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Back to Unit 6: Preparing for More Complex Conferences.
Unlike traditional Model UN conferences which have, in effect, a “time freeze” (you discuss a topic without the situation changing), many Model UN conferences now have “Crisis” or “Real-Time” elements. These committees receive updates and interruptions that change the situation faced by the committee even as they are deliberating. This makes the committee a much more complex experience.
An example might be that you are assigned to the UN Security Council and, in the midst of discussing your assigned topic, you learn that a major conflict has broken out somewhere in the world. Your role as a delegate is to best address the issue as your assigned country would. Staying calm, in character, and working as hard as you can is the best way to get through a crisis committee. They are fun committees to be in as it makes the simulation much more urgent and real. However, remember it is only a simulation. Take time for a ‘breather’ to avoid getting too stressed out by the heightened drama and conflict of the crisis.
For strategies on how to prepare for a crisis committee, read this article from Best Delegate.
Kelsey McGhee and Matthew Bolton for Pace University, 2013. Version 3.0 BETA. For information, permissions or corrections, contact Dr. Matthew Bolton, mbolton@pace.edu