By: Evan Carlson

Model United Nations Club (MUN) hosted its annual school conference, Mt. Hebron Model United Nations Conference (HCMUNC), on Oct. 28. Sparking discussion on the topics: the Death Penalty, Deep Sea Mining, Regulating AI In Warfare, and Regulating Territorial Disputes.

Concluding their first conference, with each topic having a student-led presentation along with it. HCMUNC went on for over two hours as the delegates delved deep into each topic, giving new and returning MUN members a chance to learn and speak.

“It was really nice watching other students prepare speeches and research on important topics which are helping us develop into future leaders,” said Mt. Hebron sophomore delegate Jessica Park.

Besides the annual HCMUNC, meetings are held weekly in room 119, where students can learn more about topics and build skills required for MUN. Students earn a better understanding of the international worldview, as well as being able to strengthen their college applications.

“There are tons of things that MUN can help anyone with, both in everyday life and in academics. For one, the awards you win as a part of Hebron MUN range from County, State, National, to International, which most certainly [can go on a] resume and college app,” stated Mt. Hebron MUN Under Secretary Eli Woodruff.

The goal of MUN is to put Mt. Hebron students on the top of international affairs, politics, and relationships in a way that is not offered within a classroom or educational space. In MUN, students do not need background knowledge to play a part; instead, they need an interest in history or geopolitical affairs.

“Whether a student is a future International Relations major or doesn’t even keep up with the news, MUN allows students to affect the simulated world around them, usually in a way that gets them thinking about how the actual situation is treated by the real nations,” said Senior Under Secretary General Austin Morse.

Agreeing with fellow MUN committee member on how MUN deepens members’ worldviews, Woodruff said, “Seeing and fighting with competing interests and powers in a Committee allows Delegates the opportunity to get a deeper understanding of some of the world’s most pressing issues, while improving their critical thinking, social, and public speaking skills.”

Apart from benefitting the club and academics, students can also apply skills and information learned in MUN to their daily lives and the workforce. Such skills include but are not limited to public speaking, in-depth research skills, leadership, and self-confidence building.

“All things that not only will help students in high school and college, but also as they transition into adults in the working world,” said Morse.

A yearly conference and a weekly club meeting, Mt. Hebron’s HCMUNC, and club chapter are key experiences for students to participate in and are recommended for more to join in the future. Now, after HCMUNC, the delegates are in preparation for the Marriotts Ridge Model United Nations Conference, where they hope to achieve more awards and accolades.