The event is planned for 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the University Center.

Since 1988, the Model United Nations (UN) program at Southeast has provided students with an opportunity to simulate the General Assembly and other UN institutions. Participation in Model UN provides students with information on international politics and current affairs, and participants gain a working knowledge of parliamentary procedure, said Dr. Alynna Lyon, Southeast assistant professor of political science.

"Model United Nations was created in 1945 at the same time the United Nations was created with the hope that it would educate young people about global issues, other countries and their cultures, and conflict resolution through diplomacy," Lyon said. "It is intended to help foster an education about how to manage conflict in a non-military manner through an active learning simulation."

About 350 students from various high schools and middle schools throughout the area attended last year's conference. Local schools, as well as those from St. Louis, Illinois and Texas are expected to attend this year's event. Each school's delegates are asked to submit resolutions on various international issues and may also participate in a global issue paper competition.

About 15 students from Southeast are coordinating this year's conference, serving as committee chairs, secretaries and president of the General Assembly. They attended the Midwest Model United Nations for college students last spring in St. Louis. Thursday's simulation at Southeast will be similar to the event the Southeast students attended in St. Louis.

For more information on Model UN at Southeast, please contact Dr. Alynna Lyon at (573) 651-2644 or visit http://cstl.semo.edu/modelun/.