Students unite for international debate
Students from Dundee University's Model United Nations Society will debate some of the most pressing issues facing the world at an international conference this month.
- By Bruce Robbins
- Published in the Courier : 15.11.10
- Published online : 15.11.10 @ 05.03pm
The Dundee delegation has been preparing for the Cambridge University International Model United Nations (CUIMUN) conference from November 26-28 by discussing the most prevalent issues in international affairs through their mock sessions programme.
Nine members will travel, the largest ever delegation from the Dundee MUNS formed three years ago.
Law and international relations student Alexander Newell, president and a founding member of the Dundee group, said the society had a proud record of representing the university on the international stage at conferences, with past delegations being awarded prizes for their endeavours.
He said, "The delegation being sent to Cambridge will provide delegates with first hand experience of representing a UN member through negotiation with allies and adversaries.
"Their aim is to provide remedies for the worlds most complex problems — all in the interest of mobilising 'international co-operation' to resolve global issues."
Alexander, who was selected to chair the Cumbre Iberoamericana (Ibero-American summit), a Spanish speaking committee which will take place in Spain in April, added, "Our delegates have been tenaciously preparing for the conference and I am sure the delegation will represent our university well."
Model UN societies are popular at campuses across the world.
Members simulate different UN functions, such as the Security Council and Human Rights Council, taking on the roles of foreign diplomats and presenting their position on contemporary global events and problems.
Participants are expected to research a country, investigate relevant domestic and international issues, and represent that country in mock debates with delegates who have taken on the role of diplomats from other countries and who often present conflicting interests and views.
Members learn about global citizenship, improve their communication skills, and discover the advantages and problems arising from multilateral diplomacy.
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