further the discussion on a committee topic. A delegate may request the committee as a whole to perform a particular action, such as moving to a voting procedure. If a motion is objected to, it may not be entertained at the discretion of the chair. Most motions will require a vote in order to pass;<ref name=":7" /> the number of votes required to pass these motions works according to a quorum – this is the minimum number of delegates required to make decisions in a committee.<ref name=":5" /> The motions used at any given time in a model UN committee change, according to where the committee is in the flow of debate.<ref name=":7" />

=== Flow of debate === Most MUN committees follow a structured flow of debate, typically starting with a speakers list, followed by formal or informal debate, and concluding with voting procedures.<ref name=":7">{{Cite web|last=MUNprep|date=August 7, 2021|title=MUN Points and Motions - How to use them properly|url=https://munprep.org/mun-points-and-motions-how-to-use-them-properly/#flow-of-debate|access-date=August 19, 2021|website=MUNprep|archive-date=20 August 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820041635/https://munprep.org/mun-points-and-motions-how-to-use-them-properly/#flow-of-debate|url-status=dead}}</ref> A dais (the group of people in charge of each committee during a model UN conference) will maintain a list of speakers, and the delegates follow the order written on the 'speaker list'. Delegates may be added to the speaker list by raising their placards or sending a note to the chair. During this time, delegates talk to the entire committee. They make speeches,<ref name="MUN Speech">{{cite web|title=Write a Great MUN Speech|date=8 August 2019|url=https://www.wisemee.com/mun-speech-writing-guide/|access-date=24 November 2019|publisher=WiseMee}}</ref> answer questions, and debate on resolutions and amendments. If there are no other motions, the committee goes back to the speaker list by default.

Formal/informal debate can include both moderated and unmoderated caucuses. A caucus is an opportunity to discuss policy ideas. A moderated caucus is more formal and is run by the committee chair; an unmoderated caucus is a time when delegates move around the room and hold a more informal discussion on the topic.<ref name=":7" /> In both moderated and unmoderated caucuses, the committee enters a recess and suspends its formal rules of procedure. During a moderated caucus, delegates may speak once recognized by the chair, and speeches are typically limited to a shorter duration. Entering a moderated caucus requires a motion followed by a vote. In contrast, an unmoderated caucus allows delegates to engage in informal discussions with other delegates and staff without needing recognition from the chair.<ref name="MUN Rules" /><ref name="MUN Manifesto">{{cite web |last=Shen |first=Sunny |author2=Ryan Bae |author3=Amanda Chen |author4=Geneva Nam |author5=Sarah Wang |author6=Marco Wong |author7=Lance Zhou |title=The MUN Manifesto |publisher=Connect Global Youth Association |year=2012 |url=http://project-connect.ca/resources/MUNManifesto.pdf |access-date=25 November 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202232957/http://project-connect.ca/resources/MUNManifesto.pdf |archive-date=2 December 2013 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

=== Resolutions === A resolution is a legal document that expresses the general opinion of the committee. Once passed, it outlines the actions that the committee recommends.<ref name=":8">{{Cite web|date=2021-12-14|title=MUN Resolutions - Everything you need to know|url=https://munprep.org/writing-a-mun-resolution-everything-you-need-to-know/|access-date=2022-02-04|website=MUNprep.org|language=en-US|archive-date=4 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220204210307/https://munprep.org/writing-a-mun-resolution-everything-you-need-to-know/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Resolution" />

Resolutions are the written compilation of the ideas discussed during debate.<ref name="Resolution">{{cite web |url=http://www.wisemee.com/how-to-write-a-resolution/|title=Resolutions |date=13 August 2019 |publisher=WiseMee |access-date=24 November 2019}}</ref> They are considered the final results of conversations, writings, and negotiations. Resolutions must go through a draft, approval by the dais, and consequent debate and modification.<ref name="Format Resolution">{{cite web |url=https://www.wisemee.com/format-mun-resolution/|title=Format a MUN Resolution |date=21 July 2019 |publisher=WiseMee |access-date=24 November 2019}}</ref>

MUN Resolutions are composed of both preambulatory and operative clauses. Preambulatory clauses outline the problems addressed by the resolution, and are typically not debated, while operative clauses propose solutions and present them in a structured and organized manner.<ref name=":8" />

== Conference management == MUN societies and conferences are run by a group of administrators known as the secretariat. A secretariat is headed by a Secretary-General. Other members of the secretariat could include the Director-General, Under-Secretaries-General and President of General Assembly.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Leadership Positions in the Secretariat|url=https://www.un.org/en/model-united-nations/leadership-positions-secretariat|access-date=2020-06-11|website=United Nations|language=en}}</ref>

=== Committee dais === Each committee usually has a dais that is composed of a chair (also known as moderator or director), one or more vice-chairs and a team of note-passers (also known as pages, runners, security, admins, or similar).<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=MUNprep |date=August 1, 2021 |title=MUN first glance - The most important fundamentals |url=https://munprep.org/mun-first-glance-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820041639/https://munprep.org/mun-first-glance-what-is-it-and-how-does-it-work/ |archive-date=20 August 2021 |access-date=20 August 2021 |website=MUNprep}}</ref>

In crisis committees,<ref name=":4" /> there can also be a crisis staff composed of a crisis director, assistant director, and crisis staffers. These members are responsible for facilitating the back-room portion of a committee.

== Languages == [[File:Buenos Aires MINU UN Model - 2007-11-06 - 4.jpg|thumb|Placard for the United Kingdom in Spanish at the International Model United Nations of Buenos Aires (MINUBA) in Argentina]]

Traditionally, English has been the official working language of most conferences. However, as model UN has become more popular around the world, and as conferences in countries such as the United States have sought to appeal to underrepresented minorities (such as the Spanish-speaking community), committees using languages other than English, or which are bilingual, have become common.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.unausa.org/global-classrooms-model-un/model-un-conferences/model-un-city-conferences/minnesota|title=Global Classrooms: Minnesota Model UN Conference|first=Ross|last=Feldman|work=United Nations Association of the USA}}</ref> However, this is still not a mainstream phenomenon, especially in the United States, where most bilingual or Spanish language committees are found only at conferences hosted in Puerto Rico or the Southwest.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://bestdelegate.com/model-united-nations-san-antonio-munsa-finds-success-through-community/ |title=Model United Nations San Antonio (MUNSA) Finds Success Through Community|work=Best Delegate |date=January 21, 2013 |access-date=August 17, 2019}}</ref>

== Attire ==

[[File:MUN Conference circa 2022, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.jpg|thumb|MUN Conference circa 2022, Toronto, Canada.]] Nearly all model United Nations conferences require delegates to wear Western business attire. Casual wear, as well as clothing that would be excessively revealing, is prohibited, alongside the display of any school or national symbols aside from those of the UN during the competition. The permissibility of cultural attire varies. While the wearing of traditional attire is permitted in National Model United Nations in cases where it would also be professional, delegates are not allowed to "attempt to portray a character using traditional cultural attire as a costume."<ref>{{Cite web |title=NMUN Conduct Expectations |url=https://www.nmun.org/nmun-conduct-expectations.html |access-date=2025-12-14 |website=www.nmun.org}}</ref>

== Committees == Model United Nations conferences regularly simulate the bodies of the United Nations, the European Union, government cabinets, regional bodies such as ASEAN, PNA, as well as corporate boards, NGOs or so-called Press Corps. Idiosyncrasies and fictional committees also exist. Some examples for fantasy and fictional committees include Ministry of Magic and Lord of the Rings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Model UN Ultimate Guide – Everything you need to know |url=https://www.munprep.org/blog-home-page/model-un-ultimate-guide |access-date=2024-07-13 |website=MUNprep |language=en-CA}}</ref> An example for such a special committee that does not have a parallel in the actual United Nations which deals with a crisis is known as a 'crisis committee.'<ref name=":4" /><ref name="Crisis NYT">{{cite news |last=Parrin |first=Anjli |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/04/education/edlife/a-new-student-run-breed-crisis-oriented-and-fiercely-competitive.html?_r=0 |title=The Dog-Eat-Dog World of Model U.N. |publisher=The New York Times Company |date=2 August 2013 |access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref> In this committee, a crisis is given to a team of students and the teams must come up with solutions.<ref>{{cite news |last=Montero |first=Nicole |url=http://fiusm.com/2013/11/22/model-united-nations-team-hopes-to-rank-first-among-the-country/ |title=Model United Nations Team Hopes to Rank First Among the Country |publisher=FIU Student Media |date=22 November 2013 |access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref> Crisis committees traditionally focus on a single historical event, but recently, current and future events have been used as well. The event may be fictional or non-fictional.<ref name="Crisis NYT" /><ref name="Introduction to MUN Crisis">{{cite web|title=Introduction to MUN Crisis|date=8 August 2019|url=https://www.wisemee.com/introduction-mun-crisis-committees/|access-date=31 October 2019|publisher=WiseMee}}</ref>

=== Crisis committees === Crisis is a specialized form of model UN where participants emulate a variety of entities, from a board of directors to historical figures. Crisis committees tend to be much smaller in size than their classic counterparts, and revolve around a quickly developing series of events known as a "crisis."<ref name=":4" /> Delegates are assigned positions, and must create directives consisting purely of operative actions. This means that rather than solving problems with resolutions, delegates pass directives.<ref name=":4" /> While delegates are working to solve the crisis at hand through directives, they are also often tasked with individual objectives that can be achieved with the submission of crisis notes.<ref name=":4" /> Delegates may sometimes find out what other committee members have been doing through crisis updates.<ref name=":4" />

Unlike regular committees, crisis committees have two distinct forums: the in-room and the out-room (also known as the front-room and the back-room, respectively). The in-room consists of delegate activity in the committee, including the usual speaking, while the out-room refers to directives sent to staffers (also known as directors or backrooms), communication with other crisis committees. Directives can either be written by an individual, several individuals working together, or the whole committee.<ref name="Crisis committees">{{Cite web|author=Claire Wyszynski|date=31 March 2020|title=Everything You Need to Know About Crisis Committees|url=https://bestdelegate.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-crisis-committees/|publisher=Best Delegate}}</ref>

Staffers can update crisis events based partly on a preset direction and partly on interaction from delegates and committees. Crisis committees are also subject to more variation in rules and experimentation than regular committees. One relatively common variant is the "midnight crisis," where delegates attend a committee session at night to respond to an emergency situation.<ref name="Coaching winners">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=WWyuAAAAQBAJ&q=crisis&pg=PA23|title=Coaching Winning Model United Nations Teams: A Teacher's Guide|date=2003|publisher=Potomac books|isbn=9781612346045|author1=E. F. Mickolus |author2=J. Brannan}}</ref><ref name="Crisis committees" /> There also may be crisis committees that interact with each other, where resolutions that are written impact debate in other committees.<ref name="Coaching winners" /><ref name="Crisis committees" />

== Organization == Model United Nations conferences are usually organized by high school or college clubs. Some other model united nations conferences are organized by a group of youth, and not affiliated with any educational institutions, such as Equity MUN.<ref name="What MUN">{{cite web |last=Yossinger |first=Nili Sarit |url=http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/publication/2012/07/2012073142614.html#axzz2lSH4DnI0 |title=What is Model UN? (And Why Should You Care?) |publisher=U.S. Department of State |date=23 August 2012 |access-date=23 November 2013}}</ref>

== Model UN by region and country == Model United Nations originated in the United States, but it has since spread across the globe.<ref name="bestdelegate.com">{{cite web|url=http://bestdelegate.com/model-un-conferences-database/|title=Model United Nations Conference Database: 2014-2015|work=bestdelegate.com |date=4 May 2011 }}</ref> Because Model UN is decentralized and has grown autonomously around the world, there are significant differences in how MUN is done between regions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bestdelegate.com/a-tale-of-two-coasts-5-key-differences-between-west-coast-versus-east-coast-model-un/|title=A Tale of Two Coasts: 5 Key ko Differences Between West Coast versus East Coast Model UN|work=Best Delegate|date=7 March 2012}}</ref>

=== Africa ===

==== Botswana ==== The majority of MUN conferences held in Botswana are centered around the capital city, Gaborone. Model United Nations events have also happened online, with Youth International Conclave<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://startuppakistan.com.pk/one-of-the-asias-largest-hybrid-leadership-entrepreneurshipsummit-organized-by-youth-international-conclave/|title=One of the Asia's Largest Hybrid Leadership & Entrepreneurship Summit Organized by Youth International Conclave|date=12 November 2021 |publisher=Startup Pakistan}}</ref> hosting an event to encourage more of the youth to take part.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fyouthintconclave.org%2Fposts%2Fpfbid058VZPFyRongKc2f2NgY9pTpwcLVoEhdAvMKghhs3EEVFhW9CAmMjGUd7eT7drpAEl|title=Facebook Post|website=Facebook}} {{better source needed|date=February 2023}}</ref>

====Nigeria==== Lagos Model United Nations<ref name="LMUN – Lagos Model United Nations">{{Cite web|title=LMUN – Lagos Model United Nations|url=http://lmun.ng/lmun/|access-date=2020-07-07|website=lmun.ng}}</ref> is one of Africa's pioneer MUN Conferences. Set in Lagos, it is the largest MUN conference in West Africa<ref name="Olufowobi">{{Cite web|last=Olufowobi|first=Oludayo|date=2020-02-23|title=University of Lagos Model UN Review: the Largest Collegiate Conference in Nigeria|url=https://allamericanmun.com/university-of-lagos-model-un-review-the-largest-collegiate-conference-in-nigeria/|access-date=2020-07-07|website=All-American Model UN|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/unilag-to-host-lagos-model-united-nations-2017-conference/|location=Lagos, Nigeria|title=UNILAG to host Lagos Model United Nations 2017 Conference|date=25 February 2017|access-date=7 July 2020|archive-date=7 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707163755/https://guardian.ng/saturday-magazine/unilag-to-host-lagos-model-united-nations-2017-conference/|url-status=dead|newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> and attracts over 400 delegates each year. The conference is hosted by the Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, and simulates up to 10 committees of the United Nations annually. The conference began in 2016, due to the desire of the founders to organize a conference in Nigeria, after participating in several model United Nations conferences worldwide, including National Model United Nations and Rome Model United Nations.<ref name="LMUN – Lagos Model United Nations"/><ref name="Olufowobi"/>

Beyond the simulation of committees, the Conference offers other activities for delegates such as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Workshop and the Idea Fair.<ref name="Olufowobi"/> The SDG Workshop is promoted as a platform for SDG experts to share their experiences with the delegates, while the Idea Fair<ref name="Olufowobi"/> is an opportunity for young innovators working on different SDGs to win a cash grant.<ref>{{Cite web|title=David Tobiloba Adeyemi Of ACU Wins the Lagos Model United Nations 2017 Idea Fair - AcademicsNG|url=http://www.academicsng.com.ng/2017/07/david-tobiloba-adeyemi-of-acu-wins-lagos-model-united-nations-2017-idea-fair.html|access-date=2020-07-07|website=School News, Admissions, JAMB News, Nigeria Universities, Polytechnics and Colleges News|language=en-US|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804030256/https://www.academicsng.com.ng/2017/07/david-tobiloba-adeyemi-of-acu-wins-lagos-model-united-nations-2017-idea-fair.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Other countries ==== Other conferences in Africa include NAIMUN<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.naimun.org|title=North Africa International Model United Nations|website=www.naimun.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150616110200/http://naimun.org/|archive-date=2015-06-16|url-status=dead|access-date=2012-08-01|ref=NAIMUN}}</ref> in Marrakesh, Morocco. Established in August 2012 by a coalition of North African youths, NAIMUN is the largest student-run Model United Nations conference in Africa and the Middle East, with 4 sub-branches in Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria and Egypt.<ref name="NAIMUN">{{Cite web|url=https://www.moroccoworldnews.com/2014/10/140437/exclusive-interview-with-the-president-of-the-north-africa-international-model-united-nations/|publisher=Morocco World News|author=Larbi Arbaoui|date=1 October 2014|title=Exclusive Interview with the President of the North Africa International Model United Nations}}</ref>

=== Asia-Pacific ===

==== Afghanistan ==== The Kabul Model United Nations was established in Kabul in 2012 <ref>{{cite news |author=Nabila Ashrafi |date=9 March 2017 |title=Hamid Karzai Attacks UN and USA |url=http://www.tolonews.com/afghanistan/hamid-karzai-attacks-un-and-usa |access-date=12 March 2017 |website=ToloNews}}</ref><ref name="MUN Kabul">{{cite web |title=Kabul Model United Nations |url=http://munfinder.com/mun/kabul-model-united-nations/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915115020/http://munfinder.com/mun/kabul-model-united-nations/ |archive-date=15 September 2016 |access-date=12 March 2017 |website=MUN Finder |df=dmy-all}}</ref> The objectives are to bring young individuals together to discuss global issues and promote diplomacy, human rights, peacebuilding, and social welfare.<ref name="MUN Kabul" /> Participants include university students up to the age of 30. They come from four or five provinces in Afghanistan to develop critical thinking and public speaking skills.<ref>{{cite web |title=Model United Nations Conference in Kabul -- Deadline Extended |url=https://researchfunding.duke.edu/model-united-nations-conference-kabul-deadline-extended |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170313041702/https://researchfunding.duke.edu/model-united-nations-conference-kabul-deadline-extended |archive-date=13 March 2017 |access-date=12 March 2017 |website=Duke University - Research Funding}}</ref>

==== Australia ==== Model United Nations conferences in Australia are typically separated into tertiary and high school levels. At the high school level, the large majority of model United Nations events are organized by the various state and territory branches of UN Youth Australia through the Evatt competition or UN Youth various conferences and summits,<ref>{{cite web |title=The Evatt Competition |url=https://unyouth.org.au/event/the-evatt-competition/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170224080508/https://unyouth.org.au/event/the-evatt-competition/ |archive-date=24 February 2017 |access-date=22 January 2016 |work=UN Youth Australia}}</ref> or by the many branches of Rotary Australia.<ref>{{cite web |date=21 April 2014 |title=Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA): Rotary E-Club of Greater Sydney |url=http://www.rotarynews.info/3/Club/76641/7833/ |access-date=22 January 2016 |publisher=Rotarynews.info |archive-date=27 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230427012718/http://www.rotarynews.info/3/club/76641/7833 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

====Bahrain==== The Bahrain Universities Model United Nations occurs yearly. It draws more than 200 delegates from local universities and from across the Middle East.<ref>{{cite news |date=14 October 2012 |title=Bahrain Model UN to tackle key issues |url=http://www.tradearabia.com/news/EDU_223761.html |access-date=15 August 2019 |agency=TradeArabia}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=2 December 2016 |title=IPI Opens Bahrain Universities Model UN 2016 |url=https://www.ipinst.org/2016/12/ipi-opens-bahrain-universities-model-un-2016 |access-date=15 August 2019 |publisher=International Peace Institute}}</ref>

==== Bangladesh ==== Model United Nations has been practiced in Bangladesh since 2002, when the Model United Nations on Combating Terrorism – Bangladesh Model United Nations first took place.<ref>{{citation |title=First Model United Nations: UNYSAB |date=October 2013 |df=dmy-all |url=http://unysab.org/?page_id=584 |access-date=14 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150825233629/http://unysab.org/?page_id=584 |archive-date=25 August 2015 |url-status=dead |publisher=‘‘UNYSAB’’}}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=Leaping over boundaries |date=11 August 2015 |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/arts-culture/2015/aug/11/leaping-over-boundaries |access-date=15 August 2015 |publisher=Dhaka Tribune}}</ref> Since then, plenty of Model United Nations conferences have been held in the country. Model United Nations became a popular simulation in Bangladesh around 2013.<ref>{{citation |title=Creating the future |date=16 November 2013 |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/education/2013/nov/16/creating-future |access-date=15 August 2015 |publisher=Dhaka Tribune}}</ref>

MUN in Bangladesh grew rapidly after the formation of the first university-based MUN club of the country, Dhaka University Model United Nations Association, in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About DUMUNA |url=https://www.dumuna.info/about-us/ |access-date=2025-12-14 |website=DUMUNA |language=en-US}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=The current source is corroborated by more recent sources, but isn't entirely reliable on its own as it is a primary source (WP:NOTRS).|date=December 2025}} Dhaka University National Model United Nations (DUNMUN) started in 2012.<ref>{{citation |title=DUNMUN 2014 begins at Dhaka University |date=22 December 2014 |df=dmy-all |url=http://www.dhakatribune.com/education/2014/dec/22/dunmun-2014-begins-dhaka-university |access-date=15 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923225203/http://www.dhakatribune.com/education/2014/dec/22/dunmun-2014-begins-dhaka-university |archive-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=dead |publisher=Dhaka Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{citation |last1=Jamir |first1=Limaben |title=Dhaka University National Model United Nations: Empowering Youths |work=Best Delegate Model United Nations |date=25 January 2015 |url=http://bestdelegate.com/dhaka-university-national-model-united-nations-empowering-youths |access-date=15 August 2015 |publisher=BestDelegate.com}}</ref><ref>{{citation |title=DUNMUN begins at DU |date=18 September 2013 |url=http://www.newstoday.com.bd/index.php?option=details&news_id=2356844&date=2013-09-18 |access-date=15 August 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181215121636/http://www.newstoday.com.bd/index.php?option=details&news_id=2356844&date=2013-09-18 |archive-date=15 December 2018 |url-status=dead |publisher=The News Today}}</ref>

==== China ==== Model United Nations first came to mainland China in 1995, when the China Foreign Affairs University held the country's first collegiate model United Nations conferences.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=贾 |first1=伽. |year=1995 |title=记外交学院首届模拟联合国活动 - China Academic Journals Full-text Database |url=http://oversea.cnki.net/kcms/detail/detail.aspx?filename=WJXY503.015&DBName=cjfqtotal&dbcode=cjfq |journal=外交学院学报 |issue=3 |page=60}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=25 April 2013 |title=Intro to CFAU-MUNA - Xinhua &#124; English.news.cn |url=http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/special/2013-04/25/c_132339467.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509164033/http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/special/2013-04/25/c_132339467.htm |archive-date=9 May 2013 |access-date=22 January 2016 |website=News.xinhuanet.com |df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=外交学院举办"2012北京模拟联合国大会" |url=http://zqb.cyol.com/html/2012-04/21/nw.D110000zgqnb_20120421_4-04.htm |access-date=22 January 2016 |website=Zqb.cyol.com}}</ref> Model UN arrived in mainland Chinese high schools in 2005, and it expanded rapidly. Peking University (PKU) students, after attending Harvard's HMUN, organized the first national model UN conference for high school students in mainland China.<ref>{{cite news |date=23 September 2013 |title=模拟联合国 (MUN) 简介 |url=http://www.unachina.org/upload/Attach/default/272497.doc |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150115050959/http://www.unachina.org/upload/Attach/default/272497.doc |archive-date=15 January 2015 |publisher=U.N. Association of China |df=dmy-all}}</ref> PKU's conference was initially backed by UNA-USA, however support was curtailed in 2010 due to the Great Recession.{{citation needed|date=November 2025}}

Between 2005 and 2010, national Model United Nations conferences such as those organized by PKU and the rival Fudan University in Shanghai drew high school students from around the country, who competed for limited spaces. Over time, lesser-known national conferences, as well as regional and even local conferences for high school students, began to develop and gradually spread to cities beyond Beijing and Shanghai.<ref name="theatlantic.com">{{cite web |last=Qian |first=Wendy |date=25 April 2013 |title=Romance! Money! Intrigue! It's Model UN ... in China |url=https://www.theatlantic.com/china/archive/2013/04/romance-money-intrigue-its-model-un-in-china/275308/2/ |work=The Atlantic}}</ref>

Most Model United Nations conferences in mainland China are organized through private or academic enterprises; however, some government-affiliated MUNs have also flourished, and recently, unofficial student-run grassroots conferences have begun to dominate the Chinese MUN scene.<ref name="theatlantic.com" />

==== India ==== Delegates from across India attend the Doon School Model United Nations.<ref name="TimesofIndia">{{Cite web |date=17 August 2019 |title=Model United Nations Conference Begins at The Doon School |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/model-united-nations-conference-begins-at-the-doon-school/articleshow/70707056.cms |access-date=17 August 2019 |publisher=Times of India}}</ref> The Harvard MUN India hosted over 1700 attendees in 2019.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-08-27 |title=Gen Z impact recognized at the closing of Harvard MUN India |url=https://news.careers360.com/news/gen-z-impact-recognized-at-closing-of-harvard-mun-india-1 |access-date=2023-02-17 |website=Careers360 |place=New Delhi |language=en-US |archive-date=17 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230217061148/https://news.careers360.com/news/gen-z-impact-recognized-at-closing-of-harvard-mun-india-1 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Delegates also participate in the I.I.M.U.N.<ref>{{Cite news |date=9 January 2025 |title=IIMUN conference in Kochi from January 10 |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/iimun-conference-in-kochi-from-january-10/article69080899.ece |work=The Hindu Bureau}}</ref> There are also various local model United Nations hosted by regional schools.

====Israel==== The first MUN conference in Israel was The Israel Middle East Model United Nations (TIMEMUN), held at Walworth Barbour American International School in 2000. Since then, many more high school conferences have opened throughout Israel. In 2008, Reichman University established the first United Nations Model Club at the academic level in Israel. Since then, university-level MUN in Israel has grown to include over 10 universities and colleges and is led by the Israeli Model United Nations Association. Some universities hold a yearly conference of their own, such as Tel Aviv University's TLVMUN.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2018-05-21 |title=Students from around the World Participate in Model UN Debate Competition in Israel |url=http://www.thetower.org/6274oc-students-from-around-the-world-participate-in-model-un-debate-competition-in-israel/ |access-date=2022-01-24 |website=The Tower |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Kuwait ==== The American Creative Academy Model United Nations (ACAMUN), the American School of Kuwait Model United Nations (ASKMUN), and the Bayan Bilingual School Model United Nations (BBSMUN) are the most popular Model United Nations organizations in the state of Kuwait amongst high school students. Comparatively, the American University of Kuwait Model United Nations (AUKMUN) is the leading Model United Nations organization amongst university and collegiate leveled people, with AUKMUN being recognized and well-respected by the United Nations in Kuwait due to the highly regarded submission of a proposal based on climate finance and cap-trade policies written by executive members.<ref>{{Cite web |last=n.a. |date=2022-11-16 |title=طلبة الجامعة الأميركية شاركوا باليوم العالمي للحد من الكوارث |url=https://www.aljarida.com/article/4376 |access-date=2023-03-05 |website=جريدة الجريدة الكويتية |language=ar}}</ref>

==== New Zealand ==== A high number of high schools in New Zealand operate their own MUN events, with UN Youth New Zealand functioning as a managing organization.<ref>{{cite web |title=Leadership |url=https://www.unyouth.org.nz/about/leadership#col-md-11%20col-md-offset-1%20page-content |access-date=7 July 2015 |website=UN Youth New Zealand |ref=unyouthnzleadership}}</ref><ref name="Otago">{{Cite web |author=Shawn McAvinue |date=28 July 2019 |title=Dunedin young people 'under-represented' |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/dunedin-young-people-%E2%80%98under-represented%E2%80%99 |access-date=14 August 2019 |publisher=Otago}}</ref> UN Youth NZ also organizes regional and national events, along with Aotearoa Youth Declaration, the Pacific Project, and New Zealand's THIMUN delegation.<ref>{{cite web |title=The Hague International Model United Nations |url=http://www.unyouth.org.nz/events/thimun |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402121800/http://www.unyouth.org.nz/events/thimun |archive-date=2 April 2015 |access-date=17 March 2015 |website=UN Youth New Zealand |ref=nzthimun |df=dmy-all}}</ref>

====Oman==== In Oman, a variety of Model United Nations (MUN) conferences are organized annually, both in online and offline formats, providing students with numerous opportunities to engage in debating, diplomacy, and international relations. Among these, the Indian School Muscat Model United Nations (ISMMUN) holds particular significance as the largest school-run MUN conference in the Gulf region.<ref>{{cite web |last=Times News Service |title=MCBS showcases Global and Local Engagement at ISMUN 2025 |url=https://timesofoman.com/article/162329-mcbs-showcases-global-and-local-engagement-at-ismun-2025 |website=Times of Oman |publisher=Times News Service |date=3 September 2025 |access-date=4 September 2025}}</ref>

==== Pakistan ==== The first MUN in Pakistan was held in 2006 and since then, the number of MUN conferences in the country has grown, attracting participants from schools,<ref>{{cite web |date=2017-03-21 |title=Karachi school wins big at Harvard MUN |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1360272/kgs-wins-big-harvard-mun |access-date=2023-02-01 |work=The Express Tribune}}</ref> colleges, and universities across the country. Some well-established MUNs in Pakistan include the Aitchison College Model United Nations (ACMUN), Youth International Conclave Model United Nations,<ref>{{cite web |date=2021-11-10 |title=Youth International Conclave organized one of the Asia's largest hybrid leadership & entrepreneurship summit to empower the youth globally |url=https://www.techjuice.pk/youth-international-conclave-organized-one-of-the-asias-largest-hybrid-leadership-entrepreneurship-summit-to-empower-the-youth-globally |work=Techjuice |ref=YICMUN |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211128031332if_/https://www.techjuice.pk/youth-international-conclave-organized-one-of-the-asias-largest-hybrid-leadership-entrepreneurship-summit-to-empower-the-youth-globally/ |archive-date=2021-11-28 |url-status=live}}</ref> and Karachi Grammar School Model United Nations (KGSMUN). The Aitchison College Model United Nations Society was established in 2009. They have won the overall Best Delegation at HMUN China for two years in a row, and for a record third time.<ref>{{cite web |date=2016-04-12 |title=Aitchison College bags eight awards at Harvard MUN |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/1083658/co-curricular-aitcheson-college-bags-nine-awards-at-harvard-mun |access-date=2022-12-26 |work=The Express Tribune}}</ref>

Another major conference in Pakistan is the "Lahore University of Management Sciences Model United Nations" in Lahore, Pakistan which hosts more than 400 delegates.<ref>{{cite web |date=2010-12-22 |title=LUMUN : 'Our world, our future' |url=https://tribune.com.pk/story/92903/lumun-%E2%80%98our-world-our-future%E2%80%99 |work=The Express Tribune |ref=LIMUN}}</ref>

====United Arab Emirates==== The United Arab Emirates Universities Model United Nations occurs yearly. It draws more than 300 delegates from local universities and from across the Middle East.<ref>{{cite news |date=27 April 2009 |title=Students Address Global Issues in Model UN Debate |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/general/students-address-global-issues-8232-in-model-un-debate |access-date=27 April 2009 |agency=Khaleej Times}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=26 October 2011 |title=Model UN meet in Dubai school |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/education/model-un-meet-in-dubai-school |access-date=26 October 2011 |publisher=Khaleej Times}}</ref> Many schools also have their own MUN conferences, including DIAMUN at Dubai International Academy, NMSMUN at GEMS New Millennium School and GFSMUN at GEMS Founders School Dubai.<ref>{{Cite web |author=Staff Reporter |title=Students Address Global Issues in Model UN Debate |url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/article/students-address-global-issuesin-model-un-debate |access-date=2023-01-04 |website=Khaleej Times |language=en}}</ref>

Dubai International Academy Model United Nations is the largest student led Model United Nations conference in the MENA region, hosting more than 700 delegates from across the world at its annual conference.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Mamtani |first=Aarav |date=31 August 2022 |title=Best Model UN Conferences in GCC Countries |url=https://www.crimsoneducation.org/ae-en/blog/mun-conferences-in-the-gcc/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250420062841/https://www.crimsoneducation.org/ae-en/blog/mun-conferences-in-the-gcc/ |archive-date=20 April 2025 |access-date=16 July 2025 |website=Crimson Education}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=16 July 2025 |title=About Us |url=https://www.diamun.org/about-us |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250411063815/https://www.diamun.org/about-us |archive-date=11 April 2025 |access-date=16 July 2025 |website=Dubai International Academy Model United Nations}}</ref>

====Vietnam==== There has been an increasing number of conferences, including invitational ones such as UNISMUN, SAMSUN, and many other non-invitational ones. These conferences are often organized by schools or student-led organizations with varying scales and exclusivity. One of the most inclusive Model United Nations conferences in the country is the Vietnam National Model United Nations (VNMUN), open to not only Vietnamese in all parts of the country but also international students studying around the world.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Tổng Hợp Tất Tần Tật Các Hội Thảo MUN Chất Lượng Tại Việt Nam Hè 2016 |url=https://ybox.vn/gia-vi/tong-hop-tat-tan-tat-cac-hoi-thao-mun-chat-luong-tai-viet-nam-he-2016-286240 |website=ybox.vn}}</ref>

=== Europe ===

==== Denmark ==== MUN is relatively popular in Denmark, with BIGMUN being the largest conference in Scandinavia.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Menzer|first1=Joram Gregers|title=Tomorrow's problem solvers are ready|url=http://sn.dk/Rudersdal/Morgendagens-problemloesere-sidder-klar/artikel/556049|website=sn.dk|date=27 February 2016|access-date=29 February 2016|language=da}}</ref>

==== Germany ==== MUN is popular amongst university and high school students in Germany. Examples include the Model United Nations of Munich (MunoM) since 2004 and the country's largest conference, Oldenburg Model United Nations (OLMUN).<ref>{{cite web|title=MUN Conferences for High School Students 2022|url=https://www.model-un.de/en/schueler/|access-date=15 December 2022}}</ref> Most model United Nations Conferences in Germany debate in English. Exceptions to that are high school conferences including the ones organized by (DMUN e.V.) in Stuttgart (MUNBW), Kiel (MUNSH), and Potsdam (MUNBB), as well as the ones organized by (SvEN, Simulation Vereinte Nationen). At the college level, BIMUN/SINUB in Bonn takes place as a multi-lingual conference with live interpretation. The Technical University of Munich's MUNTUM e.V., alongside MUNAM e.V. from LMU Munich, organizes IsarMUN, a large annual conference targeted towards University and high-school students across the world.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.isarmun.org/|title=IsarMUN|website=www.isarmun.org}}</ref>

Every year, usually at the end of February, the MUN conference BayernMUN (Engl. BavariaMUN) takes place at the Nuremberg Castle in Nuremberg. Organised by the United Nations Society Nuremberg (UNSN) e. V., BayernMUN welcomes about 150 to 200 pupils and students not only from Bavaria and Germany, but even from abroad, including students from overseas universities.<ref>{{Cite web |title=BayernMUN – Official Website of Bayern Model United Nations conference hosted by the United Nations Society Nuremberg e.V. |url=https://bayernmun.org/ |access-date=2025-07-22 |language=de}}</ref>

==== Ireland ====

MUN is very popular in Ireland and it is mainly secondary school students who participate, primarily in Dublin. There are two international Conferences in Ireland, Saint Andrew’s International MUN <ref> {{cite web |title=SAIMUN |url= https://www.saimun.ie/}} </ref> and Wesley College Dublin MUN. <ref> {{cite web |title=wcdmun |url= https://wcdmun.ie/ }} </ref>SAIMUN takes place in mid February while WCDMUN is in march. Irish schools also attend the Royal Russel International MUN in Croydon and Saint Andrew’s attends THIMUN.

==== The Netherlands ==== The largest secondary school MUN conference in the Netherlands is The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) conference, which includes over 3500 participants, coming from around 200 schools and 100 countries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thimun.org/9-features/2-thimun-conference|title=THIMUN Conference The Hague|publisher=THIMUN Foundation|access-date=1 December 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131006070307/http://www.thimun.org/9-features/2-thimun-conference|archive-date=6 October 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=Citation is a primary source|date=August 2019}} Although it is not located near the United Nations Headquarters in New York, it is one of the pioneer model United Nations conferences in the world, since it has been founded in 1968{{citation needed|date=April 2019}}and located in the International Court of Justice's (ICJ) world city of The Hague.<ref name="telegraaf">{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraaf.nl/nieuws/1598341/koning-bij-vn-scholierendebat-in-den-haag|title=King at the UN student debate in The Hague|publisher=telegraaf|date=29 January 2018}}</ref> A whole network of conferences is marked by its THIMUN affiliation, a label which describes the universality of the procedures that rule the conference, and make it part of the UN recognized foundation.{{Clarify|date=April 2019}} In 1995, the THIMUN Foundation was accredited as a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communication.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thimun.org/index.php/youth-in-action|title=Youth In Action|publisher=THIMUN Foundation|access-date=1 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208134107/http://www.thimun.org/index.php/youth-in-action|archive-date=8 December 2015|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>{{Better source needed|reason=Citation is a primary source|date=August 2019}} Additionally, THIMUN has established its own conferences' network throughout time: THIMUN Qatar, THIMUN Singapore, THIMUN Online MUN (O-MUN) and THIMUN Latin America conferences have been set up from 2005.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thimun.org/index.php/about/thimun-history|title=THIMUN History|publisher=THIMUN Foundation|access-date=1 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208143613/http://www.thimun.org/index.php/about/thimun-history|archive-date=8 December 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="QATARTHIMUN">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gulf-times.com/story/530389/1-800-students-attending-UN-Model-conference|title=1,800 students attending UN Model conference|publisher=Gulf Times|date=25 January 2017}}</ref>

Additionally, the Netherlands hosts continental Europe's oldest university level MUN conference: The European International Model United Nations (TEIMUN) in the Hague,<ref>{{Cite web |title=About TEIMUN |url=https://teimun.org/about-teimun-2/ |access-date=2026-03-05 |website=TEIMUN |language=en-US}}</ref> in addition to other large university level MUN conferences, such as the prestigious European Model United Nations (EuroMUN) in Maastricht.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About EuroMUN |url=https://www.euromun.net/about-euromun |access-date=2026-03-05 |website=EuroMUN |language=en-US}}</ref>

==== Portugal ==== The Iberian Model United Nations (IMUN), held in Lisbon, is the largest MUN in Portugal and one of the largest high school MUN conferences in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://foundation.thimun.org/affiliation-programme/affiliated-conferences/|title=Affiliated Conferences}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://pt.usembassy.gov/ambassador-sherman-21st-annual-iberian-model-united-nations-conference/|title=Ambassador Sherman at the 21st Annual Iberian Model United Nations Conference|date=13 November 2015|website=U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Portugal |last1=Portugal |first1=U. S. Mission }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.presidencia.pt/?idc=10&idi=137902|title=Sessão de Abertura da XXIII Conferência "Iberian Model United Nations"|website=www.presidencia.pt}}</ref> IMUN's keynote speakers have included politicians, diplomats, United Nations officials, and rights activists, such as author Richard Zimler, U.S. Ambassador Robert A. Sherman,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caislisbon.org/page.cfm?p=910|title=CAISL XX IMUN|access-date=29 March 2020|archive-date=29 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329194330/https://www.caislisbon.org/page.cfm%3Fp%3D910|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="auto"/> and President of Portugal Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.educacionyfp.gob.es/portugal/actualidad/2017/imunc.html|title=La Consejera de Educación de la Embajada de España en Portugal acompaña a los alumnos que representan a nuestro país en la XXIII Annual Iberian Model United Nation Conference|website=www.educacionyfp.gob.es}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.caislisbon.org/page.cfm?p=546&newsid=444|title=CAISL - XXIII IMUN|access-date=29 March 2020|archive-date=29 March 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200329194335/https://www.caislisbon.org/page.cfm?p=546&newsid=444|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==== Spain ==== MUN first arrived in Spain in 2006 with the organization of the Catalonia Model United Nations (C'MUN) in Barcelona.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://exteriors.gencat.cat/es/detalls/noticia/Bosch-Inauguracio-CMUN-2019|title=Bosch durante la inauguración del C'MUN 2019: "Defended los valores de Naciones Unidas en todos sitios"|website=Departamento de Acción Exterior, Relaciones Institucionales y Transparencia|language=es-ES|access-date=2019-08-23|archive-date=23 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823225253/http://exteriors.gencat.cat/es/detalls/noticia/Bosch-Inauguracio-CMUN-2019|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2019, Madrid hosted the Harvard World Model United Nations (WorldMUN), and among the 2,300 participants were 500 Spanish students belonging to 20 different universities.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://elpais.com/ccaa/2019/03/18/madrid/1552932673_267990.html|title=La ONU de los estudiantes se reúne en Madrid|last=Portillo|first=Javier|date=2019-03-18|work=El País|access-date=2019-08-23|language=es|issn=1134-6582}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.lavanguardia.com/politica/20190318/461107870516/madrid-se-convierte-en-una-onu-de-jovenes-para-debatir-los-desafios-mundiales.html|title=Madrid se convierte en una ONU de jóvenes para debatir los desafíos mundiales|date=2019-03-18|website=La Vanguardia|language=es|access-date=2019-08-23}}</ref> Madrid's bid for WorldMUN was led by the Spanish Alliance for Model United Nations (SAMUN), which reunited the students of the four public universities of Madrid: Complutense University of Madrid, Autonomous University of Madrid, Charles III University of Madrid and King Juan Carlos University.<ref name=":2" />

=== North America ===

==== Canada ==== MUN arrived in Canada in the 1950s and 1960s at the Banff Centre. The Canadian International Model United Nations (CANIMUN) was established later, with its first event in 2003.<ref>{{Cite web|title=History – CANIMUN – Canadian International Model United Nations|url=https://canimun.org/history/#:~:text=In%20September%202000,%20Canada's%20Department,from%2010-13%20March%202004.|website=canimun.org|access-date=2026-01-30}}</ref> Other MUN events across Canada include University of Toronto Model United Nations (UTMUN), a conference held annually in January at the University of Toronto,<ref>{{Cite web|title=What is UTMUN?|url=https://www.utmun.org/about-utmun|website=University of Toronto Model United Nations|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en-GB}}</ref> and the Secondary School United Nations Symposium (SSUNS) at McGill University in Montreal.<ref>{{Cite web|title=SSUNS|url=https://www.ssuns.org/ssuns|website=Secondary Schools United Nations Symposium|access-date=2026-01-30|language=en-CA}}</ref>

====United States==== {{Main|Model United Nations in the United States}}

Model United Nations is popular across the United States, with MUN clubs and conferences being found in every region.<ref name="bestdelegate1">{{cite web|url=http://bestdelegate.com/model-un-conferences-database/ |title=High School Conference Database: 2015-2016 |publisher=Best Delegate |date=2015-12-13 |access-date=2016-01-22}}</ref> However, because Model UN is decentralized and has grown autonomously, there are significant disparities in how MUN is done between regions.<ref name="bestdelegate3">{{cite web|author=KFC |url=http://bestdelegate.com/a-tale-of-two-coasts-5-key-differences-between-west-coast-versus-east-coast-model-un/ |title=A Tale of Two Coasts: 5 Key Differences Between West Coast versus East Coast Model UN |publisher=Best Delegate |date=2012-03-06 |access-date=2016-01-22}}</ref>

=== South America ===

====Brazil==== The Americas Model United Nations (AMUN)<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://amun.org.br/|title=AMUN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140516193407/http://amun.org.br/|archive-date=16 May 2014|url-status=dead|access-date=2018-06-29|df=dmy-all}}</ref> was the first MUN Conference to be held in Latin America, accomplishing 21 years of history in 2018 with the edition ''Bring Walls Down, Build Up Connections''.<ref name="UNBRAZIL">{{Cite web|url=https://nacoesunidas.org/simulacao-de-conferencias-da-onu-reune-130-estudantes-em-brasilia/|publisher=UN|title=UN conference simulation gathers 130 students in Brasilia}}</ref>

==== Peru ==== {{more citations needed|section|date=August 2019}} At the university level, Model United Nations started in Peru in 2006 with the United Nations Studies Circle (CENU), a college team from the University of Lima founded to compete at Harvard National Model United Nations. This team would evolve into a full-scale organization, the Peruvian Association for the Study of the United Nations (AENU Peru for its Spanish acronym), a non-for-profit NGO charged with task of promoting MUN in Peru and creating Peru's first "National Delegation", thus creating the Peruvian Universities Debate Team (PU). Starting their new trademark since 2011, PU's has garnered the Best Large Delegation award at Harvard World Model United Nations 2014 held in Brussels, Belgium, and the Best Large Delegation award at Harvard National Model United Nations - Latin America 2017, held in Lima, Peru.<ref name="Peru21">{{Cite web|url=https://peru21.pe/peru/peru-sera-sede-octava-edicion-conferencia-academica-organizada-harvard-453570|publisher=Peru21|title=Peru will host the eighth edition of the academic conference organized by Harvard|date=16 January 2019|access-date=14 August 2019|archive-date=5 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190505204316/https://peru21.pe/peru/peru-sera-sede-octava-edicion-conferencia-academica-organizada-harvard-453570|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 2014, the Peruvian Debate Society (PDS) was founded by experienced MUN delegates as a new alternative towards competing in Harvard International Relations Council conferences. PDS has achieved the Best Large Delegation award at Harvard National Model United Nations Latin America in 2018.<ref name=":9" /> The team won the Best Large Delegation award at the 2018 edition of WorldMUN, held in Panama City. A year later, at WorldMUN 2019 in Madrid, they won an Outstanding Large Delegation award.<ref name=":9">{{Cite news|url=https://elcomercio.pe/somos/historias/conoce-peruanos-expertos-debatir-ganan-competencias-internacionales-noticia-605096-noticia/|newspaper=El Comercio|title=Conoce a los peruanos expertos en debatir que ganan competencias internacionales|date=7 February 2019}}</ref>

At high school level, MUN has been an extracurricular activity since 2012, with the first high school conference Lima Model United Nations (LiMUN) 2012, followed by Villa Maria Model United Nations (VMMUN) 2015, Newton Model United Nations (NewMUN) 2015, and Carmelitas Model United Nations 2015, being the latter school the host for the first Ivy League Model United Nations Conference Peru (ILMUNC 2016). Each school delegation hosts its own conference, including Lima, Cusco, Arequipa and Piura.<ref name="elregional">{{Cite web|url=https://www.elregionalpiura.com.pe/index.php/regionales/151-talara/35725-escolares-talarenos-participaron-del-peru-model-united-nations-2019|publisher=El Regional|date=21 July 2019|title=Talareño schoolchildren participated in Peru Model United Nations 2019|access-date=14 August 2019|archive-date=4 August 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200804023408/https://www.elregionalpiura.com.pe/index.php/regionales/151-talara/35725-escolares-talarenos-participaron-del-peru-model-united-nations-2019|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== Notable participants == * Ban Ki-moon, former Secretary-General of the United Nations<ref>{{Cite web|date=October 2009|title=Global Model UN (Program No. 1207)|url=https://www.un.org/webcast/pdfs/unia1207.pdf|website=UN.org|quote=I participated in a UN-style debate when I was a college student.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160904170027/https://www.un.org/webcast/pdfs/unia1207.pdf|archive-date=4 September 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> * Chelsea Clinton, former first daughter of the United States<ref>{{Cite tweet |user=ChelseaClinton|author=Chelsea Clinton |number=856904088553967616 |date = 25 April 2017 |title=I loved Model U.N. & was a proud member of our high school team for 3 years (never ran to be Model U.N. president). Good luck Broti! }}</ref> * George Stephanopoulos, television journalist and former adviser to U.S. President Bill Clinton<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2001/11/25/style/weddings-vows-alexandra-wentworth-george-stephanopoulos.html|title=WEDDINGS: VOWS; Alexandra Wentworth, George Stephanopoulos|last=Kuczynski|first=Alex|date=2001-11-25|work=The New York Times|access-date=2019-05-09|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> * Joel Stein, American journalist, former writer for the ''Los Angeles Times'' and regular contributor to ''Time''<ref>{{cite web |author1=Jessica |date=22 April 2012 |title=My Interview with Journalist Joel Stein |url=http://bestdelegate.com/my-interview-with-journalist-joel-stein/ |work=Best Delegate}}</ref> * Kiyotaka Akasaka, former UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information<ref>{{Cite web |date=17 September 2008 |title=United Nations to Organize First Ever Global Model UN Student Conference |url=https://www.un.org/press/en/2008/pi1858.doc.htm |access-date=2019-05-10 |website=www.un.org}}</ref> * Nick Fuentes, American far-right political commentator<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-02-10 |title=LTHS Model UN Club travels to Harvard |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/western-springs/ct-dlg-lt-model-un-tl-0219-20150210-story.html |access-date=2023-12-02 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> * Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and Leader of the Official Opposition of Canada<ref>{{Cite news |last=Warnica |first=Richard |date=29 April 2025 |title=Opinion {{!}} For Pierre Poilievre, losing means never having to live in the real world |url=https://www.thestar.com/opinion/star-columnists/for-pierre-poilievre-losing-means-never-having-to-live-in-the-real-world/article_a145c5eb-1d05-40c0-ac44-2b9a39de2ed5.html |access-date=3 May 2025 |work=The Toronto Star}}</ref> * Paul Ryan, former speaker of the United States House of Representatives, 2012 US vice-presidential nominee, and former congressman from Wisconsin<ref>{{Cite news |last=Strauss |first=Valerie |date=2012-08-11 |title=Paul Ryan's status in high school |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/post/paul-ryan-in-high-school-voted-by-his-senior-class-as/2012/08/11/5ec92fca-e420-11e1-a25e-15067bb31849_blog.html |access-date=2022-01-28 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Semuels |first=Alana |date=2012-08-11 |title=A look at Paul Ryan's hometown, high school history |url=https://www.latimes.com/politics/la-xpm-2012-aug-11-la-pn-a-look-at-paul-ryans-hometown-high-school-history-20120811-story.html |access-date=2022-01-28 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> * Rainn Wilson, actor best known for playing Dwight Schrute on NBC's ''The Office''<ref>{{cite web |title=A glimpse into Rainn Wilson's 'SoulPancake' |url=http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/people/2010-11-18-rainn-wilson_N.htm?csp=34 |work=USA Today}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Bayard |first=Louis |date=2015-12-07 |title='The Bassoon King' review: There's more to Rainn Wilson than Dwight Schrute |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/books/the-bassoon-king-review-theres-more-to-rainn-wilson-than-dwight-schrute/2015/12/07/0c780114-99fe-11e5-8917-653b65c809eb_story.html |access-date=2022-01-27 |newspaper=Washington Post |language=en-US |issn=0190-8286}}</ref> * Stephen M. Schwebel, former judge and president of the International Court of Justice<ref>{{Cite web |last=Rogers |first=David C.D. |date=November 15, 1951 |title=Mock College 'U.N. Assembly' Plans To Give Suggestions to State Dept. {{!}} News {{!}} The Harvard Crimson |url=https://www.thecrimson.com/article/1951/11/15/mock-college-un-assembly-plans-to/ |access-date=2019-05-10 |website=www.thecrimson.com |language=en}}</ref> * Suzan G. LeVine, former U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bern.usembassy.gov/mobile//ev_120514.html |title=Events &#124; Bern, Switzerland - Embassy of the United States |publisher=Bern.usembassy.gov |date=5 December 2014 |access-date=22 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160128165118/http://bern.usembassy.gov/mobile//ev_120514.html |archive-date=28 January 2016 |url-status=dead |df=dmy-all }}</ref> * Tom Donilon, former National Security Advisor in the Obama administration<ref>{{cite news |last=Horowitz |first=Jason |date=20 December 2010 |title=Tom Donilon: Political wunderkind to policy trailblazer |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122005033_3.html?itid=lk_inline_manual_16&sid=ST2010100900243 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20201026160105/https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/12/20/AR2010122005033_3.html?itid=lk_inline_manual_16&sid=ST2010100900243 |archive-date=26 October 2020 |access-date=26 October 2020 |newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref> * Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, King of the Netherlands<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://foundation.thimun.org/about/thimun-history/|title=THIMUN History – Page 2 – THIMUN Foundation|language=en-US|access-date=2019-05-09|archive-date=12 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190412161331/https://foundation.thimun.org/about/thimun-history/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== See also == <!--Please do not add promotional links to Model UN conferences or organizations-->

* Debate * Experiential learning * Global civics * Global Classrooms * Mock election * Mock trial * Model Arab League * Model Congress * Model European Union Strasbourg * Model G20 * Moot court * United Nations Association of the United States of America

==References== {{Reflist}}

== Further reading == * Dille, Brian (2017). ''Engaging the United Nations: A Brief Introduction to the UN''. Engagement Learning. {{ISBN|9780998851808}}. * Leslie, Scott A. (2004). ''A Guide to Delegate Preparation: A Model United Nations Handbook''. The United Nations Association of the United States of America, softcover. {{ISBN|1-880632-71-3}}. * Muldoon, J. P. (1995). "The Model United Nations Revisited". ''Simulation & Gaming'', ''26''(1), 27–35. {{doi|10.1177/1046878195261003}}. * Turunç, Kerem (2009). ''The Winning Delegate: An Insider's Guide to Model United Nations'', 2nd ed. iUniverse. {{ISBN|978-1440144301}}.

==External links== {{commons category}} * [https://www.un.org/en/mun "Model United Nations"] at United Nations website

{{United Nations|state=collapsed}}

Category:Model United Nations Category:Educational programs Category:Youth model government Category:Student organizations Category:International relations education Category:Experiential learning