In November, a group of University of Wisconsin-Superior students were able to put classroom learning to the test by attending the National Model United Nations conference in Washington, D.C.

Getting there, however, was not as simple as simply registering online. UW-Superior’s International Peace Studies Association had not been active since before the COVID pandemic and making matters worse, there wasn’t abundant student interest in participating in the Model United Nations. But a small group who had previous Model United Nations was determined to represent UW-Superior at the Washington, D.C. conference.

Daniela Castiblanco Diaz, a junior from Bogota, Colombia, majoring in English and public leadership and changemaking with minors in philosophy and political science, led the effort to recruit students, create a budget and submit a request to join the National Model United Nations conference.

According to its website, National Model United Nations (NMUN) is the world’s largest, most prestigious, most diverse, and oldest ongoing university-level Model UN. Model United Nations allows delegates to apply theoretical knowledge of international relations and of the United Nations system in a practical, hands-on setting. Through preparation and participation in NMUN, students will develop transferable skills such as leadership, negotiation, collaboration, public speaking, researching, and technical writing; advance a responsibility to be actively involved in global issues; and enhance their understanding of the structure of the international system and challenges of global diplomacy.

At the National Model United Nations conference, the UW-Superior student group was a member state of Lao People’s Democratic Republic representing committee topics of Economic and Social Council (ESOSOC) and General Assembly First Committee (GA1).

“It’s not a well-known country, but we were able to take advantage of that,” said Diaz. “We were able to have better arguments. If we are a strong country, but don’t know what we’re going to do, it makes it difficult to succeed.”

From the moment the UW-Superior students arrived in D.C., they knew they would be tested.

“The first day that we arrived, we saw all the conference participants with binders and copies of papers and wearing formal clothing,” said Diaz. “It was a great moment because then we knew it was serious.”

To compete with students from across the country and around the world, the UW-Superior students were able to define the roles needed and place each team member in position to succeed.

“I’m really good at writing and collecting data and formulating policies,” said Diaz. “It was important for each of us to see your skills and work together.”

The hard work paid off and the group’s resolution paper was passed.

“In the end, we were really happy. It was such a great experience, and I was happy to be there,” said Diaz.