table full of world flagsAbout 50 high school students will role-play international diplomats in a Model United Nations on the UWindsor campus this weekend.

Campus to play host to high-school diplomats

Diplomacy and international relations will be on the agenda Friday and Saturday as the University hosts about 50 high school students at the annual Model United Nations conference.

The event, organized by the campus Model UN Society with help from the UWindsor political science department, will be held in the Toldo Health Education Centre. It begins with an introductory session that includes an address by former MP Joe Comartin, Canada’s consul general in Detroit.

It’s the fourth year the University has hosted the event.

“It’s an exciting event where students get to take on the role of national leaders and national delegates while acting to resolve contemporary issues or crises,” said John Sutcliffe, head of the political science department.

It’s not only a great recruitment tool for the university, but helps to build better citizens, he said.

“It gets people thinking about the importance of international events, international organizations, and the problems these organizations face.”

Participating students have received information packages assigning them a role in the simulation. They are expected to do research on countries and issues ahead of time. The top three performers will win a certificate and prizes.

“It brings students on campus and lets them engage with existing students,” Dr. Sutcliffe said. For the students running the event, “it’s a great mentorship and leadership experience.”

The Model UN conference runs from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, April 26 and 27.

─ Sarah Sacheli