Published: 11/03/2023
Gannon University Model United Nations
Gannon University Model United Nations in the School of Public Service and Global Affairs will host its 71st Annual Gannon University Model United Nations Conference (GUMUNC) on November 3 and 4, 2023. More than 270 high school students across the tri-state area, including 13 schools will attend to engage in committees addressing topics of global importance. Students who attend the conference are offered a scholarship for their participation, should they choose to attend Gannon University.
"This weekend, students will engage in dialogue and debate on topics surrounding diplomacy, international relations, and leadership," said Dr. Sarah Ewing, Provost and Vice President for Student Experience. "These concepts are fundamental for our students to better understand global issues and prepare for careers in an interconnected world."
Founded by Father Joseph Barr in 1954 GUMUNC is believed to be the second oldest conference in the United States and the longest consecutively running conference in the world. Father Barr believed that Model UN had two purposes: first, to provide students with a space to learn about global issues and perspectives, and second to provide students with organization, leadership, and debate skills.
This year, club advisors Dr. Andrew Caswell and Professor Peter Agresti worked with Gannon students to organize, coordinate, and execute the GUMUN Conference. Students in Gannon's history, legal studies, global cultures, political science, public service & global affairs, and other majors are involved in the Model UN.
Each year the Secretary General of the Model United Nations Club at Gannon selects the topics and coordinates volunteers and club members for the conference. Jem Neumann, a senior Public Relations major at Gannon has held the position for three years. Following this year, Newmann will pass the role on to the Assistant Secretary General, Brianna Barr. Newmann and Barr worked together on this conference to create a captivating set of issues for students to discuss.
High School students attending the GUMUN Conference can join one of the eight committees run by the Model UN club. Committee topics include Nuclear Proliferation, Human Trafficking Prevention, Rural Economic Development, Piracy, UNESCO’s response to Stolen and Contested Artifacts, and the 2024 Olympics. Students are also able to participate as Press Corps Delegates, wherein they are able to work as journalists covering the various committees in the style of a mainstream news outlet.
The opening ceremonies will be held on Friday, November 3 starting at 7 p.m. and will include speeches from Secretary General Neumann and Rev. T. Shane Mathew, Associate Provost for Mission Immersion. Students in each committee will also compete for awards including Best, Outstanding, and Excellent Delegate for each committee and Best, Outstanding, and Excellent Position Paper for the General Assembly Committees.
Learn more about the Gannon University Model U.N. here.