Using AI for Model United Nations: A Practical, Ethical Guide

The world of international relations moves at breakneck speed, and MUN topics reflect this reality. UN bodies now actively debate AI governance itself, with the UN's High-Level Advisory Body publishing comprehensive recommendations. The 2024 Pact for the Future includes a Global Digital Compact addressing digital cooperation and AI—essential context for delegates across multiple committees.

Educational institutions are embracing this reality rather than fighting it. UNESCO's global guidance promotes human-centered, responsible use of generative AI in classrooms and research. National and college policies typically emphasize privacy, accuracy, and disclosure rather than outright bans. Even the International Baccalaureate now allows AI use with proper attribution, though they're clear that uncredited AI-written work isn't your own.

The key is learning to use these tools ethically and effectively.

Pre-Committee: Building Your Foundation

Research and Topic Analysis

Gone are the days of spending hours just to create a basic topic outline. AI can generate a structured framework in minutes, giving you more time for deep analysis and verification.

Quick Topic Brief Generation

Use this prompt to get started:

You are a Model UN research assistant. In 300 words, outline the issue "{topic}" for {committee}. Include:
- 3 key turning points since {year}
- 5 relevant UN docs (resolutions/treaties) with 1-line why each matters
- Top stakeholders and their incentives
- 3 measurable indicators of progress
Cite sources and flag uncertainty.

Remember: AI provides the scaffold, but you must fact-check everything against trusted sources like UN press releases, official reports, and established think tanks. For MUN research basics and position paper structure, consult guides from Harvard Model UN and Best Delegate.

Country Position Development

Understanding your country's stance is crucial for authentic representation. AI can help map out likely positions, but verification through UN voting records and official ministry pages is essential. For position paper formatting guidance, refer to resources from NMUN and Harvard Model UN.

Country Policy Snapshot Prompt:

Given {country} in {committee} on {topic}, draft a policy baseline:
- Interests (150 words)
- Existing commitments/reservations (bullets)
- Red lines vs. negotiable items
- 3 coalition options with tradeoffs
Provide citations and confidence levels.


Speech Preparation

Transform your research into compelling opening statements with AI assistance. The tool excels at converting bullet points into polished, time-appropriate speeches while maintaining diplomatic tone.

Speech Drafting Prompt:

Turn these notes into a 75-second opening speech for MUN.
Audience: mixed-level delegates. Tone: diplomatic, solutions-focused.
Constraints: 130–160 words, 3 clear asks, 1 bridge to coalition.
Notes: {paste bullets}

Always enhance AI-generated speeches with verified, country-specific data and authentic voice.

During Committee: Real-Time Support

Strategic Communication

AI can help you stay sharp during fast-paced committee sessions by generating targeted questions and compromise frameworks.

For Points of Information and caucus contributions, ask AI to create 6-8 targeted questions and 3 compromise frames based on proposals currently being discussed.

Resolution Writing Support

While the substance must be yours, AI can help with the technical aspects of UN-style drafting. Check your conference's specific formatting requirements against established guides like NMUN, THIMUN, and the UN's own drafting tips.

Operative Clause Generation:

Write 4 operative clauses to operationalize {idea}. Each must include:
- Implementer
- Timeline
- Financing or capacity mechanism
- Monitoring indicator
Return as numbered clauses in UN style.

Amendment Strategy

Crafting effective amendments requires precision. AI can help you explore different approaches:

Given this draft clause: "{text}", propose 2 friendlier alternatives and 1 stricter version.
Explain how each would shift coalitions.

Post-Committee: Growth and Reflection

Use AI as a coach to analyze your performance and develop targeted improvement strategies. For additional delegate preparation resources, explore guides from Harvard Model UN.

Performance Analysis Prompt:

Assess this MUN performance (speech + amendments + outcomes). Identify 3 strengths, 3 weaknesses, 3 drills for next month. Calibrate to {procedure type: NMUN/THIMUN}.
Materials: {paste notes}

This reflection process helps transform each conference experience into concrete skill development.

Essential Guardrails: Using AI Responsibly

Follow Conference Rules

Many conferences still expect original writing, especially for position papers and speeches. Use AI for brainstorming, outlining, and editing—but ensure the core research and drafting remain your own work. When uncertain, consult your chair or secretariat.

Disclosure Best Practices

If your school or conference requires it, include a brief transparency note: "Brainstorming and language editing assisted by a generative AI tool; all facts verified and sources cited by the author." The IB's guidance on AI provides a good model for ethical disclosure.

Protect Privacy and Data

Never input personal information, registration data, or confidential materials into public AI tools. Treat sensitive MUN information with the same care you would any academic or professional document. The U.S. Department of Education's guidance highlights privacy, bias, and transparency issues that students should also consider.

Cite Sources, Not Chatbots

When AI helps you discover material, always cite the original UN document, report, or article. If institutional rules require citing AI assistance, treat it as personal communication and label it clearly—the University of Greenwich's student guidance provides concrete examples of proper AI citation.

Guard Against Misinformation

AI can amplify false information, particularly on sensitive historical topics. Always cross-check claims with authoritative sources. UNESCO specifically warns about this risk in educational contexts, and AP News provides guidance on identifying AI-generated misinformation.

For Chairs and Advisors: Streamlining Leadership

Background Guide Development

Use AI to create section outlines and build preliminary reading lists, but reserve the analysis and case selection for your own expertise and judgment.

Assessment Tools

Generate clear, behavior-anchored rubrics and feedback libraries tailored to your specific procedures and learning objectives.

Training Program Design

Create comprehensive preparation schedules with this approach:

Generate a five-week MUN training arc (research → speeches → negotiation → clauses → mock GA) with drills and mini-assessments aligned to {HMUN/NMUN/THIMUN} format.

Align your programs with established procedures from Harvard Model UN, NMUN, or THIMUN Foundation.

Quick Reference: Copy-Paste Prompts

Coalition Mapping:

Given these draft positions {paste}, cluster delegations into 3 blocs.
For each bloc: shared interests, likely red lines, and 2 tradeable concessions.

Press Corps Support:

Write a 150-word press note on {development}, neutral tone, 1 quote from a "delegate of {country}" (generic), and 1 data point to verify. Add 3 follow-up questions.

A Note on Ethics

This guide positions AI as a thinking partner—excellent for brainstorming, summarizing, language polishing, and formatting—but never as a replacement for your research, critical thinking, or authentic voice.

The most successful MUN delegates will be those who learn to combine AI efficiency with human insight, always maintaining the integrity that makes Model UN a meaningful educational experience.

Want these prompts adapted to your specific conference procedure or age group? The techniques in this guide can be customized for any MUN format, from high school to collegiate level.