What is a Model United Nation?

The idea of a MUN is pretty simple: a Model of the United Nations is a simulation of the United Nations system.

In this model students assume the roles of ambassadors to the United Nations and debate the current issues on the UN’s agenda.

Through diplomacy and negotiation, Model UN students seek ways that the world community can deal with complex global concerns such as the environment, economic development, refugees, AIDS, conflict resolution, disarmament and human rights.

Young people of all backgrounds participate in these educational exercises to experience first-hand decision-making processes and diplomatic work at the United Nations.

In spring 2013 it will be the seventh time that students from all over the world come together in the historical city of Münster under the flag of the United Nations. About 250 students from 40 countries participate annually at the MUIMUN conference. A high degree of internationalism provides diversity among the participants and promotes cultural exchange, which gives MUIMUN a unique atmosphere. Remarkably, the conference goes back on a student initiative of the University of Münster and planning and implementation are entirely student-run.

What is special about MUIMUN?

What makes MUIMUN unique in contrast to other MUN conferences is the scholarship program. Often participants of East Europe, Asia, South and Middle America as well as Africa are underproportionally represented due to the lack of financial means. Being convinced that high qualified students from those regions deserve a chance to participate in such an event and enrich the conference with new perspectives, MUIMUN offers scholarships, covering travel and accommendation expenses.

What will happen in MUIMUN 2013?

Since May 2012 the new organisation team of about 40 students from all different fields of study are planning next year’s conference from the 2nd until the 06th of April. Under the theme “Spot on the blind spots – new directions for global discourse” we will discuss problems which are not on the first page of UN’s global agenda, even though they should be rewarded with high attention,too. Find out more about this topic here.

Besides being an intellectual challenge, MUIMUN also is a wonderful opportunity to meet new people and have lots of fun. We always make sure to provide a variety of evening activities where you can intensify your “diplomatic” contacts  – and increase your sleep deprivation…

When at the end of the week the closing ceremony finally draws near, you will wish that MUIMUN 2014 would come soon.