For future diplomats, the art of the deal lies in the power of persuasion in upcoming Model UN Conference

NEW YORK, March 14, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- From March 22-24, 1,600 middle school students led by 220 student advisors from 85 middle schools from all around the world, will convene at the Grand Hyatt in New York City for the 2018 Global Classrooms International (GCI) Model UN Middle School conference, one of the largest chapters of the MUN programming worldwide.

Representing Canada, China, Ghana, Germany, Georgia, Lebanon, Mexico, South Korea, Turkey, and U.S.A., among other nations, the participants will over a three-day gathering hone in on their negotiations skills utilizing the power of persuasion to debate a complex and pressing global agenda, solve problems, and find creative solutions.

"Bringing young students from all over the world to simulate the United Nations committees and discuss world affairs is a hands on training in diplomacy, diversity and democracy," said Elie Samia, Assistant Vice President for Outreach and Civic Engagement for LAU's Division of Student Development and Enrollment Management, "LAU is indeed a champion of the power of argument instead of the argument of power." 

The future global leaders will also have the opportunity to meet with key figures representing governments and international non-government actors in the fields of diplomacy and international relations, including Mr. Eric Olson, Senior Economic Affairs Officer, Office for ECOSOC Support and Coordination, Ms. Yamina Djacta, Director of UN Habitat NY and H.E. Marie Chatardová, President of ECOSOC and Ambassador of Czech Republic to UN.

The purpose of the program is to instill in the future generation the UN culture of a global mindset and to allow students to step into the shoes of ambassadors in order to experience international diplomacy, improve their public speaking and debate skills, and to navigate the UN's rules of procedure.

About Model UN and GCI
Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an educational simulation and/or academic competition in which students learn about diplomacy, international relations and the United Nations. Participants in Model UN conferences, known as delegates, are placed in committees and assigned countries where they represent members of that body, and debate on its behalf.

GCI Model UN is the flagship education program of the Lebanese American University (LAU). Operated since 1999 by the United Nations Association of the United States of America, since 2016, LAU now heads the esteemed GCI brand in New York City. These conferences have engaged more than 48,000 high school and middle school students coming from 250 schools in 20 countries.

About LAU
The Lebanese American University is a leading nonsectarian private higher education institution based in Lebanon, with a satellite headquarters and academic center in New York City. It was founded by an American missionary in 1835 who established a school for girls during the time of the Ottoman Empire, marking an important shift in education for women in the surrounding region. It operates under a charter from the Board of Regents of the University of the State of New York and is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

For more information, background, and a schedule of events please contact:
T: 212-203-4333 E: [email protected] or [email protected]

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SOURCE Lebanese American University