Model United Nations Security Council
April 11, 2001
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April 11, 2001 |
The ninth annual Model United Nations Security Council at Frostburg State University will be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2001 in the Lane Center on the Frostburg State University campus. The Model is an all-day event lasting from 9:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., with coffee, donuts and juice provided in the morning, and meal passes for the campus cafeteria for lunch.
The Model UN is designed to give area high school students a better understanding of the United Nations and the role it plays in the world. Participation in the model gives students greater insight into the workings of multilateral diplomacy. Students also learn about important issues in contemporary world politics. Delegations are expected to research both the issue and their member country so that they can provide accurate representation at the model. Each delegation will have the opportunity to give an opening statement reflecting their country's position. Each delegation will also be given the opportunity to question and debate other delegations regarding their positions on the issues. The simulation follows UN rules and procedures (with some modifications).
This year's simulation will focus on the current Israeli-Palestinian crisis. The West Bank and Gaza have been engulfed in violence and turmoil for the past five months. The Oslo peace process has become paralyzed. A new government led by militant Likud leader Ariel Sharon has taken power in Israel, The Sharon government shows no signs of moving towards compromise with the Palestinians and every sign of a willingness to behave in a more confrontational fashion. Analysts of the region are becoming increasingly fearful that the violence might spread beyond the West Bank and Gaza into a greater regional conflict.
Each participating school will be assigned at least one country on the security council to represent (the number depends on the number of students and the number of schools participating). Each delegation is provided with a set of briefing papers (see links below) which include: description of the United Nations and its major organs; background paper on this year's issue; current situation report concerning this year's issue area; rules and procedures for the model; the United Nations Charter; and a schedule of the days activities.
Each high school can request to have a member of the Political Science Department meet with their delegation to review procedures and develop strategies. These training sessions can be done through distance learning facilities if desired. These training sessions have been effective in the past and we encourage you to utilize this resource.
We enjoy bringing this exciting experience to area students. If I can be of any further assistance or if you require any further information, please do no hesitate to call or e-mail us at the numbers listed below
Steve Twing: (301) 687-3097; stwing@frostburg.edu
Briefing Papers:
Major Organs of the United Nations
Background paper on the Middle East
Current situation report on the Middle East
Rules and procedures for the model
Country Assignments(to be loaded soon)
Additional Information:
Schedule of the days activities
Back to:
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Political Science Department Page