International diplomacy is an exercise in tenacity and tact —qualities displayed by Cedarville University’s Model United Nations team, whichreceived the Outstanding Delegation honor in the Model U.N. international competition in New York City.The closing ceremony was held at the United National General Assembly hall.

The Model U.N. event is an educational simulation where college students represent a United Nations member state. The students presented papers, draftedresolutions and served on committeesas they attempted to solve relevant issues for their assigned country. Cedarville represented Myanmar, a country in Southeast Asia.

Dr. Glen Duerr, chair of the history and governmentdepartment andprofessor of international studies at Cedarville, said, “Model U.N. is unique because, in order to win, students must collaborate and negotiate with their competitors.”

Model U.N. requires long hours and demanding work during the five days in New Yorkand in the weeks leading up to the event. In preparation, students researchedMyanmar,authoredpapers on the country’s positionsand prepared to mimic their real U.N. diplomatic presence in the General Assembly and various other U.N. committees.

Individually, several Cedarville students were recognized for their work. Abigail Reiter, a senior communication majorfromCedarville, and Hugo Cerrato, freshman international studies major from Honduras,were presented with the Outstanding Delegationhonor as voted by their committee peers. This award acknowledges individuals who demonstrated exceptional diplomacy, negotiation and leadership skills throughout the conference.

“Being part of Model UN allows me to immerse myself in global issues, understand diverse perspectives, and develop crucial negotiation and public speaking skills.” Said Cerrato. “As an aspiring diplomat, I see Model U.N. as an invaluable opportunity to gain practical experience in international relations and diplomacy, which will be essential for my future career.”

In addition to Reiter and Cerrato,teammembersincludeseniorpolitical sciencemajor Arno Sandoval (Eureka,Missouri) and co-captain Erin White, linguisticsand history,(Cohocton,New York).

Juniors on the team include political science majors Eric Spisz (Ellicott City, Maryland), Hunter Yount (Denver, North Carolina), Caleb Seavey(Little Egg Harbor, New Jersey), Seth Hines (Camillus, New York), Bradford Hoffman (Morgantown, Pennsylvania), Erin Mitchell (Roy, Washington) and Abigail German (Nicholasville, Kentucky). Junior co-captains are Ann Muñoz, international studiesmajor(Dominican Republic),andpsychologymajorEsther Ramireddy(United Arab Emirates).

Sophomore members wereinternational studies major Jacob Zang (London, Ohio) and Vera Shegay, international studiesand political science major (Kazakhstan).

Located in southwest Ohio, Cedarville University is a Baptist university with undergraduate programs in arts, sciences, and professional programs, and graduateprograms. With an enrollment of 5,456 students in 175 areas of study, Cedarville is one of the largest private universities in Ohio and is recognized nationally for its authentic Christian community, rigorous academic programs, including its BA in political science, and high graduation and retention rates. For more information about the University, visit cedarville.edu.