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ISU Hosts Japanese Model UN
The Japanese National Model
United Nations Delegation
The Japanese National Model United Nations delegation—which consists of eleven college students from universities in Japan,including Waseda University, Keio University, Osaka University, Tsukuba University, Gakushuin University, and the University of Kitakyushu—recently visited Illinois State University and were hosted by their ISU student-counterparts. The team of 13 ISU Model UN students, advised by Dr. Janie Leatherman, Director of International Affairs, organized a number of events for their Japanese teammates’ campus visit. Under the auspices of the Unit for East Asian Studies, which is part of the Office of International Studies and Programs, the Japanese students led discussions of key global issues such as the Asian Tsunami, the future of the Okinawa Base, and the abolition of the death penalty. "The Japanese students' informative presentations broadened our perspectives on concerns that we share across our different cultural and political traditions,” Leatherman said.  

While on campus, the Model UN Japanese delegation also took part in various campus activities and events, including a Global Review which they led jointly with their ISU Model UN teammates. As practice for representing the Netherlands at the national competition, the teams presented key Dutch policy objectives on issues spanning human rights, peace and security, sustainable development, and the environment. In addition, the Japanese delegation shared Japanese cultural traditions with ISU students in a number of classes through demonstrations of calligraphy and life drawing and Japanese song and play. Professor Paul Dennhardt, School of Theater, reported “We had a terrific time visiting and sharing and learning from the Japanese students. My ISU students were very excited to explore art with them.”

The College also hosted a reception for the delegation. "This visit has been a wonderful opportunity, both for the Japanese students and for our students," said Dean Olson. "Not only have the students been able to practice for their upcoming competition, but more importantly they have been able to share elements of their culture and their college experiences with one another."

Together, the joint ISU-Japan Model UN team took part in the National Model UN in New York City from March 22-26. The National Model UN includes 3200 college students from all over the world and is held at both the conference facilities of the New York Hilton in Manhattan and in the General Assembly and committee meeting rooms of the UN. Student teams represent a member state or non-governmental organization active in the UN, meet with their country’s UN mission, and adopt resolutions and issue reports on key global issues. 

ISU has participated in the National Model UN in New York since the early 1990s under sponsorship of the Department of Politics and Government and has represented such countries as Finland, Estonia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Libya, Iraq, and Palestine, and more recently non-governmental organizations including the World Council of Churches. ISU students recently formed a Model UN student organization that supports the team’s participation in the National Model UN program and regional simulations.
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