(PDF) (DOC) (JPG)April 18, 2022

MAHWAH, N.J.  – Members of the Model United Nations Club at Ramapo College of New Jersey received a delegation honorable mention at the 2022 National Model United Nations Conference held April 3-7 in New York City.

Nine Ramapo College students represented New Zealand in the National Model United Nations Conference, the world’s largest university-level simulation of the United Nations. Dr. Dean Chen, associate professor of political science and the advisor to the club, said the Ramapo student delegation represented New Zealand on the following UN committees and agencies: United Nations Development Programme; United Nations Environment Assembly; International Atomic Energy Agency; International Organization for Migration; and General Assembly Third Committee.  More than 2,000 students from across the United States and across the globe participated in the annual conference.

“Throughout long sessions every day – beginning at 830 a.m. and ending at 1030 p.m. – the students received meaningful experience by learning and simulating in their respective roles as representatives of New Zealand on different UN committees/agencies to think and advocate on behalf of the interests and policy positions of New Zealand,” said Chen.

He explained that each committee/agency drafts, negotiates, deliberates, and passes resolutions to address imminent global crises/issues ranging from environmental degradation, creating a circular economy for sustainability, ensuring the human rights and healthcare of migrant workers, fostering sustainable recovery from COVID-19, and promoting equitable and inclusive access to education for youth around the world.

The Ramapo students who participated at the conference are majoring in political science and/or international studies. They are Patrick Centeno, Alessia Guerriero, Lena Leroy, Riley Petrella, Kenneth Rea, Kimberley Santana, Benjamin Straebler, Andrew Taranta, and Nazli Tiyaloglu. Several of them shared their thoughts on the experience:

**Patrick Centeno ’22: “Practicing diplomacy with delegates from around the world made this experience more real than ever. To represent Ramapo and to represent New Zealand was an honor that speaks volumes and must be continued for the purpose of education, exploration, and community.”

**Lena Leroy ’23: “At first, I was really nervous about going to the Model UN Conference because I didn’t know what to expect. But I really enjoyed my time there. I met and worked with a lot of great people. I am very interested in attending again next year.”

**Riley Petrella ’22: “It was an excellent opportunity to work with future leaders from around the world in a simulation reflecting the real institutions and processes that is the modern international political system.”

**Ken Rea ’22: “Having the privilege to work with students from around the world was an enlightening experience and helped me gain knowledge for future career possibilities and ambitions.”

**Kimberly Santana ’22: “Being given this opportunity has solidified my career choice. It has taught me that in a high-stress environment, cooperation and understanding of each other can be included to achieve the improvement of citizens and nations.”

Participation in 2022 National Model UN Conference was made possible in part by a grant from the Ramapo College Foundation and the Ramapo School of Humanities and Global Studies.

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About Ramapo College

Ramapo College of New Jersey is the state’s premier public liberal arts college and is committed to academic excellence through interdisciplinary and experiential learning, and international and intercultural understanding. The comprehensive college is situated among the beautiful Ramapo Mountains, is within commuting distance to New York City, was named one of the 50 Most Beautiful College Campuses in America by CondeNast Traveler, and boasts the best on-campus housing in New Jersey per Niche.com. Established in 1969, Ramapo College offers bachelor’s degrees in the arts, business, data science, humanities, social sciences and the sciences, as well as in professional studies, which include business, education, nursing and social work. In addition, the College offers courses leading to teacher certification at the elementary and secondary levels, and offers graduate programs leading to master’s degrees in Accounting, Applied Mathematics, Business Administration, Contemporary Instructional Design, Computer Science, Creative Music Technology, Data Science, Educational Leadership, Nursing, Social Work and Special Education, as well as a Doctor of Nursing Practice.

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