MACON – Mercer University’s Model Arab League delegation recently competed in regional and national competition, earning the highest number of individual awards in the 19-year history of the program.
At the Southeast Regional Model Arab League competition hosted by Converse University, Mercer delegates earned awards and distinctions in seven of eight councils and walked away with the prize for the second-best delegation in the competition.
At the National University Model Arab League Conference hosted by the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations in Washington, D.C., seven delegates received awards in six of eight councils. Mercer’s delegation also came third place overall among 21 institutions from across the nation.
Furthermore, Alexander John Paul Lutz, head delegate, was selected chair of the Palestinian Affairs Council for the 2022-2023 competition season from among 26 applicants.
“Students who participate in the Model Arab League program prepare for months by doing research about the assigned country and the Middle East region as a whole. Participants must also master parliamentary rules that govern debate and be prepared to accurately represent the policy position of the country on a wide range of issues. The biggest challenge for delegates is to find enough common ground with delegations representing other countries to craft collaborative responses to prevailing challenges,” said Dr. Eimad Houry, professor of political science and director of international affairs. “Mercer students have done consistently well and won awards and recognitions every year that Mercer teams have taken part.”
Mercer’s delegation consisted of 12 students from a variety of academic backgrounds: Carolyn Cafro, Alec Campbell, Chrishawn Chapelle, Gabrielle Chisholm, Sarah Khorasi, Lutz, Brandon Miley, Niyati Patel, Amelia Patrick, Phillip Roberts, Mary Sheffield and Morgan Simmons.
These students represented the Sultanate of Oman in competition and had the opportunity to visit the Omani Embassy in Washington, D.C., and receive a debriefing from embassy leadership.
Founded in 1983 as the National Council on U.S.-Arab Relations’ flagship Youth Leadership Development Program, Model Arab League simulates meetings of the League of Arab States.
Participating delegations become diplomats during competition, representing one of 22 member states in both general and specialized councils. Students draft resolutions addressing the important regional and global issues outlined in an agenda that closely mirrors real-world Arab League issues. Resolutions are debated in moderated council sessions following rules of parliamentary procedure. If passed, these council resolutions are presented to the entire conference during a Summit Session for closing debate and a final vote.
Participants are evaluated by peers and judges, and awards are presented to outstanding participants based on individual accomplishments and overall team achievements. Additionally, outstanding participants are given preferential consideration for National Council internships in Washington, D.C., and Council study visit programs.
Mercer will represent the Republic of Tunisia for the 2022-2023 competition season.
