On Jan. 22, students from all corners of the country and the world gathered at the Ivy League Model United Nations Conference in Philadelphia, simulating UN negotiations. The trip provided students with an immersive experience in diplomacy, debate and international relations.
Throughout the four-day conference, participants engaged in rigorous committee sessions that mirrored real UN debates. Students were assigned countries and specific committees, such as the UN Conference on Trade and Development, where they had to research their nation’s stance on pressing international issues.
“You talk to countries that align with your country’s interests,” said sophomore Jaya Sheth. This intense negotiation process involved drafting resolutions, forming alliances and making speeches, honing their skills in diplomacy and public speaking.
Sheth, who had previously participated in Model UN, reflected on her growth over the past year.
“I started doing Model UN freshman year. I did maybe two conferences, and I went into it knowing nothing,” Sheth said. “Then this past summer I did a camp at Georgetown and learned different Model UN skills.”
Her experience in Philadelphia marked a significant step forward. “My skills were better and I was more confident of a speaker,” she said. “And that’s helped me enjoy it more.”
The trip was not without its challenges. A severe snowstorm disrupted the schedule, causing the cancellation of the final committee sessions and leaving many students stranded.
“Our flight for Sunday morning originally got canceled, then it was Sunday evening, then finally Monday morning,” Sheth said. “A lot of parents booked flights and the kids left early, but I stayed because my mom didn’t want me to leave without the chaperones.”
As a result, faculty sponsors Rebecca Ahrens, Virgil Campbell and the students had to make the most of their experience.
“We found things to occupy our time,” sophomore Grant Hilliard said. “We used our extra day and a half to visit the Rocky Statue and go sledding down the Rocky steps. We also explored more of the city.”
Despite these drawbacks, students found ways to bond and make the most of the experience.
“We went sledding, played in the snow, and had a pizza party,” Sheth said. “We ended up doing a lot of really fun bonding activities together.”
Ahrens emphasized the educational value of the trip.
“Watching how enthusiastic students are was the best part,” she said. “They come back so excited about their resolutions and the work they’ve done.”
She highlighted the importance of the skills students develop beyond debate, which are invaluable for future endeavors.
“Public speaking, diplomacy, and the ability to compromise are all skills they hone during Model UN,” Ahrens said. “It’s a microcosm of real-world international relations.”
Reflecting on the trip’s overall impact, Sheth expressed her excitement for future Model UN experiences.
“It’s just so fun and so educational,” she said. “I want to approach speeches with more metaphors and make them stand out. I’m excited to see how I can improve next year.”
Hilliard also reflected on the trip, expressing how it taught him to speak confidently, be a quick-thinker, and cooperate with others.
“Overall I had a really fun time,” Hilliard remarked. “I’m excited for all the future conferences and trips next year and encourage everyone to join and try it out. It’s such a unique experience.”
As the students returned home, they carried with them lessons in diplomacy, resilience, and teamwork: skills that their leaders are sure will serve them well in any future pursuit.
