Eighteen students from The American University of Rome’s International Relations and Global Politics program and other majors travelled to Ljubljana, Slovenia, in late November for a three-day Model United Nations (MUN) conference hosted by the Faculty of Law at the University of Ljubljana. It was AUR’s second time participating in this outstanding simulation, which draws students from across the world to debate global challenges in a professional, diplomatic setting.
For AUR students, the conference offered something they excel in: the chance to take classroom learning into a real-world arena. Representing countries, Members of the European Parliament and representatives of leading INGOs, delegates stepped into roles across a spectrum of committees - including the UN Security Council, UN Human Rights Council, General Assembly, Historical Committee, the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, and even the International Olympic Committee.
Each delegation had spent the semester researching national interests, drafting position papers, and practicing the procedures that govern real international diplomacy. MUNLawS places strong emphasis on preparation, diplomatic conduct, and mastery of procedural rules; students followed structured phases of debate, negotiation, and resolution drafting that mirror authentic UN processes. The organizers’ guide underscores this emphasis on professionalism, consensus-building, and evidence-based argumentation, providing helpful insight into the technical and diplomatic skills AUR students practiced throughout the event.
“In the classroom, our students learn how institutions work, why states behave the way they do, and how global problems evolve,” said Professor Andrea Dessi, overseeing the delegation. “At conferences like this one, they must apply that knowledge under pressure—speaking, negotiating, and adapting in real time. It’s an invaluable extension of their academic training.”
Diplomacy in Action
Across committee rooms, AUR delegates engaged in lively moderated caucuses, drafted collaborative resolutions, and navigated the strategic alliances and compromises that define international affairs. Many participated in advanced committees where the pace of negotiation was intense and the procedural expectations high.
These simulations demand not only analytical depth but also empathy: delegates must faithfully represent positions that may be far from their own views. For IR and Global Politics students - many of whom aspire to careers in diplomacy, international NGOs, policy research, or multilateral institutions - the experience is a direct bridge to their professional ambitions.
Experiential Learning in an International Setting
Outside the committee rooms, the conference also offered an opportunity to network with peers from universities across Europe and beyond. Students exchanged perspectives, debated informally between sessions, and gained first-hand exposure to how young thinkers from other countries approach global issues.
Ljubljana’s welcoming atmosphere and historic center provided a memorable backdrop. Delegates balanced intense sessions with moments to explore the city, enjoy Slovenian hospitality, and recharge after long days of negotiation.
Looking Ahead to 2026
AUR’s next Model United Nations opportunity will take place in the fall of 2026, and applications will open early. Students interested in gaining practical diplomatic experience, strengthening their public-speaking and negotiation skills, or simply pushing themselves into a new academic challenge are encouraged to apply.
Model UN is, at its core, experiential learning at its best - rigorous, immersive, and challenging. For AUR students, it reinforces the university’s mission: preparing graduates to work across cultures and contribute thoughtfully to a rapidly changing world.