un simulations: practices and strategies

One of the three new projects of UFRGSMUN 2008, the course "UN Simulations: Practices and Strategies" was developed to complement not only UFRGSMUN, but the International Relations studies at our University.

Taking part on a Model UN is widely known as an outstanding opportunity for students interested in International Relations, since it promotes a deeper involvement with the issues of the international agenda. This unique learning experience allows students to fully understand not only the structure and functioning of the United Nations, but also the way countries are inserted in the international scenario. By giving the students the task of defending ideas that are sometimes different, or even opposed to their own, a Model UN also helps to ending pre-conceived ideas of how International Relations work.

However, in order to have a really fulfilling experience during a Model UN, a very careful preparation is needed. Often, delegates arrive at a Model UN without a clear idea of what they are getting into, and the knowledge outcome may not be as relevant as it could.

"UN Simulations: Practices and Strategies" is a course developed to provide students interested in taking part of a Model UN with all the basic tools necessary to have the best learning experience possible. The lectures, given by UFRGS professors and experienced MUNers, cover a wide range of topics - from International Public Law and the UN Charter to the Rules of Procedure and public speaking techniques.

As a result of this initiative, UFRGSMUN 2008 expects the participants (students from different courses of various Universities from Porto Alegre and the State of Rio Grande do Sul) to be better prepared as Delegates and, therefore, not only to have an outstanding knowledge outcome, but also to increase the level of discussions of the MUNs they attend.