Jianwei Wang, chairman of the political science department at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point (UWSP), led a delegation of 20 students to the annual National Model United Nations (UN) conference in New York City last month.

Serving as faculty adviser, Wang has led a student group representing UWSP at the various model UN conferences since 1996. The Model UN conference begun in New York City in 1923, promotes awareness and knowledge of international affairs.

"For many students this is their first time either in New York City or even getting on an airplane. It is an eye-opening experience for them." said Wang.

UWSP�s student delegation represented the Republic of Korea during the conference. Before the conference, the delegation visited the permanent mission of the Republic of Korea to the UN. South Korean diplomats, including its deputy representative to the UN, Ambassador Shin Kak-soo, briefed delegates on Korea�s positions and policy on various international issues and students engaged in substantial discussions with Korean diplomats.

The student leader for the UWSP delegation was Man Yin Yu, a junior majoring in business administration and political science. She also is the president of UWSP�s United Nations Student Organizations. A native of Hong Kong, she resides in Stevens Point. She also attended last year�s Model UN program.

About 3,200 students from around the world attended, representing 226 college and universities. UWSP is one of only two campuses in the UW System who attend this conference on a regular basis.

UWSP delegates represented South Korea on 11 committees including UN General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, World Health Organization, and Commission on Human Rights. They were actively involved in discussing, debating, caucusing and voting on various issues within these committees. On the first and final days, students went to the United Nations headquarters General Assembly Hall, where UN ambassadors meet collectively to debate and vote on global issues.

UWSP�s Model UN project this year received support from the Student Government Association, the Chancellor�s Office, Provost and Vice Chancellor�s Office, Dean�s Office of the College of Letters and Science, and the Political Science Department. For more information about

UWSP�s United Nations Student Organization, go to www.uwsp.edu/stuorg/unso or contact Wang at 715-346-3869 or Wendy Yu at 715-342-1429.

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