ETH Model United Nations
What is ‘Model United Nations’?
Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulation of a body of the United Nations. At ETH MUN the body changes every semester, or once about every month, depending on what topics the team responsible for content chooses to discuss during the semester. Participants each represent a country of their choosing to debate the chosen topic in the selected body.
How do I participate in ‘Model United Nations’?
There are two main ways you can participate. The first is to come join our weekly sessions which we hold at 7 p.m. (19:00) on Thursdays during the semester. Here you can get a feel for how MUN works. Second, once you gain some experience in our sessions, you can join us and travel to conferences where you can debate other delegates from all over the world over the course of multiple consecutive days.
Do I need any prior knowledge about international law or about the UN?
No, not at all! You will learn about the basics through MUN. An interest in international law, politics, debating and the UN is advantageous.
What proficiency in English do I need to participate in MUN?
There is no specific proficiency level required to join our Team. Improving your English skills in a relaxed environment is one of the main advantages of participating in MUN. The English level required to obtain the Swiss High School Diploma (“Matura”) will easily suffice!
Can I join even though I did not attend the kickoff at the beginning of the semester?
Yes! You are free to come to our weekly sessions and even conferences any time during the semester. We would be happy to have you, help you integrate and answer any questions you might have.
Do I have to attend weekly sessions/conferences regularly to be able to attend an event organized or co-organized by ETH MUN?
No, all of our events are open to anyone who is interested in having fun and getting to know fellow students!
Weekly Sessions
What language are the weekly sessions held in?
Debates in our weekly sessions are conducted in English.
Do I have to show up every week for the weekly session?
No! You are free to come by every week, every other week, or once a semester. We post summaries of the debates from the past weeks on our website every week so you can catch up on debates you might have missed and jump right in!
Do I have to prepare for the weekly sessions?
No! Our Content Team prepares study guides for each country and topic, which you can read a couple minutes before or even during the session. You are always welcome (even encouraged) to do your own research and truly shine in debates!
Do I have to go to conferences if I attend the weekly sessions?
No, not at all! Participation in conferences is entirely voluntary.
Do I have to attend the weekly sessions in order to go to conferences?
In principle no. However we subsidize some of the cost of conference travel so due to budget constraints places might be limited. In this case we will prioritize people who have regularly attended our sessions. You are free to join any time at your own expense though!
Do I need to know the Rules of Procedure by heart?
No, you can find the full Rules of Procedure on our website which you can check any time (even during debates) if you are unsure about anything. During a session you may also ask the Chair(s) about a specific rule by raising a ‘Point of Parliamentary Inquiry’. Outside of formal debate the Board of ETH MUN (or any experienced delegate) is also happy to answer your questions informally. The same applies to conferences, where you can find the relevant Rules of Procedure on the ‘mymun’ page of the given conference.
Is there a dress code in the weekly sessions?
No, there is no formal dress code in our weekly sessions.
Conferences
What is a ‘Model United Nations’ conference?
A MUN conference is the simulation of multiple UN bodies in so-called committees over multiple consecutive days. You will put on your best suit (conferences have a dress code: western business attire), choose a country and committee that is fit for your experience level, participate in debates during the day and enjoy socials during the night where you can connect with other delegates coming from universities around the world.
Do I need to have any MUN experience to participate in a conference?
No, at each conference there are beginner committees. However we strongly encourage you to attend a couple of our weekly sessions before travelling to conferences.
What is the difference between conferences and the weekly sessions?
Conferences last multiple (consecutive) days, and debates take place over the entire day from the morning to the afternoon. They also have a formal dress code, entry fee and are usually organized by other universities and take place on or near their campus. (We also organize our own conference together with the MUN Team of the University of Zürich, ZuMUN)! Weekly sessions, as the name implies, are weekly and organized by us. They are held 19:00-21:00 every Thursday during the semester. There is no dress code, no entry fee and you don’t have to prepare! Come by if you are interested!
What language are conferences held in?
The primary language of conferences is usually also English, although at larger conferences there may be committees that are held in a different language.
Do I have to prepare for a conference?
Strictly speaking no, but we advise you to do some preparation. Conference committees usually offer study guides for the topic and ask for you to submit (voluntary) a so-called position paper. You are encouraged to read the former and submit the latter. If you have any questions regarding conference preparation, do not hesitate to contact us!
Does ETH MUN pay for my conference attendance?
In most cases we cover your entry fee to the conference and the cost of your accommodation for the duration of the conference. Any other costs (such as travel and food) you must cover yourself. Conferences usually offer breakfast, lunch, and snacks in coffee breaks. For more information check our Conference Policy included in our Code of Conduct or ask us directly!