Each program is run independently, but goals common to all programs are to increase international understanding and develop the art of peaceful negotiation among potential national and international leaders. Program participants are assigned a country that they will represent in a simulated General Assembly session. Several international political issues are identified by the group sponsoring the Model UN session that will serve as the focus of discussions.
Participants meet, caucus, prepare policy papers, debate issues, draft and vote on resolutions.
Researchers must familiarize themselves with the foreign policy positions of their assigned country, as well as its pattern of participation within the United Nations. The country information that they will find most useful includes current political history, historical voting patterns, speeches and statements from political leaders, resolutions their country has sponsored, and groups of countries they have formed coalitions with in drafting resolutions and voting on resolutions. This guide identifies a seven-step strategy and key sources to assist Model UN participants in their research. Seven-Step Strategy for Model UN Research 1. Familiarize yourself with the the country that you are representing A number of standard sources found in documents collections are available for providing the current information researchers need.