Sinclair will welcome student delegates from across the region for the 29th Dayton Model UN Conference (DAYMUNC). The event, which will be held from Feb. 4 – 5, will see around 70 student delegates simulate a UN conference experience as well as its functions.
According to the event’s organizers Jennifer and Kathleen Sooy, this year marks DAYMUNC’s on-campus return after going virtual last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to student delegates, over 10 members of Sinclair will also be participating in the event.
“DAYMUNC is what I call a student-led conference and this year we have five participating colleges and universities from the region,” said Kathleen, who alongside her sister Jennifer, has organized the conference for nine years running. “It is a global simulation where students role-play as UN member states and serve on different UN committees such as the Security Council.”
According to Kathleen, DAYMUNC began in 1993 as the brainchild of Professor Tom Martin, who organized the event until 2013. Since then, Kathleen and Jennifer have helped lead the conference to continued success, offering an increasing number of students the opportunity to enhance a number of core skills through their participation.
“They learn a number of essential skills required to participate in a UN conference, including how to vote, how to dress, and how to pass resolutions. They get really good training in public speaking and also have an opportunity to network with students from across the region,” said Kathleen.
In addition to Sinclair, this year’s participating institutions include Wright State University, the University of Dayton, Cedarville University, and Muskingum University.
Speaking on DAYMUNC’s importance, Jennifer stated, “The conference is not only important to fully appreciate the workings of the UN and their efforts in addressing international problems, it gives students the opportunity to work with and learn from others.” She added, “It is an opportunity for them to research problems, come together, and solve international problems.”
The event will see students participate on three committees including the Security Council, the International Atomic Energy Agency, and the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice. As explained by Jennifer, the conference is designed to give students a better understanding of the UN, international affairs, as well as conflict management.
“The conference is also great for enhancing employability,” said Jennifer. “Employers know that DAYMUNC participants are sharp, write well, and can think on their feet. The conference shows a level of professionalism and competence that can’t be reflected anywhere else.”
Expressing their hope that students will have fun and enjoy networking with their fellow delegates, the organizers reemphasized the event’s role in helping students unite and tackle international issues. They also invited students to visit the great hall in building 12 to ask questions and meet the conference’s faculty advisors.
“Students are eager to get together and we will do it safely,” Jennifer stated. “We want students to get to know one another, deal with these issues, and be able to grow as individuals who know that there is a future that they can be a part of.”
Model UN Conferences are held internationally every year, with DAYMUNC being the only one sponsored by a community college. The event at Sinclair is one of only two in the state of Ohio and has been acclaimed for being a learning conference where students learn to explore international issues and the importance of conflict resolution.
Ismael Mujahid
Reporter