Model UN hosts conference for local high schoolers

Tucked away in Madsen Center this February, high school students from across the region gathered for Augustana’s Model United Nations event, tackling the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam controversy — a complex water rights issue affecting multiple African nations.

The day-long conference allowed participants to assume the roles of UN delegates and negotiate solutions to international problems. This year's event marked the second consecutive year since the program was revived in 2023 after a decade-long hiatus.

Joseph Gebel, President of the Augustana Model United Nations, enthusiastically welcomed Sioux Falls grade school participants. 

"In 2023, we realized we really loved putting on a Model event for high schoolers," Gebel said. "It was super fulfilling, and we are really glad to bring it back this year."

Provost Joel Johnson set the stage with opening remarks that framed the complexity of the issue through a local lens.

"If you think about Sioux Falls, we are between two watersheds," Johnson said. "We understand big rivers in this country, but imagine if you have these major waterways flowing not just across state lines but across national boundaries."

Johnson described the complex dynamics between the countries affected by the Nile River dam project. He explained that Ethiopia's need for development through hydroelectric power and water management directly conflicts with the concerns of downstream nations Sudan and Egypt, who worry about disruptions to their historical water access and agricultural systems.

Heather Edmunds Reed, co-director of international programs, emphasized the importance of students' involvement at the event. 

"You are teenagers who chose to spend your Saturday morning collaborating with your peers to consider international issues and find peaceful solutions for our world," Reed said. "The world needs you now more than ever."

For senior Brynna Koerner from Bridgewater-Emery High School, who will attend Augustana next fall, the experience offered an exciting preview of college life.

"I represented Sierra Leone," Koerner said. "We discussed the escalating conflicts between Egypt and Ethiopia over the building of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. It was challenging because we had to find a solution that made both parties happy."

The day took an unexpected turn when participants had to respond to a simulated crisis — an attempted assassination of Egypt's president by an Ethiopian militant. 

"That definitely set back our progress as we had to bring tensions down alongside solving the issue," Koerner said.

Beyond the debate table, Koerner discovered personal growth and valuable career skills during the negotiations.

"It definitely strengthened my ability to speak on issues formally," Koerner said. "I also learned how to power search, which is so slay because I love doing research and learning about various topics."

Adam Heinitz, associate vice president of enrollment management, highlighted how events like Model UN showcase the university's commitment to experiential learning. 

"What happens outside of the classroom has great value for your career outcomes," Heinitz said. "Model UN, for example, builds the skills that employers are looking for — problem-solving, communication skills, understanding different perspectives and leadership development."

Speaking later about the event's educational impact, Johnson emphasized how Model UN embodies Augustana's core academic values.

"Model UN aligns with our commitment to preparing students for meaningful work and thoughtful citizenship," Johnson said. "Participants conduct thorough research, engage in critical thinking, negotiate differences and enhance their understanding of the human condition."

The professional organization of the event left a lasting impression on Koerner, who plans to major in secondary education and history at Augustana next fall.

"I honestly found it very impressive that the whole thing was student-led,” Koerner said. “I had no clue about that until I arrived."

For Koerner, this experience has reinforced her decision to attend Augustana. 

"It definitely hyped me up about attending this fall," Koerner said. "Every time I visit the campus, I know that Augie is the right school for me."

As the day concluded, participants left with more than just debate experience. They gained practical skills in diplomacy, research and public speaking — tools that will serve them beyond high school.

"I think it revealed to me why democracy takes so much time, but in the end, it's worth it," Koerner said. "It may be frustrating to wait for things to be decided upon, but diplomacy and democracy are the best way forward as they promote peace and understanding."

For Augustana, Model UN represents the institution’s broader commitment to fostering global perspectives — a mission that extends from their international student population to their extensive study abroad programs. Through events like this, they're building the next generation of thoughtful global citizens one diplomatic crisis at a time.