1. An Introduction to St Edward High School’S MUN Programme for 2014-15 Mon 22nd September 2014

2. What is MUN?  Simulates debates in the style of the United Nations.  Debates are on current world issues, and how to solve them.  Individuals each role-play a country and discuss solutions from that country’s point of view.  After a debate, a vote is held to decide which solutions are best.

3. What does the UN do? The United Nations is an international organization. It was established at the end of after World War II with the chief aim of stopping future wars. Most nations are now member states of the UN (there are currently 193 member states and numerous other observers) – each member state sends delegates, representatives and other staff to UN Headquarters iN New York City (and to other UN Offices and events) to hold meetings and pass resolutions (make decisions) about global issues. Debate issues range from climate change to disamarment; political corruption to control over outer space.

4. The Aims of the UN  To keep peace throughout the world.  To develop friendly relations between nations.  To work together to help people live better lives, to eliminate poverty, disease and illiteracy in the world, to stop environmental destruction and to encourage respect for each other's rights and freedoms.  To be a means for helping nations achieve these aims.

5. What does MUN do?  Every week we have sessions where we learn about an aspect of debates, play a game or have a mini MUN debate.  We also prepare for conferences by researching issues and learning about how to participate and how to propose formal resolutions to agenda issues.

6. Who does it?  Teachers – who act as Directors and Advisors  Pupils from all over the world ranging in age and experience  Delegates, Chairs, Secretariat  Real UN officials and World Leader patrons  YOU

7. Conferences  Preparation  Different schools in different countries across the continents all over the world  Resolutions  Committees  General Assembly  Socialising

8. Benefits for you  Learn how to speak in public  Gain confidence  Learn how to argue and discuss issues  Learn how to think on your feet  Learn persuasive skills  Learn how to negotiate  Acquire a knowledge of current affairs

9. Other Benefits  CAS Hours  University preparation  Personal Statement  Interviews- College entry or elsewhere  Becoming an aware and active citizen  Developing leadership

10. FUN  Socialising: meet new people, both at St Ed’s and from other schools.  Parties: All the conferences host a party in the evening where all MUNers are invited to attend.  Travel: Conferences targeted include local events in NE Ohio in addition to Haileybury (HMUN15) in Hertford, England and THIMUN15 in The Hague, Netherlands!

12. NEXT STEPS Sign Up on the Sheets to indicate interest and give me contact details – I will then email your parents Take an information Sheet to your parents Return Forms Turn up to training sessions (Mondays 3.20 to 4pm in the Library)