Minneapolis, MN – The YMCA, a leading nonprofit dedicated to youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, will bring together 300 students in grades 7-12 at the Minnesota YMCA Model United Nations for a three-day virtual conference that will help them explore pressing issues that face the world.
Model UN participants represent nations around the planet and practice compromise and diplomacy to solve global problems. Some topics students will discuss include election security and reform, plastic waste in oceans, global hunger and food insecurity, biological black market, control of space, public displays of religious practices, global exchange rates, building a lasting peace and more. The goal of Model UN is to teach students to be responsible, inclusive world citizens in our global community.
“Model UN helps students develop a global perspective,” said Orville Lindquist, program executive for the YMCA Center for Youth Voice. “During the time of a pandemic and the many issues that divide nations, it more important than ever to bring people together to find common solutions to complex, worldwide problems. This experience helps young people grow as leaders and learn to respect multiple points of view in a diverse and rapidly-changing world.”
WHO:
YMCA Center for Youth Voice
WHAT:
Minnesota YMCA Model United Nations Virtual Conference (with in-person leadership component)
WHEN:
Thursday, March 25 – Saturday, March 27, 2021
Media Invited:
- Thursday, March 25, 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. for the opening ceremony or 2:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. for program sessions
- Friday, March 26, 9:00 a.m. – Noon 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 165 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, eight overnight camps, 10 day camps, and more than 90 child care sites engage more than 370,000 men, women and children of all ages, incomes and backgrounds. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.