Twelve students from Westfield State University’s International Relations Club traveled to a Model United Nations simulations event at McGill University in Montreal January 24–27.
This was the first of three simulations that Club members will attend this semester, accompanied by Professor Brian Steinberg, Ph.D., of the Political Science Department.
The McGill University Model U.N. simulation brought together 1,600 students from several countries, including Canada and the United States. Students represent future diplomats, politicians, and activists. The delegates had the unique opportunity to put their debate skills to the test through events such as simulations of: the International Court of Justice; the sustainable development goals review of the United Nations; and a consulting group.
Westfield State students were excited to travel, learn and gain experience. “The networking experience you get and the ability to communicate and work with [the host schools] is invaluable,” said Cameron Stanton, a senior from West Suffield, Conn., majoring in business management and economics. “It’s an experience of traveling with a purpose.”
Senior Zuleyka Contreras-Joubert, a business management major from Springfield who has attended several Model U.N. simulations, added “Every conference taught me something new about the world, and myself. Being part of the Model U.N. has given me confidence, knowledge, and most importantly, a voice.” Future simulations are scheduled February 14–17 at Harvard University and April 14–18 at the United Nations in New York City.