Posted
October 16, 2024
The Model United Nations (MUN) program at St. Edward is thriving, with over 50 Edsmen participating this year—the largest in the program’s history. Led by Michael Perrins, MUN Director and Dan Flynn, Deputy Director, the program provides students with invaluable experience in diplomacy, international relations, and global problem-solving.
Last weekend, the EdsMUN team attended the Mentor Crisis Conference, hosted by Mentor High School. The event offered a dynamic platform for students to engage with complex, scenario-based global issues, delivering thoughtful diplomatic solutions.
Alex Pruss ’25, President of St. Edward’s MUN team, served as a member of the Cuban cabinet. Reflecting on the experience, he shared, “We tackle crises like flash floods, power outages, gang violence, and uprisings in Latin American countries. Nations such as the U.S. and Mexico might step in with humanitarian aid, requiring delegates to shift focus from internal issues to foreign policy responses. Whether it’s a natural disaster or a human-made conflict, anything can come up in these simulations.”
Mr. Perrins was recognized throughout the conference for his exceptional leadership in Model UN across the region. His trademark statement, “Remember, MUN is fun!” was quoted in the event’s opening speech.
Six EdsMUN delegates were awarded top distinctions, a testament to the strength of the program and the preparation they received under Mr. Perrins and Mr. Flynn.
Model UN at St. Edward offers an immersive experience where students step into the roles of global delegates, engaging in high-stakes debates, negotiations, and resolutions on pressing international issues. Whether simulating the United Nations General Assembly or the Security Council, participants hone crucial skills like public speaking, research, negotiation, and teamwork. As an International Baccalaureate World School, St. Edward’s Model UN experience aligns with IB’s mission of fostering internationally minded individuals who are prepared to navigate complex global challenges. The skills developed in these simulations are not just for conferences but are essential for a lifetime of thoughtful leadership.
Dan Flynn, one of the MUN advisors, shared his insight on the program: “Model UN is all about building consensus and collaboration. Students dive into the complexities of their assigned country’s stance on global issues, and the real challenge comes when they debate and negotiate solutions that align with their nation’s interests.”
For Andy Scott ’25, the most valuable takeaway from MUN has been increased confidence and quick thinking. “I used to be a bit shy, but MUN has really helped me come out of my shell. I can think on my feet and feel comfortable starting conversations with people in ways I never could before.”
This confidence-building is exactly what MUN is all about. Flynn notes, “You see these students grow from quiet participants into confident, outspoken leaders by the end of each conference.”
The future for EdsMUN is promising. Ryan Vaziri ’25 has received an extraordinary honor, being selected as a chair for The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) in January. THIMUN is the world’s largest and most prestigious Model UN conference, attracting over 3,500 students from across the globe.
Additionally, this January, St. Edward’s own conference CLEIMUN25 will welcome more than 250 delegates from Northeast Ohio, further showcasing the program’s leadership in the region.
With a packed schedule of conferences and the largest participation in its history, EdsMUN continues to demonstrate how experiential learning equips students with critical thinking, diplomacy, and leadership skills, preparing them to thoughtfully engage with the world.
