In a packed conference hall in Miami, surrounded by students from across the country, the Colorado College Model United Nations (MUN) team found themselves deep in debate, pushing policy proposals, and negotiating international agreements. This past November, CC’s MUN delegation traveled to the University of Miami’s annual Model UN Conference. It was a test of teamwork, public speaking, and strategic thinking—and for CC students, an opportunity to put their immersive learning philosophy into action.
For CC’s Model UN team, this conference represented how far they had come—and how much further they want to go. What started as the passion project of two determined students in 2018 has since grown into a diverse, internationally-led group that has made a name for itself on the American Model UN circuit. But with this growth has come new challenges.
More Than a Conference: A Hands-On Lesson in Diplomacy
The Miami conference was intense from the start. Over three days, CC students represented countries and organizations in high-stakes negotiations on topics ranging from climate policy and airlines to global health initiatives and global security. For many, it was their first time experiencing the adrenaline rush of live diplomacy—balancing persuasion, compromise, and strategy in real-time discussions with students from top universities across the country.
“…diplomacy isn’t just a theory—it’s a skill.”
Will Anderson ’26
“There’s a moment during every conference when you realize that diplomacy isn’t just a theory—it’s a skill. I sort of assumed there would be much more focus on super-detailed policy stuff, and it was all about the interactions between people which I think was unexpected and a valuable lesson,” says Will Anderson ’26. “The challenging part is getting people to listen to your ideas and then making sure they’re actually listening and incorporating those ideas into a final resolution,” agrees Konoha Tomono-Duval ’25.
These lessons, where students must think on their feet and react to new information in real time, are why CC, known for its emphasis on immersive student experiences, has fully embraced Model UN as a key way for students to engage with global politics firsthand.
A Team Built on Passion and Student Leadership
Since the creation of the Model UN club in 2018, participation has exploded on campus, with a diverse range of students from different academic backgrounds joining to sharpen their debate skills and global awareness. This grassroots effort reflects CC’s broader culture—where student initiative drives meaningful change. “CC does an incredible job of fostering student-driven experiences and is really supportive of us,” says Britt Nerad ’26, Model UN Trainer, “They pay for us to go on these trips at no expense to the students which is super awesome and provides amazing opportunities to so many people. The school listens when students say, ‘This is important.’ Model UN is a perfect example of that.”
And the skills students develop through Model UN go far beyond debate. Research, critical thinking, and leadership all come into play. It’s an exercise in understanding different perspectives, navigating complex political landscapes, and finding common ground—skills that are increasingly crucial in today’s world.
A Global Footprint: Connecting CC to the World
While CC’s MUN team was in Miami, Havalin Haskell ’26, the team’s Secretary General and leader, was across the world in Baku, Azerbaijan, attending the annual UN Climate Change Conference (COP). Her work at the COP was a direct extension of her experience with Model UN at CC. The same diplomatic skills she honed in competition were now being put to use on the world stage.
“It’s not just an academic exercise—it’s training for real-world leadership.”
Sarah Hinkle, Head Coach and Director of the Speaking Center
“Havalin’s experience is proof of why Model UN matters,” says Sarah Hinkle, Head Coach and Director of the Speaking Center. “It’s not just an academic exercise—it’s training for real-world leadership.”
Havalin’s time in Baku reinforced something CC’s MUN team already knew: that understanding global politics is about more than just studying policies—it’s about actively engaging with them. Model UN gives students the chance to do exactly that, bridging classroom learning with real-world application.
Making MUN Accessible: The Block 6 Fundraiser
Despite its success, CC’s Model UN program faces a major challenge: financial barriers that limit student participation. Conferences require travel, lodging, and registration fees, and the team’s rapid growth means that more students want to participate than the budget allows.
That’s why, during Block 6, CC’s Model UN team is launching a fundraiser aimed at expanding access to these opportunities. The campaign will provide direct support for students, covering travel costs and registration fees so that anyone who wants to participate in MUN can do so—regardless of financial background.
Supporting the Model UN program isn’t just about funding a club—it’s about investing in the next generation of leaders who will tackle real-world problems with diplomacy and critical thinking. This is a chance for alumni, parents, and community members to directly contribute to an initiative that embodies CC’s commitment to immersive, student-driven education. By donating, you’re not just supporting a conference trip—you’re helping students gain the skills and experiences that will shape their futures in law, policy, international relations, and beyond.
Looking Ahead
At the beginning of February, CC Model UN won the coveted “Best Large Delegation” award at the CSMUN I collegiate conference hosted by UCCS and Air Force in Colorado Springs! Individual CC delegate awards included “Best Delegate”, “Outstanding delegate”, and “Honorable Delegate.” The team looks forward to continuing this success at the UChicago MUN Conference in April.
So, as CC’s Model UN team reflects on their experience at UMiami and prepares for future conferences, one thing is clear: the impact of this program extends far beyond the competition room. It’s about building skills, fostering connections, and preparing students to engage with the world in meaningful ways.
CC prides itself on offering students opportunities that go beyond traditional learning. Model UN is one of the finest examples of that commitment in action. Through this program, students don’t just learn about international politics—they live it. And with continued support, the program will only grow stronger, offering even more students the chance to develop the skills that will serve them for a lifetime.