The United Nations is probably the most important organization in the entire world. They work around the clock to keep the world at peace and make decisions that can influence generations to come. So what if you got to fill their shoes for just three days? In the Model UN club, that’s just what you get to do.

The United Nations was founded in the wake of the Second World War and the horrible atrocities committed during it. The allied nations thought it would be better to bring the world together through a single international lawmaking body. Countries within the UN have voting rights to pass certain laws or “resolutions”, which I will explain later. The head of the UN is called the General Secretary. The first General Secretary of the United Nations was Trygve Lie, a Norwegian former labor leader. A labor leader is kind of like an activist for workers. In this way, many thought him as a natural leader. The UN pledged to keep the peace between the world nations, so we may never again see another world war. They manage issues as large as human rights, and other issues we may not even think about, such as food distribution in the world.

In the Model UN, which was added last school year at FMS, you are first assigned a country. Then, you choose a committee of the UN that deals with a certain issue. For example, you could get the country Italy and choose the World Health Organization committee. You then get to learn about the country’s point of view on the topic and what it supports and opposes. Eventually, with a partner, you will have to write a position paper, a document which clarifies your country’s point of view on the chosen issue. After all of this, you finally go to the best part of the club. The conference in New York City.

After writing your position paper, it is time to get ready for the conference of the Model UN, where you argue your country’s point on the issue and have the opportunity to meet kids from all over the world. The ultimate goal of the conference is to pass a “resolution” on your issue. A resolution is a document that states how you will solve the assigned issue. The conference begins by arriving at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York. Then, you are separated by the committee into different rooms. Almost immediately you are swept into open debate. There is a list of long and complicated words which I will not get into here. However, two very important phrases are “moderated caucus” and “unmoderated caucus.” A moderated caucus is when you speak formally about the issue in front of the other delegations there. An unmoderated caucus is when you get out of your seats to discuss the issues with other delegations without speaking formally.

Eventually, you need to form “blocs” with other delegations there. Blocs are alliances which you can use to help pass your resolution as the answer to the issue at hand. Usually, other delegations present in your bloc share the same thoughts as you on how to solve an issue. After a while, it comes down to two main blocs competing to make their resolution the one that passes. Once resolutions are read to all the delegations present, the delegations may vote on a resolution. The resolution with ⅔ of the votes wins.

So that’s what the Model UN is all about. The FMS Model UN attended the conference in New York at the end of March. Think you’re interested? Look out for announcements to join next year and be part of something great!