Members of Salem’s Model United Nations club joined thousands of college students from across the nation at the National Model United Nations Conference in New York City. Participating students were Elizabeth Hayworth (Head Delegate), Jennifer Palmer (Assistant Head Delegate), Sara Otero (Assistant Head Delegate), Virginia Sparkes, Lindsay Carr, Love’ Lemon, Barbara Sostaita, Gabi Williamson, Karen Combs, Shelby Smith, Keren Salim and Rebecca Eggers. The Salem team represented Azerbaijan during the conference.

Salem students picked up two major awards during the conference.

The General Assembly Third Committee, represented by Sostaita and Williamson, won Outstanding Position Paper. A position paper is an assessment of a set of issues from a country’s point of view that each committee pair was required to compose and submit before the conference. These papers outlined Azerbaijan’s position on many issues, such as sustainable development and poverty eradication, illicit trade of conventional weapons, transitional regimes in the Middle East, human trafficking, illicit trade of weapons in Africa and fresh water management. 

The group also received an honorable mention delegation award for their overall performance. The honorable mention recognized their exemplary work in areas such as research and preparation, diplomacy and oration, role playing skill, assertiveness, writing ability and participation. The award was given at the closing ceremony in the General Assembly Hall of the United Nations headquarters.