​(Orange, CA)—Santiago Canyon College’s (SCC) Model United Nations team won nine awards at the National Model United Nations Conference in Washington, D.C., held Oct. 30 – Nov. 1. Thirteen members of the SCC team traveled to Washington, D.C., where they represented delegations of two countries—Norway and Namibia.

Founded more than 50 years ago, Model UN is a simulation of the UN General Assembly, UN Security Council, or other multilateral body, which projects students into the world of diplomacy and negotiation. In Model UN, students assume the role of ambassadors of UN member states. In past years, SCC students have represented Angola, Equatorial Guinea, and Austria. The students, better known as “delegates” in Model UN parlance, prepare draft resolutions, plot strategy, negotiate with supporters and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate the UN's rules of procedure.

At this recent conference, the issues discussed included: the prohibition of the use, stockpiling, production, and transfer of anti-personnel mines; a united action towards the total elimination of nuclear weapons; ensuring the safety of civilians in conflict zones; strengthening international strategies for disaster reduction; implementing emergency response for seafaring refugees; a universal climate agreement; balancing tourism and preservation at World Heritage sites; and preserving linguistic diversity.

Here are the awards garnered by the SCC team and the students recognized in each category:

• Outstanding Delegation: Norway
  - Troy Cota, Anaheim Hills; Sean Greaney, Orange; Christina McKay, Corona; Kathryn Lozano, Fullerton; Omar Siddiq, Chino Hills; Jessica Arbgast, Garden Grove; and Kien Nguyen, Tustin
• Honorable Mention Delegation: Namibia
  - Eddie Rubio, Orange; Quentin Rios, Corona; Zuleyma Aguilar, Santa Ana; Joshua Moon, Irvine; Jed Milbrey, Anaheim; and Alex Leung, Orange
• General Assembly First, Outstanding Position Paper: Namibia
  - Eddie Rubio, Orange
• General Assembly Second, Outstanding Position Paper: Namibia
  - Quentin Rios, Corona
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Outstanding Position Paper: Namibia
  - Joshua Moon, Irvine
• United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Outstanding Position Paper: Norway
  - Jessica Arbgast, Garden Grove
• United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Outstanding Delegates in Committee: Norway
  - Christina McKay, Corona
• United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Outstanding Delegates in Committee: Norway
  - Kathryn Lozano, Fullerton and Omar Siddiq, Chino Hills
• United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), Outstanding Delegates in Committee: Norway
  - Jessica Arbgast, Garden Grove

According to SCC professor of history and political science Narges Rabii, Model UN advisor, this exciting program trains students to emulate world leaders. Students work on solutions to real global problems. To participate in the Model UN program, students must enroll in Political Science 150, Introduction to Model United Nations.

“There are many benefits,” Rabii said, “including opportunities to travel to conferences. And students can earn up to four extracurricular units, which is viewed very favorably by admissions committees when students are applying to transfer to other colleges and universities. Model UN helps students sharpen their public speaking, analytic reasoning, conflict resolution, problem solving, writing, and research skills.”

Rabii hopes to take a team to the Model UN conference at the United Nations in March 2016. That trip is contingent upon the team being able to raise $10,000 to cover its costs.

For additional information about the program, please contact Professor Rabii at (714) 628-4940 or via email. Tax-deductible donations to help fund the Model UN program at SCC may be made through the SCC Foundation by calling (714) 628-4790.

About Santiago Canyon College
Santiago Canyon College (SCC) serves more than 14,000 credit and non-credit students each semester. The college prepares students for transfer to four-year institutions and careers, and provides courses for personal and professional development, as well as customized training for business and industry. The college is recognized for its adult education program which keeps the working adult - and senior - in mind by offering flexible schedules, and community locations. Serving the residents of Anaheim Hills, Orange, Tustin, and Villa Park, SCC is one of two comprehensive colleges under the auspices of the Rancho Santiago Community College District. Visit www.sccollege.edu to learn more.

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