UN Security Council

Step into the roles of United Nations Security Council member countries and make tough decisions about the UN's response to situations affecting the international community. Participants in this simulation negotiate on draft resolutions relevant to issues of human trafficking, ethnic violence, development and conflict, and resource extraction.

This flexible simulation is designed to accommodate a wide range of class sizes. Instructors can include all 15 countries on the Security Council (the default setting for the exercise) or reduce the simulation size to as few as 9 countries. Likewise, instructors can focus on all four issue areas presented in the simulation, or narrow the scope of negotiation to just a subset of issues.

A scenario is provided along with a private role sheet to give students additional information about their assigned country’s positions and interests. Some outside research is required. An online Research Library offers sources to aid students in researching relevant countries and issue areas. This simulation includes an opportunity for students to edit, debate, and vote on specific draft resolutions to address the issues in the scenario.

NOTE: The primary objective of this simulation is to expose participants to the dynamics of Council negotiations and to the types of international issues the Council could address. This simulation is not a replica of UN Security Council rules of procedure.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

• One or more Internet-connected computers or devices per team. (Optimized for desktop and laptop computers.)
• Up-to-date web browser. (Internet Explorer is not supported.)
• JavaScript and pop-up windows must be enabled. (Check your browser settings.)
• No plug-ins or additional software required.