02/25/2025
Europe is facing some big challenges. That’s why five SUNY Cortland students in January were appointed to top leadership roles in Ireland, Lithuania and the Czech Republic and tasked with negotiating solutions to stubborn issues.
No, it wasn’t a scene from a parallel universe.
It was the annual Global Model European Union Conference.
From Jan. 6 through Jan. 9, more than 100 students from 14 universities from around the world gathered at SUNY Global Center in New York City to role-play as leaders and negotiators for EU member states.
The annual conference shifts venues each year between different sides of the Atlantic. Next year, the event is hosted by the Brussels School of Governance in Brussels, Belgium.
This year, it included a visit to the United Nations in addition to the unique learning experience that students involved in the program have come to value.
“The Model EU experience was a great way to learn strengths and weaknesses in the professional field, said Asha Younas, a senior majoring in international studies who participated in the program last year. “It helps determine negotiation styles and understanding how your style pairs with others.
“This year, the event in New York City allowed me another opportunity to practice my skills. … My research was more in depth, and I practiced different negotiation techniques, some very adversarial, and others compromising, as I had the opportunity to do so in an environment where I could make mistakes and learn, but have that real-life feeling accompanied with it.”
Younas played the role of Lithuania’s head of government. Junior international studies major Anne Austin assumed the role of Lithuania’s foreign minister.
“I gained valuable insights into negotiation, diplomacy, as well as other cultures,” Austin said. “The experience was truly something special, and I was deeply inspired by the attitudes and knowledge that the other students brought to the table.”
Other Red Dragon negotiators included:
Joshua Bates, a senior history major, representing the Czech Republic.
Layla Myers, a junior international studies major, representing Ireland. In recognition of her diplomatic skills in that role she received a conference award.
Fernanda Fernandez, a first-year international studies major, portraying the foreign minister of Ireland.
Professor Scott Moranda of the History Department served as mentor and faculty advisor for the Cortland delegation.
Participating SUNY Cortland students were supported by the International Programs Office, the Office of the Dean of Arts and Sciences from the Myers Family Fund, the President’s Office Haines Fund, and the Clark Center for Global Engagement.
“This trip is such a unique event that allows people to practice connecting with others and working together for a common goal,” Myers said.
“I made friends with people who I would never have met anywhere else, exchanged stories and made memories that will be with me for the rest of my life while continuing to help me in my future field or career.”
Pictured in the photo are members of SUNY Cortland’s delegation at the SUNY Global Conference Center in New York City. From left to right are Asha Younas, Fernanda Fernandez, Joshua Bates, Layla Meyers and Anne Austin.