Global Students Converge in Banff for Model United Nations Conference

Students from around the globe are gathering in Banff, Alberta, this week for the National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference. The event, which runs from March 15 to March 18, 2024, marks a significant moment as it brings an international platform to Canada, allowing young leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue on pressing global issues.

Ashlee Rolheiser, a MacEwan University alumnus and current secretary general for NMUN, expressed her excitement about hosting the event on Treaty 7 territory. “It feels surreal to be having it here,” she stated in an interview with Alberta Primetime host Michael Higgins. The shift from the urban environment of MacEwan University to the natural beauty of the mountains provides a unique backdrop for the conference.

Participants in the conference represent a diverse array of backgrounds and future professions. Rolheiser noted that attendees include not only aspiring politicians and diplomats but also students pursuing careers in law, medicine, and various other fields. “These are students who see problems in the world and want to fix them,” she explained. The conference offers them a chance to engage in discussions and negotiations aimed at addressing these challenges.

The setup of the conference involves students representing various member states, often countries different from their own. Approximately six months prior to the event, each school is assigned a country to research and represent. There are four committees at the conference: the United Nations Environment Assembly, the Human Rights Council, the United Nations Development Program, and UNESCO. Each committee addresses different topics, allowing delegates to present their findings and recommendations.

Current global issues, such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, will be at the forefront of discussions. “There’s always a lot to discuss, especially when you’re assigned a country that might be more in the headlines at the moment,” Rolheiser noted. Delegates are encouraged to stay informed about their assigned countries’ policies and be prepared for challenging conversations.

Participants also navigate complex international dynamics, especially with respect to Canada-U.S. relations. “Canada and the U.S. typically are in the same working blocks,” Rolheiser pointed out. The planning has required careful consideration of currency exchange and tariffs, reflecting the broader discussions occurring between the two nations.

Hosting the conference in Banff holds great significance, especially considering the long planning process that spanned three years. Rolheiser emphasized the honor of bringing the event to Alberta, especially in light of the rotating nature of the conference locations, which recently included the Galapagos Islands and will next move to Barcelona, Spain.

Indigenous culture will play a pivotal role in the conference, reflecting the importance of reconciliation and inclusivity. Rolheiser highlighted that MacEwan University has embraced Indigenous perspectives, integrating them into the planning process. Elders and knowledge keepers will participate in the conference, offering blessings and support during delegate activities. “It’s very important to us that we’re really aligned with the messaging of reciprocity and authenticity and inclusion,” she stated.

Reflecting on her own journey since participating in a Model U.N. project in Ukraine six years ago, Rolheiser articulated her ongoing passion for the mission of NMUN. She shared her enthusiasm for engaging with delegates and witnessing their commitment to global citizenship. “I’m really honoured to be here serving as secretary general, and truly, the past three years have been such a learning experience for me,” she added.

The conference not only serves as a platform for students to engage with global issues but also enhances the reputation of MacEwan University. Rolheiser believes that hosting the event aligns with the university’s mission of transformative education, highlighting their hands-on approach to learning. The ongoing Canada-Ukraine project, which has expanded from two to twelve schools, exemplifies the university’s commitment to fostering self-sufficient educational initiatives.

As the NMUN conference unfolds in Banff, participants will have the opportunity to shape the future of global diplomacy and collaboration, underscoring the importance of dialogue in addressing the world’s most pressing challenges.