Some 700 students representing more than 70 high schools expected to participate
Some 700 students representing more than 70 high schools from Pennsylvania, New York, and Ohio will discuss the war in Afghanistan and other current world issues during Gannon University’s 57th annual Model United Nations, to be held Friday and Saturday, Nov. 13-14.

Local participating high schools include North East, Iroquois, Fort LeBoeuf, Central Tech, Harbor Creek, East, Mercyhurst Prep, Collegiate Academy, Cathedral Prep, Villa Maria Academy, General McLane, Fairview, Northwestern, Cambridge Springs, and McDowell.

Gannon’s Model United Nations is designed to help students better understand the complex problems of international affairs in a rapidly-changing global community, as well as the responsibilities and functions of the United Nations. Model UN also provides participating students a valuable opportunity to hone their skills in areas like critical thinking, leadership, public speaking, and team building.

During this year’s session, students will discuss Afghanistan and establishing a Middle East peace force in addition to four other issues:

• Improving Universal Literacy and Education.

• Controlling International Piracy.

• Combating Ethnic and Racial Discrimination.

• Addressing Global Poverty and Hunger.

In addition, the Model Economic and Social Council will be promoting global economic cooperation. The Model Security Council will engage in a simulation of a hypothetical world crisis.
High school delegates will begin registering for the event at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13 at Gannon’s Hammermill Center, 620 Peach St. The General Assembly meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Friday at Hammermill Center. After the assembly, students will attend committee meetings and participate in student and faculty socials.

Committee meetings will continue on Saturday, with the closing session of the General Assembly scheduled to adjourn between 3 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday at the Hammermill Center.

More about Gannon University’s Model United Nations
Each high school’s delegation to the Model UN can include up to 10 regular delegates, a member or observer to the Security Council, and an alternate delegate; each delegation must have at least six participating students. Depending on the level of student interest, schools can seek to have additional delegations participate.

Prior to the Model UN, student delegations are assigned a specific country designation and must study the general viewpoints and policies of its government. Students also are responsible for reviewing the issues to be debated, and are obligated to cast their votes in accordance with the interests of their assigned country.

An additional benefit of the event is that students, through their participation, are able to personify the viewpoints and cultures of diverse countries. Participating students are eligible for scholarships should they decide to attend Gannon.

Paul Foust, Gannon political science adjunct professor, will fulfill the role of General Moderator for the 10th straight year. Andrea Carnicella, a senior political science major and last year’s Assistant Secretary General, will serve as Secretary General. Rebecca Perry, a junior political science and history major, will serve as Assistant Secretary General.