University Team Participates in Simulated United Nations Conference

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Students from the University of Arkansas participated in a simulated United Nations conference and competed with teams from around the world. The Arkansas delegation was awarded two prestigious awards at the event.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. –A delegation of 31 students from the University of Arkansas took part in the National Model United Nations conference held March 30 through April 3 in New York City. Some 2,500 students from around the world gathered at the world’s largest United Nations simulation to discuss regional conflicts, peacekeeping, human rights, the status of women and children, economic and social development and the environment on a global level.

The U of A students represented the Sam M. Walton College of Business, Dale Bumpers College of Agricultural, Food and Life Sciences and J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences.

“National Model United Nations was a great experience,” said Brooke Atwell, a Walton College student majoring in international business with an emphasis in marketing and Spanish. “I was presented with the opportunity to interact with students from all over the world with very different backgrounds than my own.”

The University of Arkansas team earned two prestigious awards. The U of A delegation was awarded the Distinguished Delegation Award for overall committee participation, assigned country advocacy and proper procedure. Team members Cicely Shannon and Amy Mae West received the Outstanding Position Paper for the General Assembly Second Committee. Their position paper focused on external debt sustainability and development, agriculture development and food security, and international strategy for disaster reduction.

“These awards continue the four-year tradition of recognition of our NMUN teams. Over the past four years these teams have totaled 21 awards for their background research, individual achievements, committee team efforts and as an entire delegation,” said Robert Stapp, a clinical professor of economics at Walton College. “Our purpose is not to win awards; rather it is to enhance student learning skills via research, public speaking, leadership, caucusing to produce a viable compromise and massive participation in the NMUN event.”

“The university can be rightly proud of this bunch,” Stapp said.

The event is hosted by the NCAA and fosters students’ diplomacy and compromise skills while highlighting the work of the United Nations.

“As an international business student, being able to discuss and create resolutions for major world issues was a tremendous learning opportunity,” Atwell said. “Through National Model United Nations, I was able to expand my knowledge of global affairs, make great friendships with international students and learn more about the United Nations. I am very grateful for this opportunity and experience.”