A delegation of 19 University of Lynchburg students won honorable mention for its work representing the Republic of Croatia at the National Model United Nations in New York City March 28-April 1.
Nearly 5,000 students from colleges and universities around the world attend the Model UN. Prior to arriving in New York, each team is given a country to represent.
The LC delegation is enrolled in a UN politics course at LC taught by Dr. Sabita Manian, professor of political science and international relations. Students do massive amounts of research to faithfully role play the country they are representing.
LC alumna Emefa Gbedemah ’05 was chosen as the secretary general for this year’s Model UN. Obtaining the position of secretary general was no simple feat, requiring a rigorous interview process. Gbedemah has a staff of 120 and is in charge of planning the conference, coordinating with schools, overseeing printed pieces, and arranging hotels.
Last year, LC’s delegation represented Bangladesh and won the Distinguished Award for Position Papers and an Honorable Mention Award.
The simulation involves both written and face-to-face debates with other countries to discuss global issues. The simulation also gives students the opportunity to develop skills in negotiation, deliberation, and bargaining. The students are engaged in diplomacy and persuasion, consensus building, and conflict resolution.
