Converse Makes Impressive Debut in Model United Nations Competition

The Converse College Model United Nations delegation made an impressive debut during the Nov. 16-18 Southern Regional in Atlanta, GA. With 75 delegations and well over 600 participants from colleges and universities throughout the region, the Converse delegation earned several significant honors.

“I told the delegation that we had no expectations nor pressures. We didn’t expect to win any awards so just go have fun. They didn’t listen to me, said Dr. Joe P. Dunn, the Charles A. Dana professor of History and Politics, and faculty advisor to the Converse Model programs.

Officials at the United Nations Association of the United States, which runs the competition, say Model UN aims to expand students’ cultural awareness, foster interest in global affairs and promote nonviolent solutions. Students are evaluated on the quality of their position papers, their ability to represent the positions of designated countries, their knowledge of foreign affairs and their diplomatic skills.

The Converse delegation represented Jordan, Palestine and Saudi Arabia. Among the other colleges and universities represented were Emory University, the University of Florida, the University of South Carolina, Mississippi State University, Clemson University, Agnes Scott College and the University of Tennessee.

Converse junior Baye Williamson of Kingsport, TN (Jordan) was selected as one of three delegates from the 120-person World Health Organization Committee. Converse senior Kelsey Nichols of Matthews, NC (Jordan) was the single individual named as the Best Participant in the 60-person Commission on the Status of Women. Converse senior Tina Rohner of Kaufbeuren, Germany was one of only 40 candidates who were selected and distributed to the several committee chair positions. She chaired the League of Arab States Committee.

In the final delegation awards, the Converse freshman-delegation representing Palestine won Honorable Mention. On the strengths of the awards above, plus the performance of the other members of the team, the Jordan delegation was named one of the three Distinguished Delegations.

Converse is regarded as a national powerhouse with its competitive simulations Model programs. Its delegations have won at the National Model Arab League (MAL) for ten consecutive years with victories in every regional competition during this span. In its first year of competition at Model NATO in 2005, Converse took Best Delegation.