On April 21, 2026, the Pascack Hills Model United Nations (Model UN) team experienced an exceptional educational trip to the United Nations headquarters in New York City. The visit included insightful discussions with Dr. Jenna Russo at the International Peace Institute, providing students with a firsthand look at international diplomacy in action.
The Pascack Hills Model United Nations team provides students with the opportunity to research, analyze and better understand global issues. Twice a year, students attend competitions like the Princeton Model UN Conference (PMUNC) or the Saint Peter’s University High School Model UN Conference (SPUHSMUN), in which they replicate the United Nations diplomatic atmosphere and represent various nations on issues ranging from nuclear proliferation to immigration, international trade, and many others.
Tour guide explaining posters to students
This year, all participants in either of the two conferences were given the opportunity to attend a free field trip to the United Nations headquarters and the International Peace Institute.
Upon arrival, students first got checked in and passed security to enter the United Nations, where they were then separated into two tour groups. Each group received tour guides who then ushered them around, explaining the complexities of each chart, artwork and conference room within the buildings. Students were informed about current world issues, ongoing solutions and the structure of the United Nations.
During the tour, all six main UN committees were in session: Disarmament and International Security, Economic and Financial, Social, Humanitarian and Cultural, Special Political and Decolonization, Administrative and Budgetary and Legal. The students also learned that UN President Annalena Baerbock of Germany was present, with discussions underway about potential successors as her term would conclude in September 2026.
UN committee in operation
After touring the UN, the team visited the International Peace Institute (IPI), where they were given a chance to speak with Dr. Russo about the goal of the IPI, how to pursue future career paths involving the UN or IPI, and her personal journey of working with the IPI.
To conclude the day, the team then had lunch before shortly returning to Hills.
Overall, this field trip gave Model UN participants a peek into the real diplomatic environment and how international affairs work within the United Nations. All students were able to observe new information and consider future relationships with environments like these.
Check out a photo gallery from the trip!
