Students represent City Colleges of Chicago and Harold Washington College at global summit in New York City

New York City- In April 2026, a delegation from Harold Washington College, one of the seven City Colleges of Chicago, recently joined nearly 1,500 university students from 130 countries for the National Model United Nations (NMUN•NY), the world's largest intercollegiate simulation of the United Nations.

Accompanied by Harold Washington College Professor Ingrid Riedle, her students participated in the annual conference, which utilizes professional procedural rules developed by the United Nations Institute for Training and Research.

The event serves as a high-stakes training ground for the next generation of international diplomats, requiring participants to set aside their personal identities and represent the complex interests of assigned sovereign nations.

Jamie Maddox stands front and center in General Assembly Hall, the main meeting room for the United Nations, located at the UN Headquarters in New York City. It is the primary, iconic venue where all 193 member states meet for high-level debates and is often referred to as the "World's Town Hall".

"Speaking with individuals from around the world during this unique program opened my eyes to perspectives I may never have encountered otherwise. Hearing so many different languages and ideas come together reminded me that our world is truly interconnected," said Jamie Maddox, student at Harold Washington College. "Through the Model United Nations, I learned that successful negotiation requires compromise, understanding, and the willingness to meet others halfway. It also made me realize that no matter your college major or background, bringing a different perspective to the table is a strength that can help create meaningful solutions."

Throughout the week-long sessions, the students engaged in rigorous committee debates, navigating global crises ranging from food security to environmental sustainability. The experience extended beyond the conference floor, as the delegation visited Permanent Missions to the UN to network with active international policy experts and career diplomats.

"The students helped draft resolutions to solve some of the globe's most pressing problems," said Professor Riedle. These draft documents required intense negotiation with peers from across the globe, mirroring the real-world compromise necessary for international cooperation," said Professor Riedle.

The conference reached its peak with a closing ceremony held inside the iconic General Assembly Hall at United Nations Headquarters. For the Harold Washington College delegation, sitting in the same seats used by world leaders, served as a powerful reminder of the impact City Colleges' students can have on a global stage.

The success of the mission highlights the growing role of City Colleges of Chicago in preparing students to think about pursuing careers in international relations and global policy.

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