From cybersecurity to nuclear disarmament to the environment, there are no international topics that escape the round table at Model UN at Chapel Hill (MUNCH).
Model United Nations, better known as Model UN, is a national student organization that engages students in a simulation of the United Nations. The Green Hope chapter of Model UN consists of 60 members from all grade levels, and they participate in multiple regional and state competitions throughout the year. Students have the opportunity to be a part of several committees addressing various global issues during their time at Model UN.
From Feb. 28 to Mar. 2, the Green Hope Model UN team traveled to Chapel Hill to compete in Model United Nations at UNC Chapel Hill (MUNCH), an annual conference. At MUNCH, Green Hope students mainly participated in two of the committees: traditional and crisis. Traditional committees have club members take on the role of a delegate and represent a country while arguing with other countries over a solution for a global issue. Meanwhile, students in the crisis committee play a fictional character and attempt to solve different situations based on their character.
Green Hope’s Model UN President Bianca Salve (’25) shared why Model UN is an important club. “With so many conflicts in the world, Model UN provides individuals the platform to explore other individual’s perspectives and learn how to come to resolutions to crucial world issues,” said Salve. Eight students were recognized at the conference for their perspectives on world issues. These recognitions ranged from Best Delegates, Honorable Delegates and Verbal Commendations.
Green Hope’s Model UN Head Delegate Selina Sentosa-Harjo (’26) was honored with Best Delegate for the committee entitled, “Hit Me Baby One More Time: Old Leaders New Problems.” In this committee, delegates acted as if it were the year 2030 and they were in a world facing a plethora of problems: high inflation, unprecedented climate change and growing homelessness. Only well known Sentosa Harjo played the role of Ho Chi Minh, a former President of North Vietnam. She alongside other delegates worked to solve these major issues.
Jasmine Xie (’27) and Tatum Shin (’27) were awarded Best Delegate for the “Disarmament and International Security Committee.” This committee deals with disarmament and threats to peace which affect the international community. At the conference delegates had to collaborate with one another to prevent cyberattacks and protect civilians from commercial spyware.
Green Hope Model UN Director of Simulations Jack Elliott (’25) was awarded Honorable Delegate for the committee entitled, “Battle Royale: The Fight for the English Throne.” This committee focused on the death of King Edward the VI in 1533. In the simulation, the king left no heir in his will, and the responsibility rested on the committee to decide who would inherit the throne.
Half of the Green Hope Model UN members received Verbal Commendations, which acknowledges arguments that the delegates made. Satvika Polamarasetty (’26) received a Verbal Commendation for, “Reconstruct Cambodia.” The committee was tasked with working together to ensure Cambodian peace and democracy after years of civil war.
Miloni Tyagi (’26) received a Verbal Commendation as well for her work on the Joint Committee entitled “Flying Off the Rails.” Joint Committees, unlike a regular crisis, are two committees with opposing goals that are debating one another. In the,”Flying Off the Rails,” committee two sides were represented: trains, which Tyagi vouched for, and planes. Members debated over which transportation system is the most beneficial for Europe.
Elena Yue (’27) and Sylvia Alphin (’27) both earned Verbal Commendations for their role on the committee, “United Nations Environmental Programme,” that worked together to strengthen and implement environmental standards. At this conference delegates discussed artificial land creation in the South China Sea. They explored different ways to preserve biodiversity and protect fishery population, all while ensuring environmental and economic stability.
Model UN teaches students real life skills that they can use outside of the conference. “It provides the quintessential environment to develop crucial skills such as public speaking, collaboration, presentation, writing and so much more,” Salve said.
On April 4-6, Green Hope Model UN will compete again in Duke Model UN. As international issues take center stage, the club continues to engage students with the global policy process.
