WHAT IS THE MODEL OAS GENERAL ASSEMBLY?

The Model OAS General Assembly (MOAS) is a program of the Department of International Affairs (DAI) of the OAS, designed to promote democracy among the youth of the Hemisphere by familiarizing students, faculty and academic institutions of the Americas with the work of the OAS and its Member States, as well as with the Organization’s role as the premier political forum in the Hemisphere, by engaging students in an active learning exercise where through role-playing they represent the diplomats and political officials of the 34 Member States of the OAS.  Several MOAS take place during the year, such as the Model General Assembly for high schools at OAS headquarters (usually at the beginning of December), one or more Models for university students in any of the OAS Member countries that offers to host it, as well as a Model for university students in Washington, D.C., in early spring.

MOAS PROGRAM OBJECTIVES

• To increase awareness of the mission and work of the Organization of American States

• To generate an understanding of the factors and mechanisms that shape the foreign policies of OAS member states

• To illustrate the importance of diplomacy, negotiation and compromise in the search of common solutions to regional issues.

• To promote cultural interaction

• To make students aware of the most important political, economic, social and security-related issues in the Americas

• To evaluate the impact of global politics on the countries of the Hemisphere

• To train committed leaders

FEATURES

During the Model OAS general assemblies each of the 34 Member countries of the OAS is represented by a 10-student delegation from an educational institution. In the event that fewer countries are represented, more than one delegation per institution may be allowed. Conversely, if the number of participant delegations exceeds the number of member countries, those delegations are assigned one of the OAS Permanent Observer countries. Student delegations must attend the model assemblies under the supervision of a faculty member.

Throughout the MOAS discussions, meetings, debates and until the approval of resolutions, participant students are expected to represent their assigned countries' interests and policies. To this end, prior to their attendance, they must have conducted a thorough research and analysis of their assigned country.

WHY IS THE MOAS OF INTEREST TO THE YOUTH OF THE WESTERN HEMISPHERE ?

Because students:

• Learn about the OAS Member countries' policies in relationship to the inter-American context.

• Learn about the parliamentary proceedings used during debates and discussions, and the importance of diplomacy and working groups.

• Practice consensus-building skills in order to obtain solutions for complex matters.

• Are exposed to inter-cultural matters.

• Have the opportunity to perform in a political and diplomatic environment, which might have an impact on his/her career choice.

• Practice communication skills.