PROJECT SUMMARY - THE MODEL UN (MUN)
True to the spirit of the United Nations, founded in 1945, MUNs strive to foster a constructive forum for young people to have open dialogue on complex global issues, including international peace and security and economic and social progress. MUN stresses the in-depth examination and resolution of pressing issues, emphasizing process over product.

During the conference, high school students learn the importance of balancing sovereign interests with the needs of the international community, while also learning about the powers and limitations of international negotiation. Delegates must preserve their countries? national policy while negotiating in the face of other, sometimes conflicting, international policies.

The MUN General Assembly deals with a wide variety of issues, ranging from disarmament and security to law, health, and development.

By highlighting the principle of ?one nation, one vote,? adhered to by all 193 member states and observers of the United Nations, the MUN remains true to the original premise of the UN, whereby every nation plays an important role, and delegates negotiate and debate as equals on issues of great global importance. Debate is spirited, as delegates attempt to balance their responsibilities to their nations, regional blocs, and the Assembly as a whole.

Partners: We rely on the support and advice from locally based Embassies, UN chapters and other NGO support groups, particularly with regards to training students and providing access to country relevant materials.

Funding: Sponsorship has been forthcoming from a number of corporate entities and sponsors over the years, including Commonwealth Foundation, National AIDS Coordinating Committee, TSTT, First Citizens Bank and the UN Association.

Venue: We aim to both accommodate students and host the MUN events all in one Port of Spain based location.

Regional Delegates: Our club is committed to the involvement of local AND regional delegates, and by partnering with other Rotary Clubs in our District (Southern Caribbean) we are able to engage students from the wider Caribbean. We aim to expand this participation over the next few years.

Government: The Ministry of Education has long been a supporter of this program, even considering including it in the national curriculum at one point. In addition to funding, they provide resource material and the Minister is often engaged at the Opening Ceremony. We also intend to engage both the Ministry of Tertiary Education and Skills Development and the Ministry for Gender, Youth and Child Development.

Media: The relationship with the local traditional and online media has grown and we now enjoy live streaming of MUN, real time TV interviews with student delegates and reasonable coverage in the national newspapers.

The strengthening and evolution of our MUN is important if we are to ensure that real value is being given to our students and by extension their schools and communities, and our country.