The two-front war confronting the United States in Iraq and Afghanistan, the constant turmoil in the Middle East, political and tribal conflict in several emerging nations are forcing world leaders to redouble their efforts to find ways to resolve these issues.
Winston-Salem State aided that effortby hosting a statewide conference preparing the next generation of world leaders to meet that challenge during the 19th Annual Model United Nations Conference of the North Carolina Consortium for International and Intercultural Education (NCCIIE). The conference took place at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Winston-Salem April 17 through 20.
The conference brought together students, faculty advisers and other participants from six colleges and universities across the state. NCCIIE student delegates acted as ambassadors or diplomats of the countries that make up the United Nations (UN) and discussed the same topics on the agenda of the UN. This role-playing technique enabled students to improve their communication and interpersonal skills. It also gave students an appreciation for other cultures and helped them develop tolerance of other viewpoints.
These budding peacemakers tackled wide range of global issues that included politics, security, economics, health and conflict. The delegates and other invited guests were honored at the Chairperson’s Dinner in the M.C. Benton Convention Center on Friday, April 18, at 7 p.m.
The National Model UN conference (NMUN) originated in 1923 as a simulation of the League of Nations. NMUN adopted its present form in 1946 after the creation of the United Nations. The conference is the largest and one of the most prestigious Model UN programs in the world.