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JCCC Model UN Team Earns Awards at 2019 National Conference

May 1, 2019

The Model UN team in New York CIty.

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. — Johnson County Community College is proud to announce that its Model United Nations team earned the following awards at the 2019 National Model United Nations conference in New York City (NMUN•NY) for its representation of the United Republic of Tanzania:

  • Overall Distinguished Delegation
  • Outstanding Position Award for the Commission on the Status of Women

Additionally, three JCCC team members were chosen by the conference for staff positions:

  • Marouane Bakit: Chair of the General Assembly 2nd Committee
  • Cina Murray: Co-chair of the General Assembly 3rd Committee
  • Jessie White: President of JCCC Model UN and rapporteur of UN Women

Sixteen JCCC students participated in the conference, which is attended by more than 5,000 of their peers from around the world.

According to Brian Wright, PhD, JCCC Professor Political Science and team advisor, NMUN•NY is an incredible learning opportunity for students. “The New York conference takes place at the United Nations headquarters and that in and of itself is an experience," he said.“We used the General Assembly hall for part of the conference and attended a presentation by the U.S. ambassador to the UN. It gives our students a unique perspective they wouldn’t get locally.”

Ana Lim, JCCC student, says her participation in Model United Nations has been inspiring and transformative.

“Prior to participating in Model United Nations, global issues seemed far too complex and difficult for an individual to identify and solve," she said.“The experience of being a delegate in the National Model United Nations conference in New York helped me develop a unique language of international diplomacy, which empowered me to see myself as a global citizen.

“As the NMUN conference proceeded with its closing ceremony in the General Assembly hall of the U.N. headquarters, I reflected upon the significance of the U.N. I realized the U.N. is not only a platform for its member states, but it is a space where individuals are empowered to combat different forms of fear and injustice that restrict our freedom.”

This latest conference builds on 15 years of success for JCCC, during which our teams have received awards at each of the last 40 conferences they have attended.

To learn more about JCCC’s Model UN team, visit the Model UN blog.

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