Pace University New York City student Lindita Capric ’17 (right) with other delegates in a simulation of the UN General Assembly Second Committee at the 2013 National Model UN conference in Washington DC.
The 2013 National Model United Nations conference in Washington DC was an exceptional learning experience that allowed us to implement what we learned in class into a hands-on simulation that challenged us on all levels.
We not only learned about policymaking protocol and how the United Nations functions, we also studied current international topics, and refined public speaking skills and persuasive writing tactics. Overall, the class and conference proved educational and exciting.
The Model UN class has been a unique experience. Not only did I learn about the country I was given, I was encouraged to learn about how the topic at hand affected countries in different corners of the world. The class delivers in all that it promised to; it challenges its students to put themselves in someone else’s shoes and understand how global concerns specifically affect the populace of the country they were assigned, as well as other countries throughout the world.
During the conference we each took the positions of ambassadors and were sent fourth to negotiate with our allies as well as our rivals to resolve current problems. The conference, as a hands-on simulation, was very educational and allowed us to understand how the UN functions as a problem solving body. It enables their students to meet and interact with students from a variety of different countries and empowers them to make the world a better place. We learned about our world today, and were equipped with the tools to become citizens of change.
The conference and class changed the way I approach situations and armed me with the ability to address circumstances from a diplomatic prospective. Model UN has helped me improve in public speaking skills, persuasive writing methods, and taught me how to deal and compromise with other people’s ideals and opinions. Model UN was not just a fun and exciting class, but has helped me realize that I would like to pursue a career in international relations as well.
– Lindita Capric ’17, who, along with her delegation partner Christopher Azara ’14, represented Argentina in a simulation of the UN General Assembly First Committee. The Pace students representing Argentina received an “Distinguished Delegation” award from conference for their excellent work.