Model United Nations Class Takes 13 STUdents to the 2024 National Model United Nations Conference in NYC
STUdents from STU's Model United Nations course recently travelled to New York City for the National Model United Nations Conference, where STU was awarded a Distinguished Delegation Award.
This was STU's first time participating in the New York City National Model United Nations, where 13 STUdents had the opportunity to represent Malaysia on diverse issues and committees. STUdents immersed themselves, collaborating with fellow delegates from other schools worldwide.
Third-year International Relations and Economics STUdent, James Brennan, and third-year International Relations and Communications and Public Policy STUdent, Valeria Nicola brought home a Position Paper Award from the conference for their work on articulating Malaysia's position on two topics: the "Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Children in Conflict," and "Preventing Violence and Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity."
"Participating in my first Model UN conference was absolutely amazing; it was everything I expected and more," said Brennan.
Brennan and Nicola participated in the General Assembly Third Committee, discussing and debating global issues with around 200 students from across the United States and beyond.
"Representing a country on the world stage is a rewarding experience because it challenges you to master your country's policy, consider perspectives other than your own, and effectively communicate those perspectives through your public speaking ability," said Brennan.
For Brennan, a highlight of the trip to NYC was the conference's closing ceremony, during which the STUdents sat in the UN General Assembly chamber listening to speeches from UN officials and the conference organizers.
"Being in such an important room where so many world leaders have delivered historic addresses is such a cool feeling; we were proud to stand as St. Thomas University was recognized as a Distinguished Delegation," said Brennan.
"Participating in this conference was an incredible experience. Acting as the representative of Malaysia in the General Assembly, I had the privilege of engaging in discussions on pressing global issues," said Nicola.
"Overall, it was an enriching experience that broadened my perspective and allowed me to contribute to finding solutions to real-world challenges."
Nicola and Brennan worked on their position papers back in February and were very proud to be recognized amongst their peers for the quality of their work. All delegates submit their position papers ahead of the conference for each of their committee topics.
"Receiving the Position Paper Award was incredibly meaningful for James and me. It marked the end of a journey filled with hard work, dedication, and team effort," said Nicola. "Being recognized among nearly 200 students from different countries was a moment of immense pride and gratitude; it was amazing to see that our effort had made an impact and resonated with others."
Get involved with Model UN at STU
The Model United Nations course prepares students for participation in either Canadian or American-sponsored Model United Nations simulation. In a model UN simulation, students represent an assigned country's foreign policy on assigned issues on the UN agenda.
In addition to the Model United Nations course on-campus there is also a Model United Nations society for students.