"Irreplaceable" Opportunities in Meridian's Model UN Program

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the United Nations, and it’s been an exciting fall for Meridian’s Model UN program. On October 26, juniors Isaac, Madi, and Max -- longtime MUN participants and current leaders of our middle school program -- were invited to join an exclusive UN Day luncheon hosted by the United Nations Association of Greater Boston.

The event gathered leaders from the business, policy, and academic communities for a dialogue on world affairs, and it included special guest Ambassador Matthew Rycroft, the new Permanent Representative of the United Kingdom to the UN. UNAGB set aside special time for Meridian students to speak with him about his work, and the event helped expose the real world of the United Nations.

As Isaac said, “It was really interesting to talk to people who work in embassies and consulates, who are actually in the world of international diplomacy. We’re used to working in Model UN, but they’re actually in the United Nations.”

“The ability to attend something so much larger than the small community of Model UN is irreplaceable,” said Madi. “I got to meet people who inspire change on an international scale every day.”

The following day, Isaac, Madi, and Max led the middle school Model UN group to a no-prep UN simulation at the Massachusetts State House, where students were given a short time to read informational packets, prepare statements, and caucus with other delegates towards a solution on their assigned issue. The high school leaders felt that this was an essential piece of preparation for full-scale conferences, particularly for students who are participating in Model UN for the first time.

“When we were in 7th grade,” explained Max, “the three of us had no idea how a committee session ran until we were in the thick of it. Having a low-stress experience to get a feel for how a Model UN actually works is going to be really helpful for the middle schoolers in the future.”

Reflecting on the simulation, Madi said, “It's cheesy, but each year the students provide for me more than I probably provide for them. To see kids who have never done Model UN before get up and speak is so humbling. They far surpass my expectations.”