Michael Zona ’13 (standing, second from left) caucuses with other delegates in the Social, Cultural and Humanitarian committee at the 2012 Geneva International Model United Nations conference. Photo by Francis Mayne for GIMUN, used with permission.

Representing India, one of the world’s most religiously diverse countries, in simulated discussions on religious freedom and defamation was an “incredible, albeit at times difficult, experience” for Michael Zona ’13, one of the leaders of a Pace University delegation to the Social, Cultural and Humanitarian (SOCHUM) committee of the 2012 Geneva International Model United Nations.

“Attempting to bridge the divide between one side, which views freedom of speech as paramount, and the other side, which views protection from religious defamation of chief importance, was a challenging task,” said Michael, a junior from Mission Viejo, California, majoring in political science with minors in history and law. “Being put in the middle of two diametrically opposed sides may appear as a disadvantage, but it should be seen as an opportunity to bridge the divide and a chance to play consensus builder.”

Michael has a long record of excellence in Model UN conferences. As a member of the Pace NYC MUN program he has been recognized with numerous awards at the National Model UN conference in Washington DC (NUMN DC), North American Model UN in Toronto (NAMUN), University of Pennsylvania Model UN (UPMUNC), Southern Regional Model UN (SRMUN) in Atlanta and World Model UN in Taipei. He also participated in Model UN all four years in high school.

He was one of  11 Pace NYC students attending the prestigious 2012 GIMUN conference last week in the auspicious Palais des Nations – former League of Nations headquarters and current location of the UN Office at Geneva.  The theme of the 2012 conference was “Achieving Dialogue and Development through Cultural Diversity.” Participants hailed from 49 countries, and committee sessions were simultaneously translated between French and English.

Two other Pace students participated in the SOCHUM simulation. Miranda Ronghi ’12 is representing Peru and Asia McDougle-Stamey ’13, Indonesia.

Miranda Ronghi ’12 (left) and Elena Marmo ’15 (right), outside the UN Palais des Nations, waiting for the opening session of the 2012 Geneva International Model UN conference. Both were recognized with awards for contributions to their respective committee discussions.

“I enjoy being part of a community that promotes the ideals of the United Nations by letting us students participate in a competitive, but also consensus-building atmosphere,” said Miranda, a senior from West Springfield, Massachussetts majoring in Spanish and Latin American studies with minors in political science and peace and justice studies. “Interacting with  a truly diverse crowd of individuals at a conference such as GIMUN, through dialogue and further understanding of this diversity we can better be equipped to shape policy in the future, when we truly understand where each culture comes from.”

Miranda also represented Colombia at the 2011 NMUN DC, receiving a “Distinguished Delegation” group award. Miranda studied abroad in Argentina and is currently working on a thesis analyzing its transition to democracy.

Asia McDougle-Stamey (first on right) listens to delegates discussing issues of religious freedom in a simulation of the UN Social, Cultural and Humanitarian committee at the 2012 Geneva International Model UN conference. Photo by Francis Mayne for GIMUN, used with permission.

“I have a passion for international relations, especially within the Middle East,” said Asia, a junior from Dauphine Island, Alabama majoring in political science with minors in peace and justice studies and Middle Eastern studies, who represented Indonesia in the SOCHUM simulation.”Model United Nations allows me to express my passion for global politics and gives me the ability to learn and understand the complexity of dialogue between people of different faiths.”

Asia also represented Philippines at 2011 NMUN DC; she was recognized with an “Honorable Mention” group award. She has experience in the complexities of Arab-Jewish relations as a Binyan fellow in Israel with the Foreign Ministry and having studied abroad in Haifa.

SOCHUM is “one of the six specialized subcommittees of the United Nations General Assembly and generally referred to as the Third Committee. It was established after the development of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948. The committee’s main task is to strive for better compliance to human rights in every region of this world and thus promote international peace and security.” During the conference, student delegates discussed issues of religious freedom and the rights of indigenous peoples.

Located only two express subway stops from the iconic United Nations complex on the East River, Pace University’s New York City Model UN program has a 60-year history of excellence in regional, national and international conferences. Model UN at Pace is uniquely integrated into the Political Science curriculum within the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences.

Pace Model UN head delegate Amanda Corsaro '12 (center, at computer), representing Togo, meets with the representative for China and other delegates in a simulation of the UN Security Council at the 2012 Geneva International Model UN conference. Photo by Francis Mayne for GIMUN, used with permission.

Drafting, negotiating and implementing international legal norms is lengthy and involved process, Pace University New York City Model UN students learned this week at the Geneva International Model UN (GIMUN) conference in Switzerland.

“My committee illustrated the complexities of interpreting international law in conflict situations,” said Amanda Corsaro ’12, one of the Pace NYC Model UN head delegates, who represented Togo in a simulated deliberations on the status of Kosovo and counter-terrorism in India in the UN Security Council. From Oakland, New Jersey, Amanda is a senior majoring in criminal justice and political science. She has received multiple awards for her participation in Model UN simulations, such as the National Model UN (NMUN) conferences in Washington DC and New York, North American Model UN (NAMUN) in Toronto and University of Pennsylvania Model United Nations Conference (UPMUNC). Amanda has a keen interest in legal issues; she is an intern at the US Department of Probation and has worked for two New Jersey lawyers.

Head delegate Krupa Patel '12 (right) with the delegate representing Libya, in the Legal Committee simulation of the 2012 Geneva International Model UN conference. Photo by Francis Mayne for GIMUN.

Amanda’s co-head delegate, Krupa Patel ’12, had a similar experience representing Palestine in simulated discussions of norms on pre-emptive war and the legal status of people displaced by climate change in the UN General Assembly’s Legal Committee.

“The shift in power around the world is accelerating at a rapid fast rate and in order to keep up with this shift we must look beyond national policies and learn how to negotiate our way in a world that is far more diverse and advanced than we had ever imagined,” said Krupa, a senior from Morris Plains, New Jersey, majoring in political science with a minor in peace and justice studies. “Negotiations about international legal norms, though time-consuming, protracted and complicated, are an important part of this process.”

Krupa has been an award-winning member of the Pace University New York City Model UN program for four years, including NMUN conferences in Washington DC and New York, NAMUN and Harvard’s World Model UN. She has been an intern at the Public Advocates office in New York City as well as the Associated Press and is on Pace University New York City student government Judicial Council.

“The relevance of Geneva as the birthplace of international law has only increased my reverence and respect for achieving development through cultural diversity, helping me to become a global citizen.”

Delegates in the Human Rights Council, including Jean Dorak '13 (middle row, second from right), applaud progress in their deliberations at the 2012 Geneva International Model United Nations.

The interpretation of international norms on human rights was particularly heated in GIMUN’s simulation of the UN Human Rights Council (HRC), which deliberated on issues of freedom of speech and the rights of LGBTQ people.

“I can completely throw myself into preparing and participating in a Model UN conference,” said Jean Dorak ’13, an Honors College junior majoring in political science with a minor in peace and justice studies, who represented Jordan in the HRC. “The environment of these conferences is inspiring because the people there are dedicated to representing their nations in a respectful and intellectual manner.” She represented the Philippines at 2011 NMUN DC and was recognized with an “Honorable Mention” award. From Commack, New York, Jean is a Budget Allocation Advisor on Pace University’s student government and is an intern at the Association for a Better New York.

Amanda, Krupa and Jean were among 11 Pace NYC students attending the prestigious 2012 GIMUN conference this week in the auspicious Palais des Nations – former League of Nations headquarters and current location of the UN Office at Geneva.  The theme of the 2012 conference is “Achieving Dialogue and Development through Cultural Diversity.” Participants hail from 49 countries, and committee sessions are simultaneously translated between French and English.

Located only two express subway stops from the iconic United Nations complex on the East River, Pace University’s New York City Model UN program has a 60-year history of excellence in regional, national and international conferences. Model UN at Pace is uniquely integrated into the Political Science curriculum within the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences.

Eleven Pace University New York City Model UN students learned about global citizenship at the 2012 Geneva International Model UN conference in Switzerland last week. Back row (left to right): Dr. Matthew Bolton (faculty adviser), Aydde Martinez (staff adviser), Kimberly Alonso '13, Amanda Corsaro '12, Jean Dorak '13, Abby Lee '13, Miranda Ronghi '12, Asia McDougle-Stamey '13, Michael Zona '13. Front row (left to right): Krupa Patel '12, Elena Marmo '15, Katie James '14, Cassandra Stimpson '13.

Model United Nations can produce a “genuine interest in global affairs” and a “higher level of global awareness” in students, Samara Green wrote for the Huffington Post today. The “stimulating” and “meaningful debate” she experienced in a high school conference, helped her “understand the global context,” as well as “better appreciate” her own community.

Green’s experience is not unlike that of the Pace University New York City Model UN students who participated in the 2012 Geneva International Model UN (GIMUN) conference last week.

“Being surrounded by people from all over the world, debating and analyzing universal topics summed up what it means to be a global citizen,” said head delegate Katie James ’14, reflecting on the deliberations in her GIMUN committee.

Read Green’s article here.

Just over a week following Pace University’s award-winning participation at the Geneva International Model United Nations’ conference at the UN Palais des Nations, today we are sending a sizable delegation to the National Model UN conference here in New York City, held partly at the UN headquarters on the East River.

Pace University New York City students outside the United Nations building on the East River, at the 2012 National Model UN (NMUN) conference.

“I am honored that I participated in such a prestigious opportunity where I have gained valuable experience.”

-Rumsha Zahid ’16, Pace University delegate at the 2012 National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference in New York City

It was a busy academic year for Pace University’s Model United Nations program in New York City with students recognized for their excellence in conferences here in the US and abroad as well as a variety of opportunities for learning about international careers. A few highlights:

Conferences

Pace University New York City students in the United Nations General Assembly room during the 2012 National Model United Nations conference in New York. Back row (left to right): Krupa Patel ’12, Michael Zona ’13 and Liz Crouse ’12. Front row (left to right) Katie James ’14, Jane Abeuova ’15 and Cameron Williams ’15.

• Over 25 students represented the United Kingdom, Philippines and Colombia at the NMUN conference in Washington DC 21-23 October 2011, winning four awards in simulations of the Security Council, General Assembly committees, Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
• Eleven students participated at the prestigious Geneva International Model United Nations (GIMUN 2012) in Switzerland, held in the auspicious Palais des Nations – former League of Nations headquarters and current location of the UN Office at Geneva. They won three awards for their simulated exercise in global citizenship.
• Students represented Tunisia and the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea — two very challenging assignments — at the 2012 NMUN conference in New York City. Pace University took home more awards than any other university that participated in the conferenceat the Sheraton Hotel.

Vocational Enrichment

• We co-hosted an international careers event in November, giving students the chance to meet and hear presentations from professionals working globally as mediators, diplomats, humanitarian journalists and advocates for the reintegration of child soldiers.
• Former Pace NYC Model UN head delegate Jose Luis Castro ’88, deputy executive director of the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease and vice president of the World Lung Foundation, spoke to students about how Model UN gave him practical training in the skills he uses in his daily job.
• Model UNers in their senior year attending the GIMUN 2012 conference were given opportunity to meet with representatives of International Committee of the Red Cross and the UN Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) to discuss career paths in international aid and diplomacy.
• The Model UN classes were included as possible electives in the curriculum of the new Peace and Justice Studies Minor at Pace New York.
•  Model UNers were invited to attend an event explaining how to take advantage of  prestigious scholarship and fellowship opportunities like the Fulbright program.
• Pace NYC Model UNers were given the opportunity to work as volunteers with Control Arms, a global advocacy coalition, at the actual Arms Trade Treaty negotiations in New York City in July.

Quirky Other Stuff

• A Pace student played a Model UN head delegate on an episode of “Parks and Recreation” in November.
• We set up this website!
• We joined Twitter: @PaceNYCModelUN

Located only two express subway stops from the iconic United Nations complex on the East River, Pace University’s New York City Model UN program has a 60-year history of excellence in regional, national and international conferences. Model UN at Pace is uniquely integrated into the Political Science curriculum within the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and aims to encourage students to develop wisdom, knowledge and skills for global citizenship.

Pace University’s New York City Model UN program is planning to help cover the costs of between eight and 15 students (depending on the number of eligible applicants and costs of flights) who wish to attend the prestigious Geneva International Model United Nations (GIMUN) conference, held at the UN’s Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, 21-29 March 2014. The conference will be held in simultaneously in both English and French.

Unlike with most Model UN conferences, GIMUN “accepts individual delegates and not delegations” – students can apply to participate as Delegates. Pace Model UN students will travel together and stay together with the MUN faculty advisor, Dr. Matthew Bolton. However, they will participate in their own delegations, not necessarily alongside other Pace students.

Pending final approval from the administration, Pace University will cover much of the cost of participation, including conference fees, flights and internal transportation and housing. However, participants accepted to go on the trip will need to make a contribution of around $400-500 (exact amount to be determined), plus any passport, visa, medical or vaccination costs you need to be able to travel and your own food and entertainment costs.

To take advantage of this opportunity, you will need to go through a two-step application process:

1. You will need to complete an application to the Pace NYC MUN program, which will include a draft of your application to GIMUN by 25 November at midnight at the latest (late submissions will not be accepted).
2. If you are approved by Pace NYC MUN program, then you will need to submit your application directly to GIMUN by 6 December (you alone will be responsible for making sure this is completed and will need to forward the application receipt to Dr. Bolton).

To download an the application, click here. Note that there are eligibility restrictions on this opportunity, so please read through the document carefully. Also note that no late applications will be accepted.

Pace University student Shade Quailey ’15 representing Italy in a simulation of the Human Rights Council at the 2014 Geneva International Model UN conference.

Model United Nations exposes participants to new people from a variety of backgrounds, teaches them about the United Nations and international affairs, and helps them to develop skills required for school, activities outside of Model United Nations and many other future endeavors. The most important thing I feel Model United Nations teaches anyone is about themselves.

This March I had the opportunity to attend the Geneva International Model United Nations (GIMUN) conference in Switzerland. GIMUN was very different from my participation in the 2013 National Model United Nations conference in Washington, D.C., last semester. The GIMUN conference was conducted in both English and French allowing me to interact with many intelligent and dedicated students with diverse backgrounds. GIMUN was also held in the Palais des Nations, which gave the simulation a greater feeling of realness.

I represented Italy in a simulation Human Rights Council. Unlike NMUN, we were able to discuss and complete draft proposals for both of the assigned topics: “Is Access to Energy a Universal Human Right?” and “Oil and Gas in Africa: is Foreign Control to Energy Resources Hampering the Right to Self Determination?” We were also able to do an actual Universal Periodic Review simulation, which made our committee feel even more like the actual Human Rights Council.

Discussing topics on energy in the Human Rights Council made me realize the importance of having access to energy. There are many people without adequate access to energy in the world and sadly, there is so many people who take it for granted.

Participating in a Model United Nations conference, whether at a national or international conference, is truly a worthwhile experience. I have learned a lot about myself through my two semesters on the Model United Nations team and will always remember my all that Model United Nations have taught me for a lifetime.

-Shade Quailey ’15, Head Delegate elect for 2014/2015 Academic Year

Rumsha Zahid ’15 in the gardens of the Palais des Nations at the 2014 Geneva International Model UN conference in Switzerland.

Attending an international Model United Nations conference is a unique experience and provides a great opportunity to expand your horizon of knowledge.  Model UN allowed me to enhance my diplomatic skills as well as increased my confidence.

Participating in the 2014 Geneva International Model United Nations conference, not only challenged me but gave me the courage to strive for success.  One of the important life lessons I have learned through Model UN is to never give up.  I realized that even though there are many obstacles, one should always go forward and work to overcome them.  Nothing is guaranteed, but as long as a person gives their best, they will certainly achieve.

– Rumsha Zahid ’15

In the following blog post, Matt Mainzer, who recently returned from the 2016 Geneva International Model United Nations (GIMUN) conference in Switzerland, reflects on what he learned about the US Presidential Elections while in Europe:

(Re-posted from Pace University’s Path to the Presidency blog)

It is an easy time to be upset as a proud American. The extreme partisanship in Washington, DC is not just in my generation’s imagination; our elders are quick to confirm that it was never this bad. Simultaneously, the establishment that we tacitly assumed was capable of producing candidates worthy of our vote, worthy of the highest position in US government, presents us with radicals and candidates seemingly indifferent to their controversies and scandals. Misinformed voters, the media, super PACs, you and I… the culprits are endless, but the crime is by now routine. The moderates, the sensible, the individuals willing to compromise are axed first and from the gauntlet comes a new generation of American leadership. In this pack, one candidate has fueled, and rose, on a fear-mongering wave of fascist rhetoric. The circumstances for Donald Trump’s rise will be queried by intellectuals and those wishing to exploit the same conditions for years to come, but that is a topic for another conversation.

Today, I feel foolish for brushing off Trump as recently as a few months earlier. When he criticized Mexicans I felt confident telling friends back in California that Trump would never come close to the office he sought. After the Paris attacks in November of last year, Trump proposed a ban on all Muslims entering the U.S. I received a notification of his announcement while in an Arabic class, so did a few of the other, majority Muslim, students. When a conversation on the topic began, I told them that this man was not a serious candidate. But I believed my own words less this time. Later, in Morocco and Spain, a friend and I brushed off questions about Trump. He was a liar, a fraud, a clown. There was no reason to worry about it. It was the media looking for a ratings boost when he made ridiculous comments. It was a small group of people he had fooled. It was a show, a circus. It wasn’t real.

During the 2012 Presidential elections, much was made by Romney and the right of Obama’s apology tour. After being elected in 2008, they claimed he traveled the world apologizing for the actions of the U.S. This was a mortal sin, they said. He had humiliated us. He had criticized our actions, not to other Americans, but to foreigners. A few weeks ago, I was in Geneva for a model United Nations conference. I was surrounded by young, bright, politically-oriented students from around the world, and they wanted to hear about Trump. I was trapped on an apology tour of my own. I felt like I was explaining that a person who was just convicted of a serious crime was a good person, they had just made a mistake. I was being drowned in open source intelligence about the world’s reactions to Trump. It was painful and upsetting just having my country’s name associated with this man and his rhetoric.

What my own personal experiences from this election have proven to me thus far is that there should be no comfort in the belief that this man can never win a general election. Anybody who understands the world today, including Trump himself, knew that his comments about Muslims would be seized on by ISIS and other Islamic extremist elements as a recruiting tool. But, Trump’s comments have not just damaged our strategic goals in Iraq and Syria. Every moment he has a platform from which to speak, real and significant damage is being done to our soft power across the entire world.

Pace University student Nicholas Mucerino ‘16 shows of his prize for an effective representation of Russia in a simulation of the Human Rights Council at the 2016 Geneva International Model United Nations conference in Switzerland.

Being afforded the opportunity to attend the 2016 Geneva International Model United Nations (GIMUN) conference in Switzerland was for me an invaluable chance to be part of something truly global. I had never traveled outside of the United States before this conference, so I was anxious about being able to interact with people that came from all over the world. At Pace we regularly interact with students from abroad but we were always at home where the culture and language was still ours. It was my turn to be the international student.

At the conference I was selected to represent the Russian Federation in a simulation of the Human Rights Council (HRC). This really excited me because of my long interest in Russian culture and politics and its stature in the UN. Other delegates sought out my position on the issues we were discussing and I enjoyed being able to work in a leadership position. It really challenged me to think differently about how my words and actions affected not just my own position but others’ as well. My fellow classmates in the HRC simulation were really important in helping me rewire my thinking on this. As part of representing Russia, I was also chosen for an extra assignment as part of the Universal Periodic Review where I would explain and defend my country’s human rights record. It was exhilarating to be seated by the committee chairs and face the questions directed at Russia.

If I did not have to graduate this semester, I would love a chance to take part in another international conference. I met so many new friends in Geneva and the city itself was beautiful for its sights and its huge diversity of people from all over the world. Any student at Pace University should try out for this amazing opportunity. They will never regret it!

– Nicholas Mucerino ‘16

Pace University New York City Model United Nations Head Delegate Priya Sakaria ’17 (center) represents China, with Julie Burke ’16 (second from left), representing France, in a simulation of the World Health Organization (WHO) at the 2016 Geneva International Model UN conference.

Attending the 2016 Geneva International Model United Nations (GIMUN) conference was definitely a unique experience. Though it did not come without its challenges, being a part of a simulation that was so immersive, geographically as well as culturally, definitely made the conference that much more enriching. Moreover, I think being able to spend our days and attend committee sessions, especially an actual session of the Human Rights Council, at the UN Headquarters in Geneva added to the realness of the simulation and allowed us to get as close as possible to walking in the shoes of a real delegate.

As a more experienced delegate representing China in a simulation of the World Health Organization (WHO), it quickly became evident that I, along with a couple of other delegates had the upper hand. My personal knowledge and experience while an advantage, was one because it gave me power, much like my status as a member of the “P5” (Permanent Members of the UN Security Council). Therefore, I soon began to question whether this simulation was truly reflective of how Member States, especially China, would act in the real WHO or whether my role/voice in committee was due to my previous MUN experience. Perhaps, it was both.

Being a delegate of China knowing I had power and privilege was a given, but I think truly understanding that power and privilege was something completely different. I think in pursuit of recognizing such power, the effects of this power, such as the intense pressure/position and leadership role that P5 members are placed in, are often overlooked. After participating in GIMUN and having represented different types of Member States in the past, I have definitely gained more insight on what it means to such an influential country in the United Nations.

– Priya Sakaria ’17, Head Delegate.

Mary-Lynn Hearn ’19, Pace University NYC Model UN Head Delegate, representing China at the 2018 Geneva International Model UN conference in Switzerland.

This spring semester I traveled to Switzerland with the Pace Model United Nations NYC team to attend the 2018 Geneva International Model United Nations (GIMUN) conference. It was very different from any other Model UN conference I had attended before.

GIMUN took place in the United Nations Office in Geneva, which was one of the greatest experiences in my college career. Being able to spend the week in the UN with my own badge was something that I will always remember and cherish forever.

This conference had many firsts for me as a MUN participant. The most important one was my assignment. After a rigorous application process, I was assigned the position Ambassador of China. The position of ambassador is very different from the position of delegate in both the preparation and the conference.

Similar to the United Nations, the position of ambassador manages and does their best to make sure that all of the representatives of their country are on policy and put their agenda first. Instead of focusing on one committee and two topics, I had to research all six committees and 11 topics. It was my job to make sure that all of the delegates representing China were given assistance in their research and position paper writing before the conference.

Once we arrived in Geneva — literally a couple of hours after landing — I had to meet my delegates to hold a meeting with them to discuss the goals for the upcoming week. My week consisted of writing speeches, delivering those speeches, talking to the other Permanent Five Ambassadors (at this conference only France, US, UK, and Russia were represented), and managing my delegates. There was a lot of running around and writing speeches within five minutes so they could be delivered to committee. This was followed up by some tough Q&A sessions.

This conference taught me many things about diplomacy and what it means to be a representative of your country, both in the simulation and in real life. I think what I learned the most was knowing when to engage in difficult topics of conversation. This occurred both during the conference as the Ambassador of China and socials outside the conference as a citizen of the United States.

I also learned how to answer questions in a way that gets my agenda across. During the Q&A sessions, there were times that I was asked questions that had nothing to do with the topic. In response, I would validate the question asked and then turn the question into something I was willing to answer. Both of these lessons are something that will be beneficial to me throughout my career.

The  GIMUN conference provided me with a new outlook on Model UN and taught me how to handle myself in sensitive political situations.

— Mary-Lynn Hearn ’19

Pace University NYC Model United Nations students at the UN in Geneva for the 2018 Geneva International Model UN conference in Switzerland.

Ten Pace University Model United Nations students participated in the Geneva International Model UN (GIMUN) conference, 24 to 29 March 2018, simulating processes of global policymaking at the UN Palais des Nations, home to the UN Office in Geneva, Switzerland.

“GIMUN was a great learning and professional experience for me,” said Sheyda Aliyeva ’18, who represented Azerbaijan as an observer state in a simulation of the Arab League. She participated in discussions regarding prevention of terrorist financing and engaging in economic cooperation to diversify economies reliant on oil. “I felt very immersed in diplomacy, activism, and peace while spending time at the UN in Geneva.”

Pace University NYC Model UN student Sheyda Aliyeva ’18 (left), representing Azerbaijan at the 2018 Geneva International Model UN conference in Switzerland. Photo courtesy of GIMUN.

GIMUN drew students from around the world countries to the UN’s facilities in Geneva, the former headquarters of the League of Nations. They played the role of diplomats in global committees, commissions and council, representing the interests and policies of a member state or organization assigned to them. All of this makes excellent preparation for public policy research and advocacy.

Pace University NYC Model UN student Meaghan Duffy ’19 at the 2018 Geneva International Model UN conference in Switzerland.

“Model UN has immensely improved my public speaking, research and writing skills,” said Meaghan Duffy ’19, who, representing Thailand, was one of five Pace students placed in a simulation of policymaking in UN Women, discussing issues of girls education and ending violence against women in armed conflict. “I learned the importance of language in diplomatic relations. When professionals get lazy with their language, diplomatic relationships can be tarnished, making their policies unsuccessful.”

Pace University NYC Model UN Head Delegate Dorin Khoiee-Abbasi (center) representing Afghanistan in a simulation of UN Women during the 2018 Geneva International Model UN conference in Switzerland. Photo courtesy of GIMUN.

Dorin Khoiee-Abbasi, one of Pace University’s Head Delegates had similar reflections on her experience representing Afghanistan in the same committee: “Specificity of language is crucial when formally and informally communicating in diplomatic negotiations.” Read more of Dorin’s reflections here.

Alyssa Curran ’21, who represented Nicaragua, said the experience “was a unique opportunity to discuss international policy at an international forum.” Read more of Alyssa’s reflections here.

Pace University NYC Model UN students (left to right) Alyssa Curran ’21, Silvia Dominguez ’21 and Elizaveta “Lisa” Smirnova ’18 exploring Geneva before the 2018 Geneva International Model UN conference in Switzerland.

The students had the opportunity to meet and listen to policymakers, diplomats and advocates working in “international Geneva.” GIMUN arranged for panelists to speak to committees and Pace arranged for the Pace Model UN students to speak with staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), International Development Law Organization (IDLO), International Campaign to Ban Landmines – Cluster Munition Coalition (ICBL-CMC) and Article 36.

Pace University NYC Model UN students at the 2018 Geneva International Model UN conference at the UN Office in Geneva. Left to right: Alyssa Curran ’21, Elizaveta “Lisa” Smirnova ’18, Silvia Dominguez ’21, Meaghan Duffy ’19, Dorin Khoiee-Abbasi ’18 and Nigina Khaitova ’18.

Meeting these “highly-experienced … workers who helped me understand the real work of the international organizations,” said Elizaveta “Lisa” Smirnova ’18, who represented Switzerland in the UN Women simulation. “By being exposed to the international world, I became more confident in pursuing my goal to work in the international human rights organizations. ”

To read here more of Lisa’s reflection.

The Geneva Model UN conference is unusually complex as it is bilingual – with simultaneous interpretation between English and French – and has students representing journalists, which add extra layers of depth to the educational experience.

Pace University NYC Model UN students Mary-Lynn Hearn ’19, Nigina Khaitova ’18 and Elizaveta “Lisa” Smirnova ’18 explore the city of Geneva before the 2018 Geneva International Model UN (GIMUN) conference in Switzerland. Photo courtesy of GIMUN.

Unlike other Model UN conferences, it has students playing the role of Ambassadors who oversee and coordinate the work of other students across multiple committees. Head Delegate Mary-Lynn Hearn ’19 had the opportunity to simulate the role of Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, making statements in multiple committees. She coordinated particularly closely with her fellow Head Delegate Nigina Khaitova ’18, who was representing China in the UN Women simulation.

“The position of ambassador is very different from the position of delegate in both the preparation and the conference,” said Mary-Lynn. “The position of ambassador manages and does their best to make sure that all of the representatives of their country are on policy and put their agenda first. Instead of focusing on one committee and two topics, I had to research all six committees and 11 topics.”

To read here more of Mary-Lynn’s reflections on this complex task.

Pace University NYC Model UN Head Delegate Mary-Lynn Hearn ’19 outside the UN Office in Geneva during the 2018 Geneva International Model UN conference in Switzerland. Photo courtesy of GIMUN.

Pace students also learned from their exposure to the everyday life of the UN in Geneva. They ate lunch in the cafeteria alongside diplomats and UN staff. They visited the Conference on Disarmament, where they watched diplomats in session discussing international security issues in the grand former League of Nations Council Room, under gigantic 1936 sepia murals by José Maria Sert.

Silvia Dominguez ’21 (representing El Salvador) and Seneca Forch ’20 (representing Slovenia) simulated discussions in the Human Rights Council across the hallway from where the real body actually meets.

“Visiting the Human Rights and Alliance of Civilizations Room filled me with a sense of hope for our world,” said Silvia, reflecting on visiting the Human Rights Council. “It really helped me to put into perspective what I want to do in my future.”

Pace University Model UN student Silvia Dominguez ’21 representing El Salvador in a simulation of the Human Rights Council during the 2018 Geneva International Model UN conference in Switzerland. Photo courtesy of GIMUN.

Discussing the rights of national, ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities and the importance of protecting human rights in counterterrorism policy “jolted a new drive and perspective in my aspirations to pursue law and diplomacy,” said Seneca. Read more of his reflections here.

Incoming Pace University NYC Model UN Head Delegate Seneca Forch ’20 (right), representing Slovenia in a simulation of the Human Rights Council at the 2018 Geneva International Model UN conference in Switzerland. Photo courtesy of GIMUN.

In a simulation of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Joseph Colella ’19, a Head Delegate, represented India in discussions of the role of youth in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and establishing an international response system for natural disasters.

“I am very proud of how our students not only represented their country assignments well in the Geneva simulations, but also demonstrated the intellect and sophistication of Pace students,” said Dr. Matthew Bolton, Model UN advisor for Pace University NYC’s Political Science department. “Pace is emerging as a stellar place to learn how to engage in global policymaking as a diplomat, advocate or activists.”

Photo courtesy of GIMUN.

Located only two express subway stops from the iconic United Nations complex on the East River, Pace University’s New York City Model UN program has a 65-year history of excellence in regional, national and international conferences. Model UN at Pace is a class, uniquely integrated into the political science curriculum within the Dyson College of Arts and Sciences and aims to encourage students to develop wisdom, knowledge, skills and community for global vocation and citizenship.

Pace’s involvement in Model UN is indicative of the university’s broader engagement with the UN. Notably, Pace students and faculty participated in the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize-winning advocacy of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN).  In the last few years, students and faculty have  also worked closely, particularly with civil society, in the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, Commission on the Status of Women, Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, UN General Assembly First Committee, Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons and Arms Trade Treaty. In 2016, Pace University was featured in a report by then UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, recognizing its “growing role in disarmament education.”