Out of the past 54 Midwest Model United Nations Conferences in St. Louis, Fort Hays State University has participated in 53. This year, 19 students, representing Cuba and the United Kingdom, addressed a variety of world issues.
“The students were exposed to and learned about international relations live in a global society. They learned no matter where they are from they are a part of a larger community and most issues we face are global,” said Dr. Curt Brungardt, Omer G. Voss Distinguished Professor of Leadership Studies and director of the Center for Civic Leadership at FHSU.
Students had five weeks to research their topics and countries and combine results into a binder.
“Researching the topic areas from your country’s perspective is only the beginning,” said Chris Roberts, Salina sophomore. “You must have an understanding of Model UN parliamentary procedure, the formality of resolution writing and the art of negotiation.”
Delegates played their roles and represented their countries to create resolutions that represent what the United Nations would do. Each of the eight committees wrote a resolution for each of their topics such as nuclear disarmament, peacekeeping and peace building, and the World Food Program.
“The most challenging part was staying in my role as a Cuban delegate and not a representative from the U.S.A.,” said Alexis Mesmer, Phillipsburg junior. “It conflicted with several of my beliefs and views, especially since I’m a military brat. Another issue was getting along with other nations and respecting their countries’ views. It was very hard getting along with everyone long enough to make a resolution paper and amendments that we all agreed on and supported each nation.”
“Model UN is the kind of simulation that tests your ability to prepare, your application of knowledge, and role playing ability,” said Trey Basa, St. George freshman.
Next year, FHSU will represent Saudi Arabia and Greece in the 55th Model UN conference.
“Besides gaining some really great friendships, I was also able to learn about global issues that I wasn’t aware of or did not realize all the components that went into the issue,” Holly Weiss, Anthony senior.
Students who attended the Model United Nations are: Amherst, Neb., Kendra Clark, senior; Anthony, Holly Weiss, senior; Baldwin City, Elizabeth Sigvaldson, sophomore; Ellsworth, Anna Hand, sophomore; Elwood, Neb., Grant Rahjes, sophomore; Hoyt, Jayde Boyer, senior;Onizah Qassim, Saudi Arabia, Saleh Almohaimedy, senior; Phillipsburg, Alexis Mesmer, junior; Plains, Juliana Herrera, senior; Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Alsolmi, junior; Russel, Nathanael Holland, sophomore; Salina, Chris Roberts, sophomore; Shenyang, China, Lisa Luo, senior; Spearville, Tonya Hines, junior; St. George, Trey Basa, freshman; Topeka, Arynne Smallback, sophomore; Wheat Ridge, Colo., Carolyn Campbell, senior; Wichita, Alesha Stroh, sophomore, Austin Tatro, junior.