The Maine Model United Nations Conference uses Model UN as a vehicle to promote and inspire global citizenship. MeMUNC, the only experience of its kind in Maine, provides an opportunity for students to explore an interest in international affairs, gain an understanding of the complexities intrinsic to international relations, and develop lifelong skills in the process.
MeMUNC is a program within the Department of Political Science and is run by students at the University of Southern Maine (USM). The organization has planned and hosted conferences since its inception in 1999.
MeMUNC is a three-day event held on the Gorham campus of USM, during which hundreds of students from Maine and beyond simulate the United Nations in order to gain an understanding of conflict resolution on the international level. Students at MeMUNC have an opportunity to play a variety of roles: they may act as diplomats representing UN Member States in order to address and solve contemporary international issues; learn about the impact of civil society by representing non-governmental organizations (NGOs); preside as judges over the International Criminal Court; or report on the happenings of MeMUNC as a member of the Press Corps.
In addition to committee sessions, students also participate in several social events that take place each night of the conference. In past years, these events have included a movie night, ice cream social, a dance, art and yoga, virtual reality demo with USM’s CI2 Lab, and many other activities.