During a MUN conference, students discuss current political issues—particularly crises and global challenges—in English.
Each participant represents a country and must debate from that country's political perspective. The aim is to draft a resolution that takes into account the different viewpoints of all the delegations present.
The debate process is designed to mimic that of the United Nations. There are various rules and procedures that must be followed to ensure a successful debate, and there are one or more chairpersons—known as 'chairs'—who facilitate the debate and ensure that it is conducted in a formal and fair manner.
In addition to the chairs, students can take on other roles, such as delegates—who debate—and secretaries-general—who organize the conference.
MUN develops skills in research, public speaking, debating, writing, critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership.
MUN Club at German School Shanghai
At the German School Shanghai (DSS), the MUN Club is an extracurricular activity for students in Grade 9 and above.
MUN students attend conferences not only in Shanghai and cities in neighbouring provinces—such as Suzhou (SUZMUN) or Nanjing (NISMUN)—but also in Beijing (BEIMUN) or even abroad in Berlin for the BERMUN.
The German School Shanghai also hosts EuroMUN, a MUN conference that takes place once a year at the Eurocampus Hongqiao.
Here, two students share their stories and experiences of attending several conferences over the years.
Fiona | Year 11
How did you hear about MUN and why did you decide to join the club?
I learned about the MUN club from my older sister and attended a trial session. At first, it was quite confusing, and I often struggled to keep up.
However, the process is very logical, and after a few sessions, it becomes easier to follow. And the more experience I gained, the more enjoyable it became.
How many and which MUN events have you attended so far?
I have participated every year since 2023, serving alternately as Co-Chair and delegate in 2024, and as Chair in 2025.
In total, I have gained experience at seven conferences.
What did you learn from MUN?
In MUN, especially during the conferences, you meet a lot of different people. Sometimes I meet students who have attended more than 10 conferences.
What you learn in MUN comes from other people. While you are learning the procedures in the club, you can only be inspired by a limited number of people.
At conferences, however, you must deliver speeches in front of strangers and convince them of your point of view. Speeches are one of the most important parts of MUN.
Through MUN, I have learned what makes a good speech and especially how to keep the audience engaged.
Also, attending conferences teaches you critical thinking. Sometimes the proposed resolutions are so well written that you feel you have nothing to add. But you always have something to add, and the more you watch other delegations, the more you learn to take different perspectives and come up with new solutions.
Conferences also teach you how to work with different people. Some can be arrogant, while others are incredibly nice. But no matter who it is, MUN allows you to put aside your differences and work together toward a common goal.
It really improves your teamwork skills and encourages you to look at situations from different perspectives.
What challenges did you face while attending MUN conferences?
I struggled to keep up with the pace, especially during my first two conferences. It took me a long time to come up with something valuable to contribute.
When it's time to present your idea in front of many people you don't know, it can be quite nerve-racking. But this is normal, and over time you become less nervous and more confident in speaking up.
Working with others can take you a long way at conferences, so don't be afraid if you're inexperienced. As there are delegations with different levels of experience, they can help you, or you can help them.
Why would you recommend MUN to other students?
MUN helps you connect with other people. You can learn something from most participants and improve your public speaking skills.
In addition, you are expected to dress formally for conferences, which are always very professional and well-organized.
Even as a chair, it is a lot of fun to see how the debate evolves and how delegations improve throughout the conference.
There are often awards to be won at conferences, and the competition is fierce at large events, which motivates you to do your best.
I have learnt something new after every conference, and in the same way you can hone your skills while having fun and meeting new people.
Carla | Year 11
How did you find out about MUN and why did you decide to join the club?
Before selecting clubs in ninth grade, I visited the UN headquarters in Geneva. Afterwards, I joined the club out of curiosity, intrigued by the debate format and eager to experience it firsthand.
How many and which MUN events have you attended so far?
I have attended a total of eight conferences since 2022. I was a delegate five times, once as a Chair and once as Secretary General.
What did you learn from MUN?
Thanks to MUN, I rediscovered my interest in international politics, and now enjoy keeping up to date with world events and global affairs.
Most importantly, you learn how to structure arguments to persuade fellow delegates to support your proposals.
Through MUN, you learn to think critically, question assumptions and argue in a structured way, which could be very helpful to me in the future.
What challenges did you face when participating in MUN conferences?
Initially, it was difficult to get used to the procedures. Unlike a normal debate, or Jugend debattiert (a nationwide debate competition for students in Germany and those learning German as a foreign language internationally), MUN has a different format and different debate procedures.
There are specific phrases you have to use and other rules you must follow, which can take some getting used to.
Why would you recommend MUN to other students?
You build international friendships and relationships across schools, expanding your social network. You learn new and excellent English vocabulary through the debates. You also learn strategies that you can use in debates.
Ultimately, I would recommend MUN to anyone with a strong interest in international politics.
German School Shanghai Open Days
At the German School Shanghai (DSS) Open Days you will have the opportunity to observe a live lesson and join a school tour led by the admissions and the pedagogical team.
Deutsche Schule Shanghai Yangpu
Tue, Apr 8, 9-11am
758 Jiangwancheng Lu, by Yinhang Lu, Yangpu District 江湾城路758号, 近殷行路
Deutsche Schule Shanghai Hongqiao
Wed, Apr 23, 9-11am
350 Gaoguang Lu, by Zhuguang Lu, Qingpu District 高光路350号, 近诸光路
To book your place, simply scan the QR code on the poster above
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