23 Luther students attended the American Model United Nations (AMUN) from November 18 to 21, representing the countries of Niger and Malta.
AMUN is a conference where students from around the country travel to Chicago, Illinois and model or practice becoming a representative of a country working, debating and solving worldly problems with other countries in a way that their country would wish. Interest was high this year as Luther got to have two countries: Niger and Malta. During the conference, many Luther students had individual successes in their committees, whether they gave speeches, participated in press conferences and passed resolutions.
Senior Cassandra Norton (‘24), who has been on the team for two years, was a part of the International Telecommunication Union representing Malta. Norton received Outstanding Delegate in her committee. This award is won through being voted for by the other delegates participants at the conference. Norton expressed that this conference was a great experience and that she is grateful to be recognized by her peers for this award.
“Overall, it was a great experience,” Norton said. “I was able to make a small collection of friends in my committee, I got along great with staff and ended the conference feeling like I had done some really good work. I was extremely glad to have my peers recognize me for the work that I was so proud of.”
Vice President Emma Barness (‘25) who has been a part of Model UN for three years now, said that she enjoyed connecting with other Luther students at the conference.
“I have really enjoyed my experience with Luther Model UN club,” Barness said. “It’s so fun to be able to connect with people at Luther who share an interest in the UN and have a passion for international politics.”
This year, Barness had the opportunity to participate in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). This was her first time on the ICJ, and she expressed just how different it was. Even the preparation was different and more extensive as they had to become experts with the issues of the cases and understand how the proceedings would go. During the conference, they would then hear each side and argue until opinions were written.
“It’s a lot of work but it was so much fun and such a great experience,” Barness said.“I am super excited for next year and hope to be able to be on the ICJ again.”
Barness and Norton saw the experience as a tremendous learning experience to have some fun, meet new people, and develop our future leaders. For those looking to get information about the club, Assistant Professor of Political Science Orcun Selcuk is the faculty advisor, and Amy Webb (‘24) is the president. The best way to contact Model UN is through their email account, [email protected].
