SSU Team Earns Outstanding Delegation Award at National Model UN Conference in New York

Savannah State University’s Model United Nations students were recognized as an Outstanding Delegation at the 2025 National Model United Nations Conference held in New York City, April 13-18. More than 2,000 university students from 500 universities worldwide attended this year’s conference.

During the conference, students engaged in simulated UN committees and drafted resolutions on global problems, networked with peers from around the world, debate pressing issues and honed their negotiation and public speaking skills, visited UN headquarters, and prepared to become the next generation of international leaders.
The Savannah State Delegation included Naomi Allen (Freshman, JMC major, minor in Political Science), Carey Bynes-Jones (Senior, Sociology major), Kelin Charleston (Freshman, Engineering major), Markeema Cranston (Freshman, Political Science major), Kayla Jordan (Junior, Political Science major), Damani Kenan (Freshman, Political Science major), Anayah Lewin (Senior

JMC major, minor in Political Science; Model UN President), and Kenza Ouedraogo (Junior, Political Science major), and was led by Dr. Philip Omunga, MPA faculty and Model UN co-advisor.

In October each delegation is assigned a nation or nongovernmental organization to represent at the Model UN, then begins researching the nation or organization in preparation for the UN simulation. SSU was designated to represent Afghanistan. The delegation is advised by faculty members in SSU’s Department of Political Science and Public Affairs.
“The members of Savannah State University’s Model United Nations team approached the national conference with exceptional determination,” remarked Dr. Iancu, the faculty advisor. “Their tireless efforts to represent our institution on the global stage filled them with a profound sense of pride and responsibility.”

Kayla Jordan, a political science major, stated: “I thoroughly enjoyed representing Savannah State at the 2025 National Model United Nations conference. Being in a space where I could connect with students from around the globe opened my eyes to diverse cultures and perspectives, creating an experience I will cherish forever.”

Damani Kenan, freshman political science, wrote: “This was my first time attending NMUN, and it was an incredibly inspiring experience.”

Markeema Cranston stated: “My experience at the National Model United Nations Conference has been nothing short of amazing. I thoroughly enjoyed representing Savannah State in the diverse and enriching environment of Model United Nations, alongside students from various schools around the globe. I gained insights about our world that no textbook could provide and developed skills that will benefit me in any career path I choose!”

Students from SSU also participate in Model African Union conferences, including the 27th Annual Southeast Model African Union Conference in November 2024, where they earned 10 awards, including Outstanding Delegation.