TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama Model United Nations (ALMUN), a collegiate representation of the United Nations, will hold its 2002 conference on campus Oct. 10-12. The annual event allows students to participate in the simulation of U.N. committees.

ALMUN focuses on teaching both college and high schools students about the United Nations and how it deals with real world problems. As a replica of the group of world leaders, students arrange different committees of their interest for their designated country.

The students research issues and argue them from different perspectives.

Representing different countries from around the world, students are given the opportunity to debate from places uncommon to them.

While committees vary each year, ALMUN secretary Deborah Sodeke, a UA student from Auburn, said each student has the opportunity to learn something that interests them.

“It takes a lot of research before you go in,” she said. “It’s a really good learning experience because you try to assimilate what the United Nations does.”

This year, the students have formed five committees with subjects ranging from women’s rights to security and operations in Europe. Sodeke said the 2002 conference would be different because “it is a conference that a lot of college students haven’t done.”

For more information and a complete conference schedule, visit http://almunconference.tripod.com/ or contact Dr. David Klemmack, faculty adviser, at 205/348-2723.