Model United Nations of the Far West: Empowering Students for Global Engagement and Learning

Utah Valley University students participated at the Model United Nations conference of the Far West in San Francisco during April 21-24, 2023

logo

Day 1

Flying out on April 21 to San Francisco from Salt Lake City was an exciting and nerve-wracking experience for me. It was my first time attending the Model United Nations of the Far West, and I was looking forward to engaging in student-led learning and meeting with other students who share my passion for international affairs.

The first event I attended was a meeting with Consul General for Norway, Gry Rabe Henriksen. It was an enlightening experience to hear about Norway's policies and views on international affairs and to learn about the country's rich history and culture. As a student of international relations, this meeting gave me the opportunity to learn from a seasoned diplomat and to gain insights into the workings of international diplomacy.

norway

With Consul General for Norway, Gry Rabe Henriksen

After the meeting with the Consul General, I attended my first committee meeting, which was the World Health Organization. The committee session was a fascinating experience, as I engaged in discussions about global health policies and strategies with other students from different schools. The discussions were lively and engaging, and I was impressed by the depth of knowledge and critical thinking skills displayed by my fellow delegates.

What impressed me most about the Model United Nations of the Far West was the emphasis on student-engaged learning. The event was designed to give students the opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions and debates about global issues, to learn from each other, and to develop their leadership skills. As a participant, I felt empowered and challenged to think critically, speak confidently, and to work collaboratively with other students towards a common goal.

Overall, my experience at the Model United Nations of the Far West was a memorable one. The event gave me the opportunity to broaden my horizons, to learn from experienced diplomats, and to engage in meaningful discussions about global issues with other students. It was an enriching experience that has left a lasting impact on me, and I look forward to attending future events like this one.

Day 2

On April 22, I had the opportunity to participate in the Model United Nations of the Far West Day 2. It was a great experience as I got to represent Norway in the World Health Organization committee meeting. As a student, I always enjoy learning about different cultures and perspectives, and this event was a great opportunity to do just that. The Model United Nations program is an excellent platform for students to engage in active learning and develop valuable skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and public speaking.

As a delegate representing Norway, I had to conduct extensive research on the country's healthcare policies, practices, and challenges. I had to familiarize myself with Norway's healthcare system, including their strategies to address global health issues such as pandemics, communicable diseases, and maternal health. In the committee meeting, I had to use my critical thinking skills to negotiate and collaborate with other delegates to create resolutions that could solve health issues facing the world today.

duo

With fellow Model U.N. Delegate students

The Model United Nations program provides an excellent opportunity for students to engage in student-led learning. I learned that the program's success is driven by the active involvement of students in the process. It is not just about representing a country; it is about learning how to collaborate and work together with people from different backgrounds and cultures. By participating in the program, I was able to broaden my perspective on global issues, develop my communication skills, and gain valuable insights on how to solve real-world problems.

On the same day, I decided to apply to be on the board of directors for the Model United Nations of the Far West. It was an excellent opportunity for me to give back to the community and help other students experience what I had experienced. I believe that I have the skills and the passion to contribute to the program's growth and development, and I look forward to the opportunity to serve as a board member.

In conclusion, the Model United Nations of the Far West Day 2 was a great experience for me. It provided me with an opportunity to engage in active learning and develop valuable skills that I can use in my future career. I encourage other students to participate in the program, as it is an excellent opportunity to learn about different cultures, perspectives, and world issues. The program fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and public speaking skills, all of which are valuable skills that are essential for success in any career.

Day 3

On April 23, I had the opportunity to represent Norway in the World Health Organization committee meeting at the Model United Nations of the Far West. This experience was truly enriching, as I was able to engage in student-centered learning while simultaneously being challenged to think critically about important global issues.

As a delegate for Norway, I had the responsibility of representing the views and interests of my country in the committee meeting. This required me to do extensive research on Norway's policies and opinions regarding global health issues. I found this research to be both interesting and informative, as I learned about Norway's emphasis on preventative healthcare measures and its commitment to ensuring that all people have access to quality healthcare.

trio

With fellow Model U.N. Delegate students

During the committee meeting, I had the opportunity to collaborate with other delegates to develop resolutions that would address the issue of global health inequalities. We discussed various strategies to improve healthcare access in developing countries and to promote the use of alternative medicine in the treatment of non-communicable diseases. Through these discussions, I was able to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of global health and the various factors that contribute to health disparities.

This experience was not just about learning, but also about engaging with my peers. Throughout the committee meeting, I had the opportunity to work closely with other delegates, to exchange ideas and perspectives, and to learn from each other's experiences. This collaborative approach to learning made the experience both challenging and rewarding, as I was able to broaden my understanding of global health issues and develop my skills in diplomacy and negotiation.

In addition to the committee meeting, I also attended my first board meeting as a student member of the board of directors for the Model United Nations of the Far West. This was a unique opportunity to gain insight into the organization's operations and to contribute to its decision-making process. As a member of the board, I was able to share my ideas and perspectives on various issues related to the Model United Nations of the Far West, and to collaborate with other board members to develop strategies for enhancing the organization's impact.

Overall, April 23 was an incredibly enriching day. Through my participation in the committee meeting and the board meeting, I was able to engage in student-centered learning, collaborate with my peers, and develop my skills in diplomacy and leadership. This experience has left me with a greater appreciation for the importance of global health issues and a deeper commitment to promoting social justice and equity. I look forward to continuing to engage in this important work in the future.

Day 4

April 24th was a momentous day for me as a delegate at the Model United Nations of the Far West. As a representative of Norway, I had the privilege of participating in the World Health Organization committee meeting. Our topic for the day was the pressing issue of pandemic response and how we can strengthen national capacities for this purpose. The committee was filled with passionate and dedicated delegates, all eager to make a meaningful contribution to the discussion.

I was determined to make a positive impact on this committee, and I knew that the key to success lay in creating alliances and building relationships with my fellow delegates. Over the course of the day, I worked tirelessly to engage with my peers, listening to their perspectives and offering my own insights. Through these interactions, I was able to build a network of allies that shared my vision for a stronger and more effective pandemic response.

duo

With fellow Model U.N. Delegate students

Together, we worked on crafting a resolution that would address the challenges facing nations around the world in responding to pandemics. We researched best practices and explored innovative solutions that could be implemented on a national level. It was a challenging and complex task, but we all remained committed to the cause.

Finally, the moment of truth arrived. Our resolution was presented to the committee, and after a lively debate, it was put to a vote. I held my breath as the votes were counted, hoping that our hard work and dedication would pay off.

And it did. The resolution passed, thanks to the support of our fellow delegates and the alliances we had built. It was an incredible feeling to know that we had made a meaningful contribution to the discourse on pandemic response, and that our efforts would have a real impact on people's lives.

This experience was a powerful example of student-engaged learning. It was not just about absorbing information from textbooks or lectures, but about actively engaging with the material and collaborating with others to make a difference in the world. I learned firsthand the value of building relationships and working together towards a common goal. I also developed skills in research, critical thinking, and public speaking that will serve me well in the future.

As the day came to a close, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. It was an incredible experience to be a part of the Model United Nations of the Far West, and I was grateful for the opportunity to represent Norway and contribute to the global dialogue on pandemic response. As I flew back to Utah, I reflected on the lessons I had learned and the memories I had made, knowing that they would stay with me for a lifetime.

  • Stephan M. Atkinson: President of Model United Nations Utah Valley University (UVU)