The Best Delegate Summer Tour kicked off with the Yale Model United Nations Institute (YMUNI), the first nationwide summer program hosted by a college MUN club.
Twenty-eight students from across the United States attended YMUNI. Most had some Model UN experience; some were doing Model UN for the first time; but everyone was there to learn more about Model UN and develop their public speaking and leadership skills. YMUNI also provided scholarships and financial aid.
YMUNI students at Yale University
YMUNI was led by Executive Director and former MUNTY Head Delegate Eesan Balakumar. Eesan and co-teacher Greg Pennington taught classes on Model UN rules and skills. KFC and I led workshops on leadership, and how Model UN skills apply to other areas of student life.
Alex Crutchfield served as Dean of Fun and organized various social events throughout the week. My personal favorite was a nighttime game of India vs. Pakistan, AKA Capture the Flag, except with nuclear weapons. Carolyn Lipka and Maria Kouneli also served as camp counselors.
YMUNI students getting ready for India vs. Pakistan Capture the Flag
Former YIRA President Frankie Costa gave a guest lecture on the Eurozone debt crisis. And Professor Paul Kennedy, who literally wrote the book on the United Nations, delivered the keynote lecture at the end of the week on the work of the UN.
Frankie Costa delivers a lecture on the Eurozone crisis
Professor Paul Kennedy delivered a keynote lecture on the United Nations
YMUNI also featured a day at the United Nations, where students received private briefings from the United Nations Development Program and US Ambassador to the UN Rosemary DiCarlo.
YMUNI students received a private briefing from UNDP officials at the United Nations Headquarters
Ambassador DiCarlo gives a private briefing to YMUNI students at the Office of the US Mission to the United Nations
