UNA at UCF attends National Model United Nations conference in New York City

After months of preparation, twelve students from the United Nations Association at UCF club attended the National Model United Nations (NMUN-NY) conference in New York City alongside 5,000 students from universities and colleges from around the world, where they represented the Central Asian country of Turkmenistan in five committees, and the Russian Federation in the Security Council. Representing the policies of their country assignment, the students did research and sought advice from Central Asian politics expert Dr. Houman Sadri, on issues ranging from women and disarmament, climate change impact on sustainable development, and international drug trafficking, just to name a few.

The students worked very hard during the entire week of the conference, where they stayed up late working with other delegates, and at the same time sought time to explore the city. Ty Black and Tracie Smith were awarded an Outstanding Position Paper Award, while the school received an Honorable Mention Delegation Award. Moreover, the students experienced the fast-life of New York City, and also had the opportunity to sit in the actual UN General Assembly where actual diplomats from around the world work and pass real resolutions.  Although this NMUN-NY conference was a simulation of international affairs at the UN level, students underwent cross-cultural experiences, learned more about Turkmenistan and Russia, and increased their public speaking, negotiation, and writing skills that are essential for any job.