Come July and schools go abuzz with the preparation or conducting of Model United Nations. I ask myself is it a fashion or hub for networking and trading or is it the need of the hour. According to me, the last seems to be more convincing.

The Earth works today as a big unit. Gone are the days of ‘Iron Curtains’ and ‘Carrot & Stick policies’. Everything is an open door policy. Debate and discussions alone can help to arrive at solutions.

When the UNO was established on 24th October 1945, it was done so with the sole aim of settling disputes between nations and preventing world wars, which twice in its lifetime has witnessed holocausts and annihilation of mankind, so unimaginable & horrific.

However the role and scope today is beyond settling of disputes. It has incorporated into the system the task for the conservation of energy, ecosystem and the like.

The scope and role of UNO are much wider now. It goes beyond the slogan of settling and arbitrating. The goal is to save the earth from national and UNnatural disasters. The Model United Nations is just an offshoot of the main umbrella. It is a hub for the youth to congregate, assemble and function like the UNO.

Student’s Role Play delegates and simulates various UN committees. I’m a great supporter of holding MUN’s in schools as I see a lot of advantages for the student community.

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MUN’s could be exciting and fun. Students who participate in MUN’s stand to gain many things provided they concentrate and keep themselves engaged in its activities and processes.

I. Your knowledge of global issues increase. For the first time you become sensitive to some of the neglected issues gripping elsewhere in the world that you never heard of, In short, you truly understand what the planet is made up of.

II.Oratorical skills definitely are honed. Discussing and debating in front of so many help you overcome your fear of speaking before the public. It makes you a speaker and helps in improving your communication skills.

III. Meeting and Networking – At a very early stage in life you meet and connect with students you never met before. You get to experience the good exchange of ideas and meet friends that last forever.

IV. Not only do you become a good speaker but your language in speaking becomes more refined. Your parliamentary language helps you to negotiate and behave like Diplomats. After all Model UN conferences are diplomatic simulations.

V. Finally, it sets before you a path is becoming a good writing leader with a positive attitude.

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Some MUN Jargons worth knowing

i. Points of Inquiry
A phrase used when you do not understand an aspect of a committee. Asking for clarification.

ii.Points of Personal Privilege
They are used when a delegate asks for a personal privilege as he or she experiences some sort of discomfort unable to hear the speaker etc.

iii. Finally, it sets before you a path is becoming a good writing leader with a positive attitude.

iv. Motions
They are mainly used as an interim movement or transition between
a) Caucus Moderated
b) Open and suspend a debate
c) Moving into voting etc

v. Caucus
Is an informal debate for the duration. There are 2 kinds of the caucus
a) The unmoderated caucus is a free discussion without the guidance of the chairperson whereas a
b) The moderated caucus is when the chairperson gives chance to the speaker who raises the placard.

vi. The formal debate that goes on in the committee is governed by the speaker's list.

vii. Speakers list spells out the rules and proceedings of the committees. It also keeps the list of the order according to which the delegates speak.

viii. Floor Something like the floor of the house in any parliament which means, ‘You have the floor’ you can start a debate and get it voted upon.

ix. Working Paper
It is a list of ideas forted down by one or more delegates. A good working paper paves the way to a good resolution.

x. Resolution
The final outcome of the committee. It has
a) The preamble which cannot be amended and a
b) Operative clauses explaining the financing mechanisms as well as an enforcement mechanism.

While we use the above jargons we do keep in mind that the UNO is that blue sky which gives wings to each country to fly into a space called Democracy, establishing equality, liberty and brotherhood.