Model United Nations (Model UN) is a hands-on civic learning program where students in grades 7-12 take on the role of diplomat from one of 193 countries, engage in respectful discussions about the state of the world, and explore solutions to international challenges.

The program starts in late fall when students join or form a delegation at their school. Delegations meet regularly to research countries, prepare for program areas, and practice presentation skills. In early March, delegates from all over the state come together for our in-person LAUNCH event to help prepare for the three-day conference in late March. On April 4th, more than 500 delegates from all over the state will come together in downtown Minneapolis for the annual Model UN conference, where they meet in program area groups to discuss and debate global issues, pass resolutions, form diplomatic alliances, and draft legal opinions while practicing cooperation and diplomacy.

Highlights

  • Explore relevant, global issues and how they affect your life
  • Practice using cooperation and diplomacy to influence others
  • Meet students from different racial, cultural, economic, and political backgrounds
  • Build self-confidence and improve your public speaking skills
  • Gains skills that set you apart in college applications and job interviews.

Who

Students in grades 7-12

How can you participate?

Once you have completed program registration, each delegation will work together to submit for their country choice and program area. Delegates should only submit one form per country group and countries will not be assigned until ALL delegates have registered. Program areas include:

General Assembly

7-12th GRADE

Present and debate your country’s viewpoint in committee and propose solutions to world problems to the General Assembly, the main policymaking body of the United Nations.

Security Council

9-12th GRADE

Investigate issues that could lead to international conflict and resolve crisis situations of safety and security using consensus and careful negotiation.

Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)

9-12th GRADE

Research and discuss topics including the environment, water access and sustainable development to propose solutions that keep economies strong and improve the lives of people worldwide.

Economic and Social Council Jr. (ECOSOC)

7-8th GRADE

Research and discuss topics including the environment, water access and sustainable development to propose solutions that keep economies strong and improve the lives of people worldwide.

Human Rights Council

9-12th GRADE

Learn about vulnerable and marginalized groups of people and develop proposals to address past and current abuses.

Global Forum

9-12th GRADE

Learn about and discuss current global issues using economics, education, the human condition, diplomacy, and security as lenses to explore effective solutions.

International Court of Justice

9-12th GRADE

Resolve disputes between member states, debate how to interpret treaties, and make important decisions based on international law.

Media

9-12th GRADE

Conduct interviews, write articles and opinion pieces, film important events at Model UN, and report on election results.

Conference Resource Center

9-12th GRADE

Represent and advocate for various United Nations agencies, analyze resolutions to determine budget requirements, and administer elections at the conference.

 

 

2024 Model United Nations Dates

Conference:

Thursday, April 4 – Saturday, April 6, 2024

Located at the Minneapolis Marriott Hotel

LAUNCH Training Event:

Early March, 2024

Location: *TBD

Cost

Program Registration Fee: $399.00

Delegations may choose to add additional fees. Ask your delegation director for total program costs as well as how to apply for financial assistance.