The Market for Model United Nations Conferences in Geographical Europe: Market Research

Abstract

A Model United Nations is an academic simulation of the United Nations Organization, where the mainly student-level participants assume the role of a diplomat and represent a country other than their own nationality. The aim of this alternative education approach is to allow participants to familiarize themselves with the UN system, investigate possible solutions to global issues and to research about another country’s culture, economy and political positions. This market research aims at establishing baseline data through a quantitative analysis of the organizations managing this type of educational conferences in geographical Europe and to estimate its trends, areas of possible improvements and growth potential. After preliminary research to identify target organizations based on secondary data, two online questionnaires were prepared to collect primary data that target the conferences and their staff independently. The organizations were contacted via email and data collection took place from the 16th September until the 3rd November 2009. The return rate for the questionnaires was high, with 41% of the identified organizations providing at least one staff response and 35% supplying details about their conference. The estimates based on the returned data suggest a sizeable market worth more than 2 million Euros each year with over 20.000 annual participants in geographical Europe, including Cyprus and Turkey. The number of involved organizers has been stable at approximately 680 people over the studied time period (2008-2009).