MUN (Model United Nations) is more than just a trip. It is an opportunity for students to challenge themselves, engage in independent learning, and develop essential values. By stepping into the role of delegates, they refine their critical thinking, communication, and leadership skills, preparing them for a complex and interconnected world.
Each year, Ms Codina (Head of Middle and Lower Secondary School and IB Coordinator) and Mr Hohnjec (Head of Upper
Secondary School) organise a trip to a Model United Nations (MUN) conference around the world. This event showcases the
popularity of MUN among students, offering them a chance to meet peer students from different countries, dress up for
a farewell dance, and, more importantly, engage in a valuable independent learning experience that will benefit them for life.
Last year, a group of twelve students from SIS Berlin participated in the MUN event in Espergærde, Denmark. During
the event, students represented assigned countries in various UN councils through simulated debates and discussions. The
topics covered were typical of those addressed by the UN, including issues like preventing the illicit arms trade, finding
sustainable solutions to climate change, empowering social minorities, and intervening in violent conflicts. Regardless of
their personal beliefs, students were required to represent their assigned country’s stance and work towards diplomatic
solutions. This process encouraged extensive research, not only into the country’s policies but also into the perspectives
of potential allies, opponents, and the topics themselves. This is where value-based learning comes into play. At SIS Berlin,
we are guided by two sets of principles. First, we follow our school’s core values, known as REACH, which stand for respect, enthusiasm, appreciation, compassion, and honesty. Second, as lifelong learners, we also align our actions with the IB learner profile.
Fostering Curiosity and Critical Thinking
At the start of the MUN, students are filled with excitement and enthusiasm. Since these trips are annual, some students look
forward to the experience with a desire to build on their previous MUN experiences and improve their performance. The group of students entering the MUN are filled with curiosity, embodying the “inquirer” trait of the IB learner profile. Through researching their assigned country’s policies and gaining insights into various topics, students become independent learners, gaining valuable knowledge. They also learn to analyse the values and limitations of their sources, which is essential in an age where communication is rapid and traditional opinion leaders’ authority is shifting.
MUN also encourages students to apply knowledge from a range of subjects like history, political science, geography, economics, and ethics. By integrating these fields, students deepen their understanding of global issues and develop critical thinking skills. Connecting various disciplines enhances their arguments and helps them approach solutions from
multiple perspectives – skills that are essential for independent learners navigating complex topics. However, this preparation is not instant. It involves mastering difficult technical terms from different disciplines and overcoming the challenge of finding reliable information about the assigned country. This process requires commitment from the students. Preparation begins about two months before the trip, with research often happening outside of regular school hours, showcasing the students’ dedication to learning. Throughout this period, students encounter political opinions that differ from their own, testing their open-mindedness and tolerance. They learn to accept differing opinions, even during intense debates, which starts to shape them as global citizens – another key aspect of the IB learner profile. They begin to appreciate the value of diversity and gain a broader understanding of the world’s challenges.
As students formulate their positions, they also identify potential allies and opponents to strengthen their arguments. In today’s interconnected world, students apply critical and creative thinking to determine how to collaborate with other countries, considering factors beyond their size, politics, or economic power.
Applying Knowledge and Leadership
Finally, the day arrives when all the hard work pays off. Students from different countries and schools gather to simulate the
UN, where they apply the knowledge they have gained as delegates and potential world leaders. To respect the rules of the simulation, delegates wear formal attire, which may be new and challenging for some, but they quickly adapt and take pride in their appearance and new roles. By adhering to the game’s rules, they respect their assigned countries’ policies and work to find solutions that align with those perspectives. This is when students must prove themselves as influential speakers in both moderated and unmoderated discussions, embodying the IB trait of risk-taking. For more advanced delegates, this means not only participating in the game but also trying to influence the outcome by pushing a resolution in their favour through the council. Even with this ambition, students must stay true to their country’s policies and the agreements made with others, because integrity is essential in maintaining the potential for future collaborations. Dishonesty will hinder cooperation, which is key to pushing any resolution through the council.
MUN also fosters resilience. Engaging in debates where their arguments are challenged forces students to refine their reasoning and adjust their strategies. They learn to stay composed, think quickly, and defend their positions with sound logic. Facing opposition and overcoming challenges builds their confidence, helping them become determined learners who are prepared to tackle difficult intellectual obstacles in the future, skills that will help them become future leaders. They advocate for their country’s position, form alliances and negotiate compromises.
Confidence, Responsibility, and Global Awareness
These experiences make students confident speakers, effective mediators, and strategic decision makers, clear skills that will serve them well in their academic and professional futures. Furthermore, MUN promotes a sense of personal and social responsibility. By addressing global challenges, students become aware of the impact their actions and words have on the world. They gain a deeper understanding of their role in an interconnected world and bring these insights into their studies and careers. The ability to consider multiple perspectives, think critically, and collaborate towards shared goals reflects the essence of an independent, value-centred learner.
Marko Hohnjec, Head of Upper Secondary School, SIS Berlin