Raising Global Citizens: Why Model UN Matters at Seven Peaks

SEVEN PEAKS 8TH GRADERS PARTICIPATE IN MODEL UN

At Seven Peaks, we believe that education should empower students to engage with the world—not just academically, but as thoughtful, principled, and informed global citizens. One of the most powerful ways our 8th graders experience this is through Model United Nations (MUN).

This past weekend, our students traveled to the University of Oregon to participate in the annual Model UN conference—an event that brings together hundreds of students to role-play as delegates from countries around the world. In this immersive simulation, students research, debate, and collaborate on real-world issues from the perspective of their assigned nation.

Seven Peaks is proud to be the only middle school in Oregon invited to this high school-level event, and our students rise to the challenge every year. Here’s why this experience is so impactful—and so aligned with the IB Middle Years Programme.

What is Model UN?

Model United Nations is a simulation of the actual United Nations. Students take on the role of country delegates, working together in committees to resolve global challenges such as climate change, international security, gender equality, and human rights.

Delegates must research their assigned country, understand its policies and perspectives, write position papers, draft resolutions, and build consensus with other delegates through respectful dialogue and negotiation. It’s real work—collaborative, intellectual, and deeply engaging.

How Does It Connect to the IB Learner Profile?

Throughout the MUN process, our students live out the traits they’ve been developing since the Primary Years:

• Inquirers: Students dive deep into global issues and foreign policy.
   
• Thinkers: They analyze problems critically and propose balanced solutions.
   
• Communicators: They debate, speak, write, and negotiate with clarity and respect.
   
• Open-Minded: They step outside of their own perspectives to understand global diversity.
   
• Principled: They learn the power of standing up for justice and human rights.
   
• Caring: They engage with real human stories behind the global statistics.
   
• Risk-Takers: They stand up and speak out—often in front of large audiences.
   

And perhaps most importantly, they develop a lifelong sense of agency—the belief that their voices matter.

Why It’s Transformational

For many of our 8th graders, Model UN is a defining moment in their middle school journey. It pushes them outside of their comfort zones. It teaches them how to build consensus. It helps them understand the complexity of international relations—and their role in shaping a better future.

Whether they’re crafting resolutions on refugee aid or negotiating climate policy, our students walk away not just more informed, but more inspired. They return from MUN with sharpened communication skills, increased confidence, and a renewed sense of global responsibility.

Celebrating the Team Behind the Scenes

We’re so grateful to Dr. Kruer and Mr. O’Brien, who coach, challenge, and encourage our student delegates. And a huge thank-you to Emily Fridae, our Office Manager, for supporting all the logistics that make the trip possible.