On May 3, 2025, our middle school students participated in the 11th annual Saint Ann’s Middle School Model United Nations Conference (SAMUN XI) in Brooklyn Heights, NY. This conference, organized entirely by high school students from Saint Ann’s School, offers middle schoolers a platform to engage in global diplomacy simulations.
Our middle school students actively participated in tackling pressing global challenges.
Their dedication and preparation were evident, with two students earning accolades: one received the Best Delegate award, the highest honor at the conference, and another was honored as an Outstanding Delegate.
What Is Model UN in Middle School?
The Model UN Club is an academic club that parallels the processes of the United Nations. Student delegates take on the role of real and fictionalized people or countries to solve real-world problems. Participants research global issues, debate policies, and draft resolutions, mirroring the diplomatic processes of the actual UN.
How Middle School Students Benefit from Participating in Model UN
Participation in Model UN offers middle school students a range of benefits:
- Enhanced Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: Students tackle real-world global issues, analyzing data and proposing viable solutions
- Improved Public Speaking and Confidence: Regular practice in delivering speeches and defending positions boosts students’ confidence and communication abilities.
- Leadership and Teamwork: Collaborating in committees teaches students how to lead discussions, mediate conflicts, and work towards consensus.
- Global Awareness: Representing various countries helps students understand diverse perspectives and the complexities of international relations.
Each week, middle school students at the French American Academy meet for the Model UN Club, where they practice public speaking, learn diplomatic procedures, and discuss global issues. Students develop a global and historical awareness of the world while gaining invaluable confidence, critical thinking, and communication skills.
The Broader Impact of Model UN
Engagement in Model UN fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and a deeper understanding of international affairs among students. Such experiences align with our mission to cultivate bilingual, bicultural, and globally aware citizens. The French American Academy celebrates the accomplishments of its delegates and looks forward to continued participation in future Model UN conferences.
