The United Nations (UN) is an international organization that aims to maintain peace and security, founded in 1945. Currently composed of 193 Member States, the UN and its work are guided by the purposes and principles of its founding Charter. The UN continues to serve as a place for countries to unite, discuss issues, and propose solutions. Public speaking, problem-solving, conducting research, negotiation and collaboration are just some of the skills necessary for such an organization to function. Yet, these skills are essential for everybody, students and global leaders alike. Thus, the Model United Nations was created.
Green Hope senior Bianca Salve (‘25) is the president of the Green Hope Model UN chapter. She discussed her role as president with the GH Falcon and what the club does for students. Salve’s interest in the club started like many others, seeing the great opportunity to learn about current events worldwide and immerse oneself as a global citizen. She said, “I wasn’t informed about what’s happening globally, and [I was] under my own bubble, so I wanted to branch out and learn more about what’s happening and learn about ways to come to resolutions for bigger problems and start on a small scale.” Now, Salve hopes to provide a platform for students with similar curiosity to get involved in global events and participate in all the club offers.
For many of its members, Model UN simulations are the highlight of the club and Salve is no different. Looking back, Salve claimed, “My favorite part about Model UN is definitely going to the conferences. We get to go to Duke and Chapel Hill and we get to debate various topics at a college level, which is really cool.” While these are just some of the conferences that Model UN members can participate in, simulations are held globally so that students can understand the principles and basic functions of the United Nations. In addition to simulations, the club also offers volunteer opportunities to its members. Salve said, “Another one of my favorite parts is we also do volunteer events. We had our first one yesterday and we went to refugee homes to tutor the refugee children.”
With around 60 members at Green Hope, being president of such a large club certainly presents challenges. Salve described her role and said, “A lot of our club is very student-run and I’m in charge of the logistics and financial stuff, so organizing all of the students getting to the conference and into different places can be pretty tricky.” However, these problems also serve as a learning experience for Salve as she stays passionate about the club and encourages students to get involved.
Salve also left a message for students interested in the club, explaining the advantages of participating and why future members should join: “I think Model UN is a great way to learn about global problems on a small scale. You get to interact with college students, you get to meet a lot of incredible people and I think that it builds a really strong community of different people who are very aware of what’s happening.” In addition to the relationships that students build, Salve also claimed that model UN is more than just a platform for debate. Being in the club teaches members how to approach problems from somebody else’s perspective, and discover creative solutions.
Green Hope Model UN is a great place for students interested in global issues to get involved and gain exposure to simulations of the real UN and serve their community. With leaders like Salve, the club continues to thrive and amass new members each year.
