Success for students at UN simulation

In addition to the Outstanding Delegation award for the 20-strong team, prizes were also given to five LMU position papers and the committee work of two students. “This makes us not only the most successful university in the German-speaking world at NMUN, but also one of the top performers internationally,” explains Nicolas Lippert, research fellow at the Geschwister Scholl Institute of Political Science, who supported the students during their preparation and accompanied them to New York.

Playing the role of diplomats in Manhattan

One of the largest simulations of the United Nations worldwide, NMUN invites students to play the role of diplomats. This year’s conference took place at the start of April at the UN headquarters in Manhattan and brought together some 3,000 participants from around the world. Over five days, they simulated the work of the United Nations. In model committees, including the Security Council, the UN Development Programme, and UNESCO, they discussed current political, economic, and social topics and came up with resolutions. Subjects included the protection of women and children in armed conflicts and the use of chemical weapons by non-state actors.

At LMU, the NMUN Munich project has existed as an interdisciplinary course since 1987, preparing students for the UN simulation in a project seminar. The goal is to help students understand the processes of international politics with the help of realistic role-playing. The LMU participants, most of whom are majoring or minoring in political science, were representing South Korea this year. “Naturally, we’re delighted about the awards – as external validation and recognition of our intensive preparation,” says Nicolas Lippert. “The strength of the project seminar consists in offering students the opportunity for academic and personal growth.”

Effective communication does not always have to be perfect

As Marion Schuller, who studies political science and philosophy at LMU, explains: “Taking part in NMUN gave a lasting boost to my self-confidence. While giving presentations at university often made me nervous, I left my comfort zone at NMUN and deliberately sought out challenging situations.” In the practical simulation, she discovered “that not every word has to be perfect to communicate effectively – this allowed me to be freer, more authentic, and more self-confident in my speeches.”

Participant Greta Drabe, who studies geography and political science at LMU, adds: “Our good showing is added validation for all the work we put in over the last semester. Thanks to such a great group, and the support of our tutors and Nicolas Lippert, the conference was a resounding success in my view – and a lot of fun.”