Student Preparation Overview

At the Montessori Model UN conference, students assume the role of delegates and propose solutions based upon their topics alongside other delegates in their committees. MMUN is dedicated to providing the truest United Nations simulation possible. With that in mind, we are also offering the possibility to represent observers states, The Holy See and Palestine, in MMUN’s committees.

The preparation process is composed of 3 main phases. The first phase allows students to understand the context in which they will be operating at the conference, to develop the national profile of the country assigned, and to identify their country’s perspective concerning the policies and its implications on their committee topic issues. During the second phase, taking on their ambassadorial roles, students develop a position in order to address their country’s needs. In the end, the third phase helps them to practice committee procedures and hone their negotiation and public speaking skills.

A) Research – it usually begins at least 4 months prior to the conference.

1. 1. UN → Students work as a group to research and understand the context of MMUN, i.e. The United Nations and its role in the world today.
   2. Country → Students work as a group to investigate the context of their delegation country. This research also results in the creation of students’ country board display.
   3. Topic → Students work in pairs to research the topics being addressed by their assigned committees. This work begins with students studying the MMUN background guides to better understand the committee topic.

B) Writing a position paper per each topic.

It leads to the development of the opening speech on delegation’s proposed solution. The position paper must be submitted to the committee Bureaus 6 to 8 weeks before the conference. If a single delegate is the sole representation of their delegation on a committee, then s/he is responsible for both position papers. Outline:

1. Background of the Problem → Introduction of national profile and analysis of country policies in regard to the committee topic.Past
2. International Action → Conventions and resolutions signed or ratified by the country. UN actions that the country has supported or has opposed.
3. Possible Solutions → What the country would like to accomplish in the committee’s resolution.

C) Rehearsal

In order to facilitate student engagement during the conference, students should practice the committee procedures over the last few weeks before the conference, including:

1. Rules of procedure →Practice through the protocol for the conference
2. Work on drafting resolutions → Becoming familiar with the format including pre-ambulatory and operative clauses and honing student’s negotiation skill.
3. Decision-making process → Finding consensus.

Please note that only teacher coordinators who have taken the MMUN workshop can prepare students for our conferences. At the workshop, you will be provided with all the materials needed to successfully guide your students towards a Peace Education and Global Citizenship program such as:

– Access to the MMUN Conference Procedures Video
– Research templates
– Planning guidelines
– Decision Making Stages
– Rules of Procedure
– Committee in the classroom activities
And many more resources.

You can either directly register to the next MMUN workshop or firstly attend one of our conferences as a visitor. Should you require any further information, please contact us at info@nullmontessori-mun.org