Model UN Heading to NYC in Worldwide Conference

Marist students pose during the 2023 meet, representing China. Credit: Dr. Juris Pupcenoks

For a third year in a row, Marist College’s Model UN (MMUN) club is preparing to go to New York City to compete in the National Model United Nations conference. The week-long annual conference sees over 2,000 delegates from around the world compete in a unique debate style that imitates real global politics.

In preparation for the annual competition, students research, write and investigate issues in their assigned country. They show up representing that nation, using a combination of facts and critical thinking to form an argument in favor of that country’s interests. Topics are heavily specialized, with recent ones including artificial intelligence and drug trading.

“We can make an educated guess based on the news and current events, but we can’t really go in with any expectations. Even if we do, it’s always subverted,” said MMUN Vice President Addison Schwing ‘25.

Schwing has a combined six years of Model UN experience between high school and college. His tenure competing for Marist started digitally, but as COVID restrictions eased, they have gone to the city for events multiple times. 

“You can come in with a plan, but it’s almost guaranteed that plan ‘A’ isn’t going to work,” said Schwing. “You need to be able to pivot, reassess and act very quickly.”

Schwing also emphasized the benefits and accessibility offered by the club. Competitors from Marist get rooming accommodations in New York City for the entire four-day event, and anyone from any major is eligible to sign up for the club. 

At Marist, candidates are taught what Schwing describes as a “curated skill” specific to the competition and helpful in the greater college experience.

“We try to take as many people as we can,” said MMUN President William Dougherty ‘24. “What I would look for in candidates was excitement. If you have those two things, I think anyone can do it.”

Students who attend the conferences have opportunities to network with people around the country and the world. Members like Dougherty, who have attended conferences in the past, note that in addition to their achievements, the chance to meet other people has allowed them to gain lasting friends.

“It’s probably the most unique debate style in the world,” said Dougherty.

Dougherty, who started his Model UN career in college, emphasizes the importance and value of learning about the world from different perspectives. The experience is also invaluable for the workforce, as participation is a helpful addition to bolster a resume.

Marist students will represent the Czech Republic during the 2024 meet after previously acting as France and China. After receiving an outstanding delegation award last year, the team aims to achieve it again with their sights also set on individual outstanding delegate awards.

Portraying a less prominent country on the world stage, students in MMUN will have to do additional research to familiarize themselves with a country whose politics aren’t as public or prominent as others.

“Trying to partner with smaller countries is something different,” said Secretary Ethan Solury ‘26. “We’re used to having so many more alliances.”

With six years of experience between high school and college, Solury noted that in-between moments of debate about heavier topics like disarmament, taking the time to talk with people from other colleges and countries around the world during downtime has provided crucial support and connections.

Solury’s team also prepared for the conference by collaborating with Marist’s neighboring schools, Bard College and Vassar College, as practice outside of just MMUN team meetings. This process, inspired by previous meets, is new this year.

MMUN members will get to be inside the United Nations building for the conference in March, a rare privilege for people uninvolved with international politics.