The Wichita State University Model UN team recently returned from the National Model United Nations Conference in New York City where it received an honorable mention for Outstanding Delegation.

There were about 160 schools from more than 20 countries around the world.

WSU's students represented the Philippines and China in their committees and were able to receive a mission briefing from the deputy ambassador of the Philippines before the conference started.

In addition, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon gave the keynote address at the opening ceremony in the Great Hall of the UN.

The Model UN program, within WSU's political science department, prepares students to take on the role of diplomats from a foreign country in a simulation of UN committee meetings.

Students become experts on particular global issues and then meet with other "diplomats" representing countries around the world to write resolutions.

These resolutions address a variety of global problems, such as maintaining international peace and security, protecting human rights, promoting development and protecting the environment.