Poly Competes at Cerritos MUN

The Model United Nations Club took part in their first conference on October 12 at Cerritos High School.

Led by club advisor Dan Adler and senior co-presidents Caroline Saul and Aida Ylanan, Model United Nations (MUN) is one of the premier academic teams here at Poly which strives to broaden students’ cultural and worldly perspectives through simulated conferences.

These conferences are made to mimic actual United Nations assemblies, comprising of committees with fifteen to twenty students who serve as ambassadors of a specific country. Each committee is centered on one or two main topics, serving as a catalyst for diplomatic policymaking and debate.

The conference held at Cerritos High School was designed specifically for people new to Model United Nations. Only novices are allowed to participate, creating a relaxed, low-pressure atmosphere for students who want to experience a less rigid version of an advanced committee.

“These novice conferences allow students to discover their love for MUN before they develop their skills in diplomacy and international relations,” said co-president Caroline Saul.

Thirteen Poly students served as delegates of Libya, a country undergoing political upheaval after the collapse of Muammar Gaddafi’s socialist government. Its proximity to refugee-laden countries such as Sudan and Somalia and its prioritization of water security amid a desert environment were some of the issues students had to keep in mind while taking on the role as a Libyan representative.

“I thought it was really fun. It was a great experience which expanded my knowledge about the world,” said freshman Emma Larson.

Poly MUN will compete in numerous conferences throughout the year, including Berkeley MUN in March. The club’s growing popularity and ambitious agenda is a promising sight for club advisor Mr. Adler.

“We have great leadership this year, so my hope is to build a program that grows over the years and starts to do some of the bigger conferences, such as Berkeley this year and hopefully New York and Georgetown in the coming years,” said Adler.

Time will only tell for Adler’s goals and aspirations, but both he and the club members are optimistic about the future.