Florida Atlantic University’s Diplomacy Program Earns Top Honors at National Model United Nations

Florida Atlantic University’s (FAU) Leon Charney Diplomacy Program has once again demonstrated its excellence on the global stage, securing the Distinguished Delegation Award at the 2026 National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference in New York City. This prestigious recognition places FAU among the top-tier diplomacy programs in the nation, underscoring the university’s commitment to fostering leadership, negotiation, and global problem-solving skills among its students.

What Is the National Model United Nations?

The National Model United Nations is the world’s largest and most prestigious collegiate simulation of the United Nations. Each year, thousands of students from over 200 universities worldwide gather to role-play as diplomats, representing assigned countries in committees that mirror real UN bodies. Participants draft resolutions, negotiate with peers, and tackle pressing global issues—from climate change to cybersecurity—although adhering to the rules of procedure used by the actual United Nations.

The 2026 NMUN conference in New York City drew 235 participating schools, making FAU’s second-place finish a significant achievement. The Distinguished Delegation Award is the second-highest honor awarded at the conference, recognizing delegations that exhibit exceptional diplomacy, research, and collaboration.

FAU’s Delegation: Representing Brazil and Latvia on the Global Stage

FAU’s delegation of 48 students represented two countries—Brazil and Latvia—across 23 committees, each tasked with debating two real-world topics. The students’ preparation involved months of research, policy analysis, and mock simulations to ensure they could effectively advocate for their assigned nations’ interests.

Beyond the competitive sessions, the FAU team engaged in professional development opportunities, including:

• Training sessions with former diplomats and UN officials
• A private meeting with U.S. Ambassador Jeff Bartos, who shared insights on modern diplomatic challenges
• A guided tour of the United Nations headquarters in New York, where students observed real diplomatic proceedings

Luisa Turbino Torres, Ph.D., assistant professor of political science and the program’s associate director, led the delegation. In a statement, Torres emphasized the program’s dual focus on academic rigor and real-world application: “Our students don’t just learn about diplomacy—they live it. The NMUN experience pushes them to suppose critically, communicate persuasively, and collaborate across cultures, skills that are invaluable in any career.”

The Leon Charney Diplomacy Program: A Legacy of Excellence

Established in 1996 and renamed in 2017 to honor the late Leon Charney, a renowned mediator and key figure in the Camp David Accords, the program has become a cornerstone of FAU’s political science department. Charney’s human-centered approach to diplomacy—prioritizing empathy, relationship-building, and grassroots conflict resolution—remains a guiding principle for the program.

To date, the Leon Charney Diplomacy Program has earned 86 awards at national and international competitions, including previous top honors at NMUN conferences in Washington, D.C., The Hague, Banff, and Kyoto. The program’s success is attributed to its interdisciplinary curriculum, which blends political science, international law, and hands-on simulations.

Student Perspectives: How Model UN Shapes Future Leaders

The impact of the Leon Charney Diplomacy Program extends far beyond the competition floor. Students consistently report that their experiences in Model UN have transformed their professional trajectories, equipping them with skills applicable to fields as diverse as law, cybersecurity, medicine, and data science.

“Learning about Dr. Charney’s role in the Camp David Accords gave me a completely new perspective on what’s possible through unofficial diplomacy. It made me realize that real diplomatic impact isn’t limited to those with official titles—it’s about building genuine relationships and finding common ground.”

—Tarruck Wheeler, Senior International Studies Student and Gilman Scholar

Wheeler, an international affairs major with a minor in data science, joined the program three years ago and has since leveraged his Model UN experience in high-profile opportunities, including a summer internship with UNICEF in Madagascar. His work with the nonprofit Omena, which combats emotional abuse, was directly informed by the negotiation and advocacy skills he honed at NMUN.

Other students echoed Wheeler’s sentiments:

• Ryleigh Newman, a junior studying biochemistry and data science, credited the program with teaching her “how to work independently, navigate challenges, and engage professionally with people from around the world.”
• Ryan Fernandez, a second-year neuroscience student, noted that Model UN helped him become “a more confident speaker and better at thinking clearly under pressure”—skills he plans to apply in his future career in medicine.

Why Model UN Matters: Beyond the Competition

For students, the benefits of participating in Model UN extend beyond trophies and accolades. The program fosters a unique set of competencies that are increasingly valued in today’s globalized workforce:

• Cross-Cultural Communication: Students collaborate with peers from diverse backgrounds, learning to bridge cultural and ideological divides.
• Critical Thinking: Debating complex global issues requires rapid analysis of policy, economics, and geopolitical dynamics.
• Public Speaking and Persuasion: Delivering speeches, negotiating resolutions, and defending positions in real time sharpens verbal and rhetorical skills.
• Adaptability: Simulations often introduce unexpected crises or shifts in committee dynamics, training students to think on their feet.

These skills are particularly relevant in an era where global challenges—from climate change to cyber warfare—demand collaborative, innovative solutions. As Ambassador Bartos noted during his meeting with the FAU delegation, “The diplomats of tomorrow won’t just be in embassies; they’ll be in boardrooms, labs, and tech startups, solving problems that transcend borders.”

What’s Next for FAU’s Diplomacy Program?

The Leon Charney Diplomacy Program shows no signs of slowing down. In addition to its biannual appearances at NMUN conferences in Washington, D.C., and New York City, the program has expanded its reach with international simulations in:

• The Hague, Netherlands (home to the International Court of Justice)
• Banff, Canada (focusing on environmental diplomacy)
• Kyoto, Japan (exploring East Asian geopolitics)

Looking ahead, the program aims to increase accessibility by offering more scholarships and hybrid participation options, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can benefit from its transformative experiences. Plans are also underway to launch a postgraduate fellowship in partnership with the Charney Resolution Center, providing recent graduates with opportunities to work on real-world conflict resolution projects.

Key Takeaways: Why FAU’s Achievement Matters

• Top-Tier Recognition: FAU’s Distinguished Delegation Award places it among the elite diplomacy programs in the U.S., competing against 235 schools.
• Real-World Impact: Students apply their Model UN skills in internships, research, and careers across sectors, from UNICEF to cybersecurity.
• Global Reach: The program’s international competitions expose students to diverse perspectives and high-stakes diplomatic environments.
• Legacy of Leadership: Named after Leon Charney, the program embodies his human-centered approach to diplomacy, emphasizing empathy and relationship-building.
• Future-Ready Skills: Model UN alumni enter the workforce with advanced communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About FAU’s Diplomacy Program

1. How can students join the Leon Charney Diplomacy Program?

FAU students from any major can apply to join the program through the Department of Political Science. Applications typically open in the spring and fall semesters and may include an essay, interview, or simulation exercise. No prior Model UN experience is required.

2. What countries has FAU represented at NMUN?

In 2026, FAU represented Brazil and Latvia. Past delegations have represented countries such as Germany, Japan, Nigeria, and Sweden, depending on the conference’s assignments.

3. Does the program offer scholarships or financial aid?

Yes. The program offers limited scholarships to offset travel and conference fees. Students are also encouraged to apply for external funding, such as the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, which supports study abroad and international experiences.

4. How does Model UN differ from other extracurricular activities?

Unlike traditional debate or mock trial, Model UN focuses on collaborative problem-solving rather than adversarial competition. Students work together to draft resolutions, negotiate compromises, and address global challenges, mirroring the real UN’s consensus-driven approach.

5. What careers do Model UN alumni pursue?

Alumni of FAU’s program have gone on to careers in:

• Foreign service and diplomacy (e.g., U.S. State Department, United Nations)
• International law and human rights advocacy
• Cybersecurity and AI policy
• Global health and nonprofit management
• Corporate social responsibility and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) roles

Conclusion: A Program That Transforms Lives

FAU’s Leon Charney Diplomacy Program is more than an extracurricular activity—it’s a launchpad for future leaders. By combining rigorous academic training with immersive simulations, the program prepares students to navigate an increasingly interconnected world. The Distinguished Delegation Award at the 2026 NMUN conference is a testament to the hard work of FAU’s students and faculty, but the true measure of the program’s success lies in the careers, relationships, and global impact its alumni will create.

As the world grapples with complex challenges—from climate migration to digital warfare—the skills fostered by Model UN are more valuable than ever. For students like Tarruck Wheeler, Ryleigh Newman, and Ryan Fernandez, the program isn’t just about winning awards; it’s about building a toolkit for change.