Over 300 students from 19 high schools and the Mississippi University for Women this past weekend represented various countries in the 15-member United Nations Security Council as part of the Mississippi Model Security Council program.
For over a decade, Mississippi State University has been the only university in the state to host a program that has students from around the state debating issues such as terrorism, the threat of nuclear weapons and instability in the Asian nation of Georgia.
The program, sponsored by the department of political science, is held on campus every February.
“I think many students learn through the program more about many of the problems in the world which never be discussed in any class they take,” said conference director Rick Travis. “By participating in MMSC, students come to discover that in many ways we are a global community and have to cooperate.”
Travis said that the program serves to show students the importance of the United Nations in solving some of the world’s problems. He said the United Nations cannot solve every problem, but in many cases is the only solution.
Students introduced resolutions during mock council sessions, then used parliamentary procedure to debate issues on terrorism, nuclear proliferation, banning landmines, territorial disputes and armed conflicts. Students also debated a “mock” developing international crisis situation.
“MMSC gives high school students from around the state exposure to our university,” said Matt Dunlap, legal council officer. “This program is a great educational opportunity and source of personal growth for everyone involved.”
French diplomat Vincent Floreani spoke to the students. He discussed the history of diplomatic relations between France and the United States.
“We do have a common cause because we are facing many of the same threats,” Floreani said.
The United Nations was important in handling international crises like the monitoring and reconstruction of Afganistan, Floreani said.
The program held a costume contest, a ball and a banquet.
Over 40 MSU students moderated the debates for the two-and-a-half-day program.
Travis said the program helps college students because it develops a sense of responsibility and leadership. College students helped maintain program organization, moderate council sessions and assist high school students in debating and following procedure.
“Everyone who participated now has a greater understanding of and appreciation for the world in which we live,” said Jennifer Philips, MMSC secretary-general.