A First for Far Hills: Students Step into Global Leadership at Model UN

This year marked an exciting milestone as Far Hills fielded its first-ever competitive Model United Nations (MUN) team.

MUN is an academic program in which students take on the roles of United Nations delegates, debating global issues, developing solutions, and building skills in public speaking, research, and diplomacy.

Representing Far Hills were Kiran L. '28 (South Africa, Human Rights Council), Nathaniel "Nate" S. '28 (Estonia, Population Fund), Tate C. '28 (the Netherlands, UNESCO), and Leonard  "Leo" M. '28 (Democratic Republic of the Congo, Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee). Each student tackled complex global topics—from media manipulation and population decline to climate change and education in conflict zones.

Notably, our students were among the youngest delegates at the conference, which was hosted by The Red Oaks School and included participants from both public and private schools, including Morristown-Beard. Committees were led by college-level MUN students from Rutgers University, offering an authentic and challenging experience.

The day also featured a keynote address from Owen Pataki, who shared insights from his work in Afghanistan and Ukraine, encouraging students to recognize the impact even one individual can make.

“It was incredible to watch our students step into these roles with such confidence and curiosity,” said Upper School History Teacher Hope Svendsen. “They were not only engaging with complex global issues, but learning how to listen, collaborate, and advocate—skills that will serve them well far beyond the classroom.”