O-MUN: Online Model United Nations

Posted July 3, 2012 by Editor in Youth World

O-MUN is an online simulation of one of the world’s most popular student programs: Model United Nations. In the program, students play the role of diplomats to the United Nations of various member countries and organizations, who create resolutions to solve pressing issues of the world, and pass or fail the resolution at the end of debate.

O-MUN is open to two age groups: High School students and University students. Most debate sessions last from 1 hour to 2 ½ hours, depending on the number of students present.

O-MUN is a world wide platform for students to make themselves be heard

There are 3 kinds of debates: Global debates, Regional debates and Special Debates. There are many debates held throughout the month and one can find upcoming debates, on their calendar here.

The community at O-MUN is extremely diversified. When not debating, O-MUN is a great way to socialize with people around the globe. The community consists of students from the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, South East Asia, and Europe. We are now slowly expanding to North America as well.

The factors that make O-MUN an amazing program for students are that it’s free, there are many opportunities to help in outreach, participate in actual MUNs on behalf of O-MUN, participate in photo competitions, rise to leadership posts, become moderators and chairs, and so and so forth. There never actually seems to be an end to the on-goings at O-MUN.

a sample of a debate session

O-MUN functions through a mixed use of Facebook, OrgSync and Blackboard Collaborate. Most of the updates can be followed on the Facebook page, while signups for various debates take place on OrgSync (links to signups are posted on the Facebook page). The actual virtual environment for the program is the BlackBoard Collaborate. Debating is done generally by microphone, and delegates can interact with one another with the use of chat.

All in all, O-MUN proves to be an extremely enriching program for students, enhancing their negotiation skills, encouraging collaboration, increasing their sense of globalization, and helping them make connections with people in distant places. Further information on the program can be found on O-MUN’s Wiki Link.

For a sample lobbying session Click Here

The video demonstrates a sample Debate session…

O-MUN are always looking to get new students involved, so if you are a high school student and would like to participate, just drop Osama a line. All his contact information can be found on his wiki page.

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