Sinclair host model UN

Earlier this month Sinclair Community College hosted students from nine colleges and university the 22nd Annual Dayton Model United Nations Conference.
Sinclair is the only community college in the nation to host a model united nations conference.
DAYMUNC is a student-led simulated learning experience and gives students the opportunity to learn and discuss issues related to international affairs and diplomacy.

The conference was held on Feb. 6 and Feb. 7 at the David H. Ponitz Center located in Building 12, and President Johnson welcomed students at the opening ceremony on Friday morning.
Tom Martin, history professor, established the conference at Sinclair 22 years ago. Jennifer and Kathleen Sooy, of the Political Science department, became co-directors of DAYMUNC in 2013 after Martin retired.
“This is a serious and substantive conference, a full two-day working conference where resolutions are drafted and voted upon,” said Jennifer Sooy.
There were approximately 120 participants including student delegates, faculty and staff.
“Delegates produced a number of thoughtful resolutions and several attendees said it was the best conference ever–much of the credit going to our new Secretary General Caitlyn Banis, a Wright State University graduate student,” said Sooy.
Students who participated and served as delegates were split into four committees including United Nations Security Council, United Nations’ Children’s Fund and United Nations Development Program.
Issues were discussed such as child soldiers, improving access to medical care for children in under – developed countries, adopting sustainable practices to combat climate change, improving access to clean water, the role of arms transfers during conflicts and peace between genders.
“The purpose of the conference is for college students to have the opportunity to research current international issues and participate as representatives of United Nations member countries,” said Sooy. “It is a professional conference and students use rules of parliamentary procedure and introduce relevant United Nations resolutions and vote on them.”
Sinclair offers a Model United Nations course, PLS 2860, for students interested in getting involved with the conference.
“All in all we were very pleased that the conference went so smoothly and thoughtful work and ideas for resolving complex international issues were produced in committees,” said Sooy.