Model UN
The first session of the Model United Nations of the Far West was held at Stanford
University on April 26-28, 1951. Its first keynote speaker was Dr. Ralph Bunche, President
of the United Nations General Assembly. Three hundred fifty students from three western
states gathered to debate issues in the General Assembly and several of its committees.
From this small beginning, the organization has grown continuously. MUNFW is well
known for its autonomy, the high quality of its delegates' participation, and the
authenticity of its sessions. SJSU began participating in the program in 1993 through
the Model United Nations course (POLS 152B).
The Model United Nations course offers students a unique opportunity to engage in international diplomacy, negotiations, and decision-making processes while role-playing as United Nations delegates. During the semester, students prepare for the Model United Nations of the Far West conference by researching the United Nations, their assigned country, agenda items, and committee procedures, and by practicing negotiations and caucusing. They then participate in the Model United Nations of the Far West Conference, where they address a range of issues such as global security, the environment, global health, human rights, and development.
Details about this year's conference can be found here.
Diplomacy awards won by SJSU students at the MUNFW conference:
Russia, Saudi Arabia, Spain, and Türkiye, 2025
Cuba, Switzerland, Ukraine, and United Arab Emirates, 2024
Argentina, Libya, Poland, Syria, Turkey, 2023
Argentina, Germany, & Russia, 2019
Bosnia & Herzegovina, 2018
China & Venezuela, 2017
Bolivia, Germany, Turkey & Ukraine, 2016
Argentina, Italy & Switzerland, 2015
Danijela Dudley
Model UN Faculty Advisor
