JACKSON, Wyo. — Though this year looks a little different, the Teton County Model UN (TCMUN) conference is back in action on November 16 and 17.
Over 100 students will take to their computers to participate in the first-ever virtual TCMUN. This year, they will host delegates from eight schools across the country, including Jackson Hole High School, Jackson Hole Community School, Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools, Cody High School, Star Valley High School, One Stone (Idaho), Teton Valley High School (Idaho), and Hardaway High School in Atlanta, Georgia. TCMUN is the only Model UN conference in the state of Wyoming and has anchored the growth of Model UN participants across the region.
Model United Nations provides students a unique opportunity to engage with pressing global issues and develop collaboration, research, and critical thinking skills. Participants also gain perspectives geared toward civic engagement, leadership, and global citizenship.
Undersecretary of Communications Joshua Hansen, JHSC ’21, said, “Model United Nations has been one of the most impactful activities I’ve participated in during high school. Anyone can argue, but learning to agree, and come together towards a common goal, is invaluable, especially in today’s climate. I’m thankful for the opportunities this program has given me, and am ecstatic to give back and help run this year’s conference.”
The 2020 TCMUN keynote speaker, Dr. Nadia Oweidat, will present a free public lecture on her expertise in social media, extremism, and advancing tolerance in the Middle East at 12:00 p.m. on Monday, November 16, on Zoom. Pre-registration is available at www.ic21.org/keynote.
Dr. Oweidat will talk about her personal journey from tribal Jordan to the University of Oxford, via Washington DC. Her research focuses on the constructive and positive change agents who are creating content in Arabic to further human rights and democratic values in the Arabic-speaking world. Dr. Oweidat is an Assistant Professor at Kansas State University and a Senior Middle East Fellow at New America. She holds a D.Phil. in Oriental Studies from the University of Oxford, an M.A. from the University of Wyoming in International Studies, and a B.A. from the University of Jordan in English Literature.
The conference will run from approximately 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Nov. 16 and 17 remotely over the Gatherly platform. The students will be divided into five committees that model the functions and activities of various United Nations bodies. Preceding the conference, students research their assigned country’s position on two assigned topics for their committees and write position papers outlining their findings. Participants then assume the roles of diplomats and negotiate with other delegates based on their country’s unique perspective. Delegates draw from their research to debate in committee sessions and collaborate with other countries on resolutions to each issue. At the end of the conference, various awards will be given out based on the best position paper and most outstanding delegate in each committee.
The Teton County Model UN conference is organized and hosted by local nonprofit InterConnections 21, along with support from the teachers and staff from the Jackson Hole High School, Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools, and the Jackson Hole Community School. The Wyoming Humanities Council, Rotary Club Foundation of Jackson Hole, and the League of Women Voters Wyoming provided grants to help fund the conference. Many local businesses and community members provide sponsorships, in-kind contributions, and volunteer hours to support this well-established community event.
