Roughly 70 University of North Georgia (UNG) students, representing 23 countries, participated in the eighth annual Model United Nations (UN) Conference held in April.

This year's theme was "Addressing Corruption & Bribery in Governance" in the UN General Assembly. Participants included students from 17 different majors, the largest number to date.

"Overall, it was a very engaging session where students deployed their diplomacy skills to build coalitions on finding solutions to this global problem. It was a great exercise for technical writing, public speaking and diplomacy, as well as building a knowledge base on a global issue," Dr. Bibek Chand, associate professor in the Department of Political Science & International Affairs, said.

For Sofia Quiros, the experience gave her insight into the broader issues for humanity. She said she hopes to work in human services, either as a diplomat or on a state or local level to make changes relating to human and civil rights.

"Having been in two conferences now with Model UN, my eyes are seeing different global perspectives on uprising topics. These experiences broadened my horizons on international topics that are currently happening in our society and how member-states react to one another while keeping their position," the Cleveland, Georgia, native said.  

Quiros, a sophomore, served as a delegate representing Mexico along with Chabala Kamayamba and Chris Layman. 

She said the opportunities with Model UN have been life-changing.

"Coming from a smaller town, I originally wanted to go into the medical field, but after extensive research, I truly fell in love with the studies provided here at UNG and tremendously appreciate all the professors who push us and inspire us to continue with our dreams," she said. 

Quiros is pursuing a degree in political science.

This is the fourth time for Allison Freligh to attend the event and her first time to serve on the dais, directing the conference.

Freligh looks to work as a Foreign Service officer, and ultimately an ambassador.

"Being a part of Model UN has allowed me firsthand preparations for diplomatic negotiations and opportunities to improve my public speaking, professional writing and leadership skills," the Warner Robins, Georgia, native said. "Model UN is so much more than just doing research. It's created such an amazing community of students who are all passionate about the world and the international system as a whole."

Freligh is pursuing a degree in international affairs with a European concentration.