Model United Nations, commonly known as Model UN or MUN, is a simulation in which students take on the roles of diplomats representing different countries in international organizations such as the United Nations (UN).

Participants research foreign policy positions, engage in formal debate, lobby for alliances, and collaborate on draft resolutions. Students discuss matters of global importance such as security, climate change, and human rights. By stepping into the shoes of decision-makers, students develop essential skills in drafting, negotiation, critical thinking, and international relations.

The first simulation of an international conference took place in 1921 in Oxford, when students simulated the League of Nations. This spread to America and other nations. After the end of World War II and the formation of the UN in 1945, the first real Model UN took place in Swarthmore College in 1947.

The 1950s witnessed the earliest and some of the most prestegious MUNs coming into existence at Harvard and Berkeley. The first Highschool MUNs take place in 1968. In 2020, the first online MUNs emerged.

At a Model UN conference, you step into the shoes of an international representative to tackle real-world global problems. You begin by researching your assigned country's official policies on the topic so you can represent its interests.

Once the session starts, everyone takes turns giving short speeches to share their country's viewpoint and main goals. Next, you move into informal discussions where you talk directly with other representatives, negotiate compromises, and form alliances called 'blocs'.

Together with your bloc, you write up clear, step-by-step proposals called 'resolutions' that offer practical solutions to the issue. Finally, the group reviews, adjusts (through amendments), and votes on these resolutions to decide which solutions get officially approved.

This is a list of some of the most prestegious MUN conferences from around the globe. We have provided the name, the age group, and the country of origin. You can click on the name to visit their homepage.

Start with respect. In MUN, always address the chair properly, wait your turn, and keep your tone diplomatic. Even if you disagree, focus on ideas instead of personalities.

Collaboration is your secret weapon. Jump into caucuses, listen like you mean it, and build resolutions that feel like team projects, not solo essays. The more you pull others in, the stronger your alliances, and your ideas become.

Show professionalism in small habits. Dress neatly, arrive on time, and stick to speech time limits. Courtesy toward peers and staff makes you stand out. Good etiquette is not about rules for their own sake; it’s about showing you can balance confidence with respect.