The Model United Nations Revisited

Abstract

For over 50 years, students have organized, conducted, and participated in a simulation of international organizations. This sophisticated simulation of current international affairs, called the Model United Nations (Model UN), is facing unexpected challenges and new opportunities. The challenges before the Model UN program include closing the "reality gap" between the Model UN and its real-world counterpart and finding ways to increase the involvement of the academic and education professional communities. The opportunities for the Model UN program include an increasing global reach to countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia, and Eastern Europe and the infinite possibilities for enhancing the learning experience of the Model UN through application of telecommunications and other information technologies.