When my out-of-town friend, Dao Jensen, invited me to an alumni event for a group she’d been involved with as a young person, I accepted right away. It was a chance to see her again.
But I had no idea what I was walking into. I assumed that the Model UN conference was a multi-day educational program for junior/senior high school kids, filled with lectures on important topics.
I couldn’t have been more wrong. Instead, these students were involved in a simulation of the UN General Assembly.
They had to apply to get into the program; only 750 were accepted at the recent Minneapolis event. They were then assigned the role of a delegate for a specific country.
Some represented the world’s major powers, while others were assigned smaller countries such as Malawi, Lebanon, and Colombia.
In the months prior to the gathering, they had to immerse themselves in what was actually happening in that country. They had to study relevant issues like human rights, arms control, climate change, peacekeeping, and international trade.
Prior to the event, they were assigned to serve on a specific UN committee. When they met with their committee, they had to speak as if they were a diplomat from that country.
Their job wasn’t to convince others that their perspective was right. Instead, it was to ensure it was considered in the policymaking process.
In short, they had to step into the shoes of someone from a totally different culture, see things from their perspective. and then collaborate with other countries on a better solution for all.
I had a chance to watch a few committees in action. These students were really into their roles. They needed to be factual, sharing their country’s issues as well as the problems that could be caused if no action was taken.
They also needed to explain, quietly but persuasively, why another country’s proposed policy could negatively affect their own. And ultimately, they’d have a vote.
Just imagine what could happen if people in our own countries and around the world did what these kids were doing in their simulation.
We’d refuse to let the media and political parties divide us. We could bridge these gaps and rebuild trust. We would have deeper, more meaningful, and productive interactions.
Think of this next time you’re with someone whose opinion is different from yours. Find out what it’s like to be in their shoes. Ask with curiosity, not venom.
It’ll make a huge difference.
Recommended Resources
Model UN: Learn more about this initiative to help students better understand the United Nations and why it's so important.
Braver Angels: Workshops & other events to help “red” and “blue” participants understand each other and discover shared values.
Living Room Conversations: Discover how to talk with those who have different perspectives, build understanding and transform communities.
The Dignity Index: Tools to ease divisions, prevent violence and solve problems impacting families and countries.
