The largest single venue High School Model United Nations Conference in history took place in New York City March 4th-7th, 2015. The National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN) Conference, currently in its 41st year, had over 3,800 students from 25 countries and over 100 staff members in attendance. NHSMUN is a project of the International Model United Nations Association (IMUNA).
The Model UN Committees
Delegate in the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee speaking about women’s rights.
According to Shirley Wu, the Secretary-General, “Our conference is really dedicated to education. We do not see it as a competition for schools or delegates, but as a learning opportunity.” Shirley, a senior at Princeton University, explained that the conference does not distribute individual awards for most of the committees, but instead focuses on experiential learning throughout the conference. Shirley said that within the committee room , “our directors love to teach students the importance of the issues they are talking about.”
Delegates presenting a Draft Resolution during Committee.
In order to maximize the learning for students at NHSMUN 2015, NHSMUN Directors and Assistant Directors provided feedback to students on their position papers prior to the conference. Throughout the weekend students got to represent countries and learn what it is like to be a diplomat. The conference culminated in closing ceremonies where students visited the General Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters.
The educational opportunities at NHSMUN go beyond a typical Model United Nations Conference and allow students to learn about real world issues. NHSMUN is active in the Thank a Peacekeeper campaign run by the Better World Campaign, and UNA-USA . Students at NHSMUN wrote to United Nations Peacekeepers serving around the world. Currently over 110,000 peacekeepers from 116 countries are deployed to 15 UN missions around the world.
Service Learning Project
NHSMUN also partnered with UNICEF and during the conference students had the opportunity to hear from UNICEF guest speakers as part of the conference’s speaker series. Delegates learned about water scarcity, potable water, and the UNICEF Tap Project.
During the month of March, World Water Month, The UNICEF Tap Project enables individuals to help give clean drinking water to children in need. Sponsors and donors make donations to UNICEF for every minute participating individuals stay off their cell phones.
Learn more about the UNICEF Tap Project and take the challenge today!
Faculty Advisor Training
In addition to the educational opportunities for students NHSMUN also featured a series of educational workshops for faculty advisors. Faculty advisors participated in a Model United Nations Simulation, new advisors were able to talk with experienced advisors, Best Delegate hosted a Frequently Asked Questions session, and there was a wine and cheese reception for faculty advisors to get to know each other.
Closing Ceremony
Closing Ceremony was a highlight of the conference for many students. Here is what one student from Stratford School Academy in East London had to say about the experience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwuMOEML1Og&feature=youtu.be
Students from the Stratford School Academy in London visiting the General Assembly during NHSMUN 2015
American Heritage School at the General Assembly during NHSMUN 2015.
NHSMUN Delegate at the UN General Assembly.
School Awards
The Following Schools won School Awards at NHSMUN:
Research & Preparation Award of Distinction
Richland Northeast HS
Research & Preparation Award of Excellence
Highland Park HS
Research & Preparation Award of Merit
Cerritos HS
Outstanding Achievement by a Foreign Language Delegation
Instituto Andes
Bachillerato Alexander Bain
Laurentius Gymnasium Neuendettelsau
Colegio Merici
Awards of Distinction
Chicagoland Jewish HS
Horace Mann School
Huntington Beach HS
Mira Costa HS
Richland Northeast HS
Awards of Excellence
American Heritage Plantation
Cerritos HS
Franklin HS
Highland Park HS
Radnor HS
Awards of Merit
Brighton HS
Centennial HS
Spring Valley HS
Woodstock Academy
Whitney HS
Photo Gallery
To see the complete gallery of photos from NHSMUN click here.
Special thanks to the teachers and students who contributed photos and videos to this article.
