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UPEI National Model United Nations

by Sheila Lund "We want students who are serious

about international affairs and .

who are looking for a challenging educational experience. "

The National Model United Nations simulation “provides stu- dents with a realistic perspective of international affairs." stated the UPEI NMUN President, Paul Peacock, during a recent inter- view.

The Model United Nations course is a credit course offered every second semester at UPEI un— der the title of Special Studies 4828 and is under the instruction of Professor Gary Webster. Stu- dents interested in taking a course need ‘no special prerequisites other than interest,“ said Peacock, but added that “experience in public speaking is a definite asset." The coordinators of the course hope to get people from Toastmasters, to help the students’ public speaking abilities. Peacock commented that

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-they also hope to “draw knowledge and experience from different faculties at UPEI and from some outside experts in the Canadian Government."

'The actual simulation takes place in late March and early April every year in New York City. It is usually during the last week of classes, when exams are starting, “50 we need students who can han- dle this experience without their grades suffering."

While in New York, partici- pants usually only get about l'/2 days of free time in which to go sight-seeing, but get about 4 full days of intense politicking. “You‘re up at 7 a.m. and go right through until ll p.m., with two- hour breaks for lunch and supper.” Peacock stated.

The simulation opens and closes in the General Assembly of the United Nations Building, but the majority of the simulation takes place in the different conference

rooms ofthe hotel in which you are staying.

Approximately 1500 students representing approximately l00 different universities across Canada and the United States are involved in NMUN. such as Georgetown, West Point. and McGill. Peacock felt that as a par- ticipant “you not only get to ex- perience politics from an inter- national perspective, but also ex- perience how other people across North America perceive inter- national affairs."

Peacock said the simulation was a “team effort“, with no one posi- tion any more important than the other. “It is a real experience in diplomacy and back-room politicking. Students can really ex- perience the fr_ustrations and chal- lenges that face the world today."

During the run of the course. people will be developing public speaking skills as well as

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knowledge of the specific countries” political structure, and international and external policies. “Ideally, each student in New York will feel like they are a citizen of the country they are

representing."

Peacock felt that the UPEI delegation has “done very well in the past." As a group, they have not won any awards, but each year seem to be only one or two com- mittees away from getting awards.

In the past. the UPEI delegation has represented countries such as Algeria, Nicaragua, Ethiopia, and

Mongolia. which constitute Arab, ~

African. Central American, and East Asian bloc countries.

"Up to this point in my educa- tion. the NMUN simulation in New York has been the most gratifying and beneficial ex- perience of my academic career." stated Peacock. who has been the the NMUN twice so he cannot

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take the course again. He sees the - potential of the course as to the benefit of UPEI students. As NMUN President at UPEI, Peacock feels his responsibilities are to organize the UPEI delega- tion properly with a minimum of

student involvement in fundraising activities, which have taken a lot of students‘ time in the past. He has already begun contacting local ser- vice clubs and corporate sponsors to try and integrate the community with the university for this event. People who are interested in par- ticipating in the NMUN should pick up an information sheet which they have to submit to the Selec- tion Committee before October 30th. “This doesn‘t necessarily mean that everyone who applies is accepted. or that they won‘t be ac- cepted." Peacock stated, “but just servesrto give the committee a bet- ter idea of what kind of students are applying for the course."

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