BUFFALO, NY – More than 400 high school students from 20 local schools descended upon the Canisius campus on Wednesday, November 6 for the university’s annual Model United Nations (UN) Conference. The conference was organized and hosted entirely by members of MUNDO (Model UN Development Organization). The Canisius student club is dedicated to promoting awareness of international affairs and exploring concepts of peace and security, and human rights.
“As a university committed to developing global citizens, Canisius University is proud to host this annual Model UN Conference and share our passion for international affairs with high school students from across Western New York,” said Richard Reitsma, PhD, director of the International Relations Program. “Watching the young delegates engage in dynamic debates and work collaboratively to address complex global challenges is tremendously rewarding because these students will be the next generation of leaders and problem-solvers on the world stage.”
Model UN is a popular extracurricular activity in which students roleplay as delegates to the United Nations, simulating UN committees and learning about diplomacy, international relations, current world issues and the UN itself. During the day-long conference, student delegates were assigned to represent specific countries and tasked with debating global issues from the perspective of their assigned country. Working collaboratively, the delegates drafted and passed resolutions, while developing valuable skills in public speaking, writing and critical thinking.
“The Model UN Conference offers a unique opportunity for high school students to gain firsthand experience with the principles and functions of the United Nations,” added Reitsma. “Students not only learn about diplomacy and international relations but develop essential skills that will serve them well in and out of the classroom.”
Canisius was founded in 1870 in Buffalo, NY, and is one of 27 Jesuit colleges and universities in the U.S. Consistently ranked among the top institutions in the Northeast, Canisius offers undergraduate, graduate and pre-professional programs distinguished by close student-faculty collaboration, mentoring and an emphasis on ethical, purpose-driven leadership.
