The 7th and 8th grade students participate in the Montessori Model United Nations every other year and did so again this year. The conference was in New York City and involved connecting with hundreds of other Montessori students from around the world! This year, our students represented El Salvador and Nicaragua, so they learned about world issues through the lens of El Salvador and Nicaragua’s priorities and culture.
The topics they had:
- Transparency and Confidence-Building Measures in Outer Space Exploration.
- Humanitarian Consequences of Nuclear Weapons
- Addressing Climate Change and Other Environment-related Matters in Fisheries and Aquaculture
- Green Jobs as an Effective Framework for Sustainable Agriculture
- Protection of Global Climate For Present and Future Generations of Humanity
- Ensuring Access to Affordable, Reliable, Sustainable, and Modern Energy for All
The skills they developed that will serve them in adulthood:
Research, public speaking, collaboration, perspective, inclusion, organization, world view, problem-solving
The experiences they had:
Pre – Conference:
- Research
- Work in committees
- Write position papers
- Write opening speeches
At the conference:
- Work in UN replica committees with other school groups
- Write resolutions
- Present resolutions to all attendees
Our students had the opportunity to perform at the Opening Ceremonies:
Not all work and no play! Students had a chance to get out and explore some of the city and enjoy downtime together!
The MMUN Mission
Our goal is to inspire youth. MMUN students formulate, present, debate, and revise positions on current issues that are affecting people of the world. By assuming the perspectives of a citizen of their selected countries, MMUN students not only develop an understanding of the needs and rights of others, but also learn the respect the cultures, the political views, and the belief system of others.
Two things that set a Montessori Model UN experience apart:
- A focus on process and collaboration, no emphasis on competition
- Adherence to the negotiation and communication style of Ambassadors in the United Nations.
To find out more about Montessori Model United Nations visit their website.
