Rotary Model United Nations Program
Posted on Feb 02, 2017
Kevin Cahill was our guest speaker from Rotary Del Mar & Solana Beach. Kevin is Chair of Rotary District 5340 Model United Nations Program.
Our District 5340 is the only one in the United States with a Rotary Model United Nations Program, started by our District's Pathways to Peace Committee thirteen years ago. Rotary International has a long and proud association with the U.N, with Rotarians involved in its charter, and having the highest consultative status of any nongovernmental organization.
Rotary clubs select teams of two high school students and one advisor, who can be a Rotarian, teacher or parent. A club can sponsor more than one team. Several months before the Conference, the students are given two current-day UN Resolutions to address, and will undergo a day of training in analytical and negotiating skills, what to expect at the actual Conference and then the students select the countries to which they will become ambassadors. Advisors are also given training and advised of our District's Youth Protection Policy.
Kevin gave a graphic and entertaining account of the Model UN program, the training for the different teams (assigned to different countries) and the seemingly real-life events that occur during the exercise.
The 2017 Conference takes place on April 8-9, 2017 at the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice, University of San Diego. Students and advisors will stay at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Mission Valley on Saturday night. There will also be a keynote speech by an ambassador. Families and guests of students and advisors and other Rotarians can purchase tickets for the Saturday evening banquet and keynote address.
Webpage: 2017 Rotary Model UN Overview: http://www.modelun5340.com/node/25