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32nd Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government Model United Nations Brings Nearly 800 Youth Together to Learn About Global Issues April 5 – 7

Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA of the North, a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will bring together nearly 800 students in grades 7-12 at Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government Model United Nations April 5–7.

Model U.N. participants represent nations around the world and practice compromise and diplomacy to solve global problems. Topics students will discuss include genetically modified organisms in international trade, illicit trafficking of cultural property, safety of nuclear energy facilities, sustainable tourism, and surveillance and the right to privacy, and more. The goal of Model U.N. is to teach students to be responsible, inclusive world citizens in our global community. Of conference attendees, about 30 percent come from Greater Minnesota and nearly 40 percent are students of color.

“Model U.N. helps students develop a global perspective,” said Orville Lindquist, state program executive for Minnesota YMCA Youth in Government. “They will sharpen their researching, writing and speaking skills, but more importantly, they will grow as leaders and learn to respect opposing points of view and bring about peaceful change in the world.”

WHO: 
YMCA Youth in Government

WHAT:
Model United Nations 

WHERE:
Marriott City Center, 30 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, MN 55402

WHEN:
Thursday, April 5 – Saturday, April 7, 2018

Media Invited:

  • Thursday, April 5, Noon- 1:00 p.m. for the opening ceremony or 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. for program sessions
  • Friday, April 6, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. for program sessions

About the YMCA of the North

The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 162 years ago, the Ys provide life-strengthening services across the greater Twin Cities metro region, southeastern Minnesota and western Wisconsin communities. The 29 Y locations and program sites, seven overnight camps, 10 day camps, and more than 90 child care sites engage more than 350,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcamn.org.