Debate · Formats · Model UN, MUN

Model United Nations

Students represent countries in simulated United Nations committees, give short speeches, negotiate, and write resolutions together.

Who
Middle school, high school and college students. Each delegate represents one country (or person or group) on one committee.
Teams
Individuals or pairs representing a country
Length
Conferences of one to four days
Topic
Each committee has one or more topics announced before the conference.

How it differs from debate

Debate has two sides and a judge’s decision. Model UN has many countries and the goal of a resolution a majority can pass. Delegates still need debate skills: research, short persuasive speeches, answering questions and listening for common ground.

A committee moves between moderated caucus (the chair calls on speakers for short turns) and unmoderated caucus (delegates move around the room and negotiate), then debates and votes on draft resolutions.

A little history

Model UN began as simulations of the League of Nations; the first was held at the University of Oxford in 1921. The first recorded conference called a model United Nations met at Swarthmore College in April 1947.

What it rewards

  • Research into a country’s real positions
  • Short, clear speeches in moderated caucus
  • Negotiation and coalition building
  • Drafting resolutions others will sign

How to start

  1. Find a conference near you or a school club; many have beginner committees.
  2. Read your country’s statements on the topic at the UN and its government’s website.
  3. Write a one-page position paper.
  4. Prepare a one-minute opening speech.

Varies by league or state

  • No single body governs Model UN, so each conference sets its own rules of procedure, awards and speaking times.

Always check the rules your tournament publishes; they win over anything here.

Rules and sources

  1. Model United Nations, Wikipedia. Accessed 2026-10-25.

Speech times checked against the sources above on 2026-10-25.

@teddyrookbook GitHub