Rotary District 5340’s Model United Nations occurred this month.  This action-packed 2-day extravaganza was held at Del Mar City Hall and was a huge success.    
 
Pauline Lin-Endresen, San Diego Downtown Breakfast Club, and her Co-Chair, Klaus Gubenator, Del Mar Club, organized and led over 100 students from 17 schools. In addition, international speakers, teachers, advisors, Rotaractors, and many District 5340 Rotarians were involved throughout the year and on the weekend itself.   Kevin Cahill, Del Mar Club, is the Chair – Emeritus. 
 
During the pandemic, Pauline transformed the Model UN, with its 100+ students and teachers, to an online venue - impressing all involved. Pauline was thrilled to be back in person this year. 
 
Guided by teachers and advisors, the students prepare all year. Student teams represent various nations around the globe, learning about their nations' biggest problems, biggest assets, and taking on that nations' point of view.  Top-notch international speakers attend, speak, and inspire the students as they negotiate the globe's biggest dilemmas.  San Diego State Rotaractors assume Model United Nations leadership roles as the Secretary-General.  
 
Alongside other District 5340 members, to make this a highlight of students' high school careers. All Rotarians participating agreed that "we learn as much as the students" by helping with this event. President Ann-Marie commented, "It's also a lot of fun and a great way to get to know other District 5340 members."
 
Our District 5340 is the only one in the United States with a Rotary Model United Nations Program, started by our District's Pathways to Peace Committee thirteen years ago. Rotary International has a long and proud association with the U.N, with Rotarians involved in its charter, and having the highest consultative status of any nongovernmental organization.  We are also partners with the U.N. in our PolioPlus initiative.
 
Learn more about Rotary's proud participation in the founding of the United Nations in 1945: Rotary and at The Start of the United Nations.