U.N. Model Club participates in real-world simulation of United Nations in New York City

Students in RIT’s Model United Nation’s Club recently had the opportunity to witness the inner workings of the United Nations and participate in “real world” simulations based on current international issues.

Eleven members of the club attended the Annual Simulation Conference of the National Model United Nations in April in New York City. The opening and closing ceremonies took place at the United Nations Headquarters.

The members represented the Kingdom of Morocco and engaged in “caucusing,” drafting and voting on resolutions concerning such issues as drug trafficking, global economic development and human rights.

The conference brought together almost 4,000 students from more than 300 universities and colleges in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Africa and Asia. It gave students the opportunity to look at the various important global issues and problems from the perspective of the country they represented and provided a sense of the context and factors that influence international politics. In addition, participants were able to interact and closely work with students and faculty from countries from all over the world.

RIT student Dina Mansur, who was attending the conference for the first time notes: “I was scared at the beginning but gradually gained confidence and as the conference proceeded, I got to know exactly what to do. The experience was amazing and very informative.”

The RIT team also included Robert Kehl, Peter Inthirakoth, Mohammad Qoqandi, Salina Shaffner, Juan Figueroa, Darine Obeid, Salama Bakhalaa, Mikaela Cochran, Ana Maria Maldonado and Hala Hatmleh. Edward Kannyo, associate professor of political science, served as faculty advisor for the delegation.

The RIT U.N. Model Club was formed in 2007 and participated in its first simulation conference in April 2008 when it represented the Principality of Monaco.