The delegates from Dayton

The delegates from the University of Dayton had the floor last November as 28 students joined together to debate international policy at the American Model United Nations Conference in Chicago.

Along with more than 50 universities from around the country, UD students learned real United Nations processes and debated international political issues from chemical weapon disarmament to the rights of Indigenous peoples.

Earlier in the semester, UD’s Model UN team received the countries of Ireland, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates to research. In preparation for the Chicago conference, they spent weeks delving into the policies and history of each country.

“[Everyone] brings their own skills to the table over a common interest of international affairs, and each person’s different skills brings something new to the table and improves everyone around them,” said Model UN club president Mitchell O’Brien, a senior international studies major.

For more than 45 years, Model UN has been a part of the community of clubs and organizations at UD.

Model UN secretary, senior human rights studies major Lila Acott, said some of the greatest benefits she’s experienced as a member of the club are the regular opportunities to practice public speaking, research, policy writing and creative problem solving.

“Personally, Model UN has led me to understand my vocation better,” Acott said.

Model UN club organizes an annual fall high school conference where UD students host approximately 150 high school students from clubs in Ohio and Indiana. Model UN members teach them the basic rules and policies of the Model UN, preparing them for future conference debates.

“Working in committee with a partner, students are able to improve their collaborative skills, writing position papers and resolutions that help with research and writing skills,” O’Brien said. 

In April, UD’s Model UN club will travel to New York City for the National Model UN Conference. Organized by the United Nations, the conference will host more than 300 schools with students from 123 countries.

“We are all not just nerds who like flags and maps,” O’Brien laughed. “Model UN is more than an academic club; [it’s also] an amazing group of friends.”