By Ryan Ryu’25
Diplomacy is an essential skill for engaged citizenship, particularly in 2025, as international alliances and legal frameworks face unprecedented challenges. Model United Nations (Model UN) provides students with a platform to develop public speaking, negotiation, and critical thinking skills while engaging in simulations of global diplomacy. More than just an extracurricular activity, Model UN fosters a deep understanding of international relations, compelling participants to navigate complex geopolitical issues with nuance and confidence.
The Frederick Gunn School’s Model UN program is distinct from most, as it operates as a winter co-curricular rather than a year-round club. This structure offers a unique advantage: delegates (students who represent nations in diplomatic simulations) train intensively each day, ensuring thorough preparation for conferences. Historically, Gunn’s Model UN program was relatively modest, but the 2023-2024 school year marked a turning point. The team made significant strides by hosting its first-ever Model UN conference for middle school students, integrating Model UN into Winterim offerings, and witnessing a surge in participation. Most notably, the program achieved a historic milestone when a team member won the Best Delegate award for the first time.
Building on this momentum, Gunn Model UN has implemented a more rigorous curriculum, incorporating structured training sessions and professional development activities. This year, the program has expanded even further by launching GUNNMUN II, a conference open to both middle and high school students, with record-breaking attendance anticipated. These efforts have already paid dividends, as Gunn’s delegation achieved unprecedented success at the 51st annual Yale Model UN conference, securing three awards—Best Delegate, Outstanding Delegate, and Honorable Mention—the highest number in the school’s history.
Reflecting on this achievement, Model UN Head Coach Ian Rathkey remarked, “It’s really hard to get an award for being a top delegate. Last year, we were really lucky to get one Best Delegate award, and this year we got three!”
Yet, the ambition of Gunn’s delegates extends beyond accolades. Many participants will take on Secretariat and Dias roles at GUNNMUN II, scheduled for April 4-5. This is a remarkable feat, particularly for a small boarding school, where organizing a Model UN conference often presents significant logistical challenges due to limited staffing and institutional knowledge. However, Gunn’s experienced delegates have stepped up to lead, setting a precedent and legacy that will shape the program for years to come. With their dedication and leadership, the future of Gunn Model UN is brighter than ever.
