Georgia Tech Model UN Program Hosts Collegiate Conference
Posted March 4, 2019
After months of planning, the Georgia Tech Model United Nations (GTMUN) hosted its second annual collegiate conference, TechMUN (Tech Model United Nations) from February 22-24.
Model UN is a simulation of the United Nations, where students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to resolve issues through negotiation. Conferences like this bring students from different institutions together to negotiate according to the country they are representing. There are collegiate conferences at major universities but what helps distinguish TechMUN is that it is a technology-based conference and it is located in the heart of Atlanta. They handle all resolutions, directives, and notes digitally using collaboration apps like Google Docs and Slack.
The conference was led by Secretary-General Zachary Connolly, an International Affairs and Industrial Engineering double-major. Connolly has been involved with Model UN since high school but had never headed one. “My goal for this conference was to increase registration and to hold a professional and enjoyable experience for everyone who came. More importantly, my goal was to hold a conference that encourages schools to come back,” said Connolly.
Other members of the leadership team included Under-Secretary-General (USG) for the General Assembly Emma Flynn, a Computer Science major; USG for Administration and Policy Richard Still, a Computer Engineering major; USG for Technology Nabil Esmail, an Economics and International Affairs major; and USG for Crisis Raegan Allister, an International Affairs major. Vince Pedicino, the Assistant Director of Graduate Programs in the Sam Nunn School of International Affairs, is the GTMUN program advisor.
Though this was the second collegiate conference hosted by the GTMUN program, they host an annual high school conference. Every year since 1998, Georgia Tech has hosted the GTMUN High School Conference, which lasts over two days of Fall Break. This conference has grown to approximately 950 students attending from around the region and beyond.
The GTMUN program was very happy with the outcome of the conference. “It was a well-run and enjoyable experience and the other schools told me they cannot wait to come back. I think the personal connections we have made with Texas A&M and Florida lead them to attending our conference,” said Connolly.
