The main motivation indicated by teachers for participating in a Model UN Conference in 2010 was ‘the opportunity for students to learn in an innovative and involved manner.’ 100% of those surveyed would recommend the UNAA’s Model UN Conference experience to their colleagues.
"This type of activity is exactly what our students should be participating in: relevant, practical, purposeful, real and applied. I am sure our students gained so much from the experience."
Bellarine Secondary College Principal Mr Colin Sing
"On personal note, I came away from this day feeling exhilarated, extremely proud of our students and inspired to continue promoting such events. If the opportunity is available again in 2011, Bellarine S.C. would love to hold another Model UN Conference at our school."
Bellarine Secondary College Student Development Leader Cheryl Linford
"I was impressed by the way in which the Conference facilitated intelligent, respectful discussion and debate between students from different schools. It was particularly fantastic to see them engaging in discussion during the break times. This is a powerful, stimulating way to inspire in young people a genuine interest in international politics and the world in which they live."
Annelies Chaplin, Croydon Secondary College
"For teachers the interest (in Model UN Conferences) tended to be on the Civics and Citizenship Education VELS and senior politics or enhancing student leadership, public speaking and debating skills. Whatever their motivation the conferences were judged to be highly successful in engaging students. Teachers reported significant impact on student motivation and engagement with an enhanced understanding of global issues before and after the event. Values such as empathy, respect for the other, tolerance and inclusion were in evidence in evaluations."
"Evaluations from Model UN Conferences show that they effectively simulate issues in the global context and demand participants think beyond themselves and their borders. They raise awareness of the challenges and dilemmas faced by ‘governments’ and establish problem solving discussions to overcome them. In terms of peace education such an experience opens minds and builds understanding."
Gary Shaw
Senior Project Officer
Targeted Programs Branch
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Delegate reflections after the Governor's Model UN Conference of the Parties - Kyoto to Copenhagen: Addressing the International Framework on Climate Change.
"It was a fascinating insight into the complexity of global negotiation and gave a taste of the difficult task delegates at the Copenhagen Climate Change Conference will face..."
"It was particularly pleasing and inspiring for me to see the parties shift and jointly share the burden of the actions that must now be taken...I would welcome the opportunity to be part of any similar meeting in the future..."
"What an amazing event of diplomacy in the spirit of co‐operation and civil society...I felt welcomed into an amazing community of knowledge and political skill..."
Model UN Conferences in the News ...
- 'Taking Classroom Global with Model UN Conferences', Ethos, Vol 21 No 1, Term 1, 2013 - Link to article (PDF)
- 'Countries converge on college', Mortlake Dispatch, 30 August 2012 - Link to article
- 'Nations explored', Benalla Ensign, 25 May 2012 - Link to article
- 'Around the world in nine schools', Bendigo Advertiser, 19 March 2012 - Link to article (PDF)
- 'Students take on UN', Latrobe Valley Express, 1 August 2011 - Link to article (PDF)
