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Model United Nations

For Students

Model United Nations

Interested in politics and debate? Fascinated by other countries and their perspectives on global affairs? Motivated to have complete control over an entire country for a day (at least hypothetically)? Well then, we want you!

Tell your teachers and administrators that you want to be a part of your school’s delegation for the International Institute of Buffalo’s (IIB) Model United Nations General Assembly!

Need some more convincing? Well, here are some reasons why Model UN rules!

  1. Meet other students from area high schools.
  2. Get a day off from your everyday studies to talk about exciting topics from around the world.
  3. Control the wellbeing of a country all on your own for an entire day – you choose what your country does. Sure, it’s hypothetical, but it’s fun!
  4. Learn about the organization of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Parliamentary Procedure, and how to formally speak at a UNGA is definitely a rare quality.
  5. Sharpen your public speaking, research, debate, and conflict resolution skills, which is always a plus.
  6. Add impressive experience on your resume – if you’re looking toward college, admissions officers love extracurriculars.
  7. Reinforce what you learn in the classroom, and a little extra help never hurt anyone!
  8. Spark an interest in foreign affairs and debate, shaping your future career goals and perspectives.

Call (716) 883-1900 ext. 321 or contact mshogan@iibuff.org for more information.

Notable Model UN Participants
  • Kiyotaka Akasaka, former UN Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public Information
  • Ban Ki-moon, former United Nations Secretary-General
  • Stephen Breyer, former U.S. Supreme Court Justice
  • Chelsea Clinton, former first daughter of the United States
  • Mary Alice Demler, Anchor, WGRZ TV, Buffalo Broadcasting Hall of Fame Inductee
  • Tom Donilon, former National Security Advisor in the Obama administration
  • Samuel L. Jackson, award-winning actor
  • Suzan G. LeVine, former U.S. Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein
  • Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada and former Leader of the Official Opposition of Canada from 2022–2025
  • Paul Ryan, former speaker of the United States House of Representatives, 2012 US vice-presidential nominee, and former congressman from Wisconsin
  • Stephen M. Schwebel, former judge and president of the International Court of Justice
  • Joel Stein, American journalist, former writer for the Los Angeles Times and regular contributor to Time
  • George Stephanopoulos, television journalist and former adviser to U.S. President Bill Clinton
  • Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, King of the Netherlands
  • Rainn Wilson, actor best known for playing Dwight Schrute on NBC’s The Office

”"The annual General Assembly is a unique opportunity for students to practice their cooperative and public speaking skills with students from throughout the Western New York region.

The International Institute of Buffalo motivates students to become problem solvers by learning about current issues and how they impact people around the world. Because of this opportunity, students realize their potential to make a difference and advocate for solutions in an effort to make the world a better place. Their leadership experience in Model UN has strengthened their college applications, led to letters of recommendation, and has even inspired students to pursue studies in international relations and public policy. In short, these Model UN conferences provide unique, enriching experiences and also act as a springboard for future educational and career opportunities."

Christy CardinaleSocial Studies Teacher, Williamsville North High School