The Department of Political Science hosted the 2nd annual “Arkansas and the World: Model United Nations Summer Camp” at the University of Central Arkansas on July 15-20, 2018. More than 30 Arkansas high school students participated in a unique, interactive learning experience designed to enhance their understanding of international relations, diplomacy, and international organizations in the 21st century. The students participated in workshops on international relations, the fundamentals of Model United Nations, the historical roots of the United Nations, and the UN’s role in international affairs. The students also represented assigned countries in a simulation of the UN General Assembly, including several committee and plenary sessions held throughout the week. The students also competed in a Global Trivia Competition held each night of the summer camp.
The summer camp was funded by a grant awarded to Dr. Mark Mullenbach, Associate Professor of Political Science, by the Arkansas Department of Education (ADE). Eight individuals, mostly UCA students, served on the summer camp staff as resident assistants and mentors. Guest speakers during the week-long summer camp included Governor Asa Hutchinson; Cindy Sellers Roach, Community Development Management at Heifer International in Little Rock; Warwick Sabin, Senior Director of U.S. Programs at Winrock International in Little Rock; and Honorable Rodrigo Morales Salazar, Director of the Protection & Legal Affairs Department at the Consulate of Mexico in Little Rock.
