VMU to Host Baltic Model UN

On 18-19 May, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., at VMU Small Hall (S. Daukanto g. 28),the Lithuanian United Nations Youth Association (LUNYA) will host the second international Model UN this year, Baltic MUN. Participants are invited to register online.

Model UN is an educational simulation and academic competition in which students can learn about diplomacy, international relations, and the United Nations. MUN involves and teaches researching, public speaking, debating, and writing skills, in addition to critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities.

Participants in Model United Nations conferences, known as delegates, are placed in committees and assigned countries where they represent members of that body. They are presented with their assignments in advance, along with a topic or topics that their committee will discuss. Delegates conduct research before the conference and formulate positions that they will then debate with their fellow delegates in the committee, staying true to the actual position of the member they represent. At the end of a conference, the best-performing delegates and delegations in each committee are recognized with awards.

The theme of this year’s BMUN is Empowering Women. This theme was inspired by the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles. The 7 principles tackle pertinent issues such as gender equality and nondiscrimination in the work force; ensuring the health, safety and well-being of all women; promoting education, training and professional development for women; and more. BMUN organizers believe that it is important now more than ever for the global community to continue to bridge gender gaps and create equal access opportunities.

BMUN 2017 is excited to announce that human rights activist Mandy Sanghera will be leading a workshop on women’s rights as part of BMUN opening ceremonies. As a human rights activist, Sanghera has worked across many demographics, focusing on cultural abuse and crimes. She has been involved in documentaries, raising awareness on themes such as witchcraft, forced marriages, incest, female genital mutilation and honor killings. She is currently a member of UN Women 4 Youth and is working with the European Parliament on forced marriages.

More information about Baltic MUN is available on its Facebook event page.