20th Southeast Model African Union at UGA

Through Saturday, the Franklin College welcomes students, faculty and delegates from regional universities and colleges to the UGA campus for the 20th annual Southeast Model African Union conference and competition:

This event will give students an opportunity to learn about diplomacy, leadership and governmental organization through a unique simulation experience. The experience is designed to enrich and enhance students’ understanding of the political, economic and cultural dimensions of different African countries and their relationship to each other and the rest of the world as members of the African Union. Experience has shown that this mode of learning is very empowering. When the student delegates take on the character of their selected countries and develop an understanding of African issues from an African perspective, they gain knowledge that is rewarding to them in their collegiate and community endeavors.

The Model African Union is a two-fold educational experience. The first phase of learning begins in the classroom or study sessions where the participant gathers information, does research, and learns about issues relating to a specific country. The second phase takes place in the simulated meetings of the actual commissions of the African Union, which will be held at UGA's Hotel and Conference Center.  

Opening ceremonies begin today 11 am in Masters Hall at the Georgia Center. This is a terrific opportuity for students from every discipline to learn about diplomatic simulations on issues and challenges facing the countries of Africa as well as the entire continent as a whole. A great conference and congratulations to the African Studies Institute as the primary host for the event.