Contact: Sammy McDavid
Mississippi State's 21st annual simulation this week of United Nations diplomacy will bring more than 300 students and teachers to the university.
From Thursday through Saturday [Feb. 11-13], the 1999 Mississippi Model Security Council will include participants from 19 high schools and four universities.
Most activities will take place in the Colvard Union. In addition to assuming major leadership roles in mock Security Council sessions, students and teachers will work directly with the two career U.N. diplomats scheduled to attend.
Both ambassadors Anders Linden of Sweden and Tuvako N. Manongi of Tanzania are members of their nations' permanent missions to the New York City-based world body. Linden is a deputy permanent representative; Manongi, a minister-counselor.
"Through these U.N. simulations, students have an opportunity to experience the arts of international diplomacy, negotiations and compromise in solving world problems," said Rick Travis, the associate professor of political science who directs the program.
At 1:15 p.m. Thursday [the11th], both diplomats will make opening remarks at a program in the Colvard ballroom. At 10:45 a.m. Friday [the 13th], they will be part of an open question-and-answer session in the YMCA auditorium, which is located across the street from the Union. Both programs are open to the public.
The U.N. charter, signed in 1945 by the United States and 49 other nations, gives the Security Council "primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security." Though principally concerned with the resolution of conflicts, it is the only U.N. body with the power to create and deploy peacekeeping forces.
This year's Mississippi Model Security Council delegations will attend from Brandon High School, Carroll Academy (Carrollton), Cleveland High School, Clinton High School, East Union Attendance Center (Blue Springs), Greenwood High School, Hebron Christian School (Pheba), Houston High School, Humphreys Academy (Belzoni), Madison Central High School (Madison), Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (Columbus), and MSU.
Others include Mississippi University for Women, Pillow Academy (Greenwood), Richland High School, St. Joseph High School (Greenville), Starkville Academy, Starkville High School, University of Alabama, University of Mississippi, Warren Central High School (Vicksburg), West Point High School, and Woodland Hills Baptist Academy (Jackson).
For complete information on the Model Security Council, telephone Travis at (601) 325-2711.