What is the Model UN?

The Peel District School Board’s Model UN is a hands-on learning experience which offers approximately 250 secondary students a chance to be a diplomat for a day. During this valuable learning experience, students represent different UN member nations and tackle tough international development and human rights issues in a simulated general assembly.

The board’s first Model UN event was held in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the United Nations. It was highly successful and received praise and recognition from students, teachers, administrators, trustees and community members. The event also received a great deal of media coverage. In addition, it received two awards of excellence from the International Association of Business Communicators and the National School Public Relations Association.

Subsequent Model UN events have focused on the rights of the child to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Unicef, the United Nations’ peacekeeping role, banning the use of anti-personnel landmines, the use of child soldiers, child labour, HIV/AIDS and Human Rights, action against terrorism, Kyoto Protocol and war-affected children. These opportunities have enabled students to enhance their research and debating skills, their awareness of other countries and learn about the complex nature of international decision-making.

The Peel board's 11th Model United Nations was held on March 3  at the HJA Brown Education Centre, located at 5650 Hurontario Street in Mississauga.