What is a Model United Nations (MUN)?

A Model United Nations (MUN) is a meeting where young pepole (up to 30 years) authentically simulate negotiations of specific committees and organs of the United Nations. Participants choose a country and research their chosen country's position regarding a specific topic.

After preparation, they step into the shoes of diplomats and represent this country in a committee. They debate, convince, bring forward new solutions and solve a world conflict with their own resolution.

Why participate in MUNs?

Thousands of young people actively take part in MUNs, debating either at training sessions at clubs or at international conferences that are organized all over the world.

The motivation for participation in MUNs is simple, yet very convincing:

• improve negotiation and public speaking skills
• become a better team-worker and leader
• get an insight into an UN diplomat's work
• make practical use of political knowledge
• meet and stay in touch with young people from all around the world
• earn a valuable certificate

MUNs in Austria

In Austria the United Nations Youth and Student Association of Austria - Academic Forum for Foreign Affairs (UNYSA-AUSTRIA-AFA) is in charge of the MUN activities. The first small UN simulations took place in the 1960ies. In 1995 the UNYSA-AUSTRIA-AFA organized the first international MUN in Vienna as part of the official programme of the Austrian Federal Government for the 50 year anniversary celebrations of the United Nations. The Vienna International Model United Nations (VIMUN) since that time is the annual highlight of the UN youth acitivities in Austria. In August up to 250 young people from about 40 different nations participate. As the conference entirely takes place at the United Nations Office at Viennna, VIMUN is perhaps the most authetical MUN world-wide.

MUN Club in Austria

The Model United Nations Club (MC) is an event series of the UNYSA-AUSTRIA-AFA with regularly UN simulations. Currently the MC takes place in Vienna, organized by the UNYSA-AUSTRIA-AFA in co-operation with "ÖLVN". Dates are listed on this website. (See button "Calendar".) If you are interested in MUN activities in other Austian cities please contact the UNYSA-AUSTRIA-AFA.

The MC is dedicated to especially involve newcomers into the fascinating world of MUNs to give them a chance to get an insight into MUNing and to learn the procedures and basic skills that are needed to successfully participate in MUN conferences.

In the frame of the MC the UNYSA-AUSTRIA-AFA also visits international MUNs all over the world together with its team members who assist in preparing the delegations from Austria. An overview on previous and future Austrian delegations at international MUNs as well as a general list of upcoming international MUNs is available at the "International" corner of this website.

Still questions about MUNs or the MC?

Contact the UNYSA-AUSTRIA-AFA! The team is glad to receive e-mails and to answer all questions:

• UNYSA-AUSTRIA-AFA: austria@afa.at