The Model United Nations Club traveled to Chicago from November 22-25 to attend the Model United Nations Conference at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. Most universities only represent one country, but because UW-Eau Claire's Model UN Club had twenty-six members attending, Eau Claire represented three countries: China, Albania, and Panama. After choosing a country, students then chose which committee or council they wished to participate in. The committees are: Disarmament and International Security, Economic and Financial, Social, Humanitarian and Cultural, Legal, and the World Health Organization. The councils are: Economic and Social, Security, and Historical Security.

To prepare for the conference, students did individual research on their country and the issues on their committee's agenda. The Model UN Club also listened to a variety of speakers at their meetings to learn more about the international policies of China, Albania, and Panama. At the conference, participants debate and consult with delegates of other nations on their committee about international issues. After much discussion, and usually disagreement, resolutions are written by the delegates to deal with a certain issue.

For example, the Economic and Social Committee passed a resolution that created a program to "establish an educational system to teach members of an undeveloped nation in areas of agriculture, medical, vocational, tourism, and basic education." One of the challenging aspects of the conference is playing the role of your country. Even if the representative of China disagrees with China's policy of limiting couples to one child, the representative must stay in character and defend the policy.

On the last night of the conference, the Security Council was called into session for a "crisis simulation" at 2:00 a.m. During the crisis simulation, the delegates are presented with a fictitious event that they must attempt to solve. This year's situation was that a North Korean ship that was hauling various missiles and unknown chemicals on its way to Iran was intercepted by Spain through USA intelligence. The US delegate then made the decision to stop aid to North Korea. This decision led to massive famines, which caused Koreans to flee to China. MUNC President Steve Pigeon, the UWEC delegate for China on the Security Council, decided to accept the refugees, although he later closed the border and set up military patrols. Ultimately, the Security Council failed to come to a solution because other nations were unwilling to assist the refugees, and the US and North Korea could not come to an agreement. After five and a half hours in session, the members of the Security Council finally ended the crisis simulation.

Although the Conference may seem like a lot of hard work and mental strain, there were also opportunities to relax and have a good time. Many students enjoyed getting to know delegates from other universities from throughout the United States. Elina Spule, a UWEC student from Latvia, was thrilled to meet another student from Latvia. Some of the older members reunited with friends they had made at past conferences. Members went shopping in downtown Chicago, tried out local restaurants, visited Chinatown, and visited The Art Institute of Chicago. The Conference also included a dance held in the hotel on the last night.

Being a member of MUNC is a great opportunity for anyone who cares about international events or is curious about how the United Nations works. Besides the educational aspect of MUNC, it is a great way to meet other students who share similar interests. Anyone who would like to learn more about MUNC is welcome to attend meetings, which are Thursdays at 5:00pm in the Potawatomi Room. The Model UN Club will be attending a conference in the spring and is currently deciding between conferences in Minnesota or St. Louis.