Model United Nations is a simulation program for college students in which they participate in model  sessions of the United Nations in an effort to advance their understanding of the principles and means by which international relations may be maintained. The program helps students develop a greater understanding of the nations of the world, the relations between them, their policies, and the nature of their work in the United Nations.

The first session of the Model United Nations of the Far West was held at Stanford University in 1951. Three hundred and fifty students from three western states gathered to debate issues. From this small beginning, the organization has grown continuously.

Although it is not the largest nor the oldest MUN organization, MUNFW is well known for its autonomy, the high quality of its delegates' participation and the authenticity of its sessions.

Membership in MUNFW

Representation in MUNFW Membership is by school, with the faculty advisor or the student advisor representing the school. The committee's primary responsibility is the academic quality of the conference and the Rules of Procedure. The Membership Committee is composed of one representative from each Member School.

Meetings of the Membership Committee are held during each Session of the MUNFW.  Decisions of the Membership Committee are made by a majority of the members present and voting unless otherwise stated in MUNFW, Inc. Bylaws.

Board of Directors

The Board of Directors is the primary governing body of the MUNFW. It sets the basic organizational and administrative policy for the ongoing operations of the organization and deals with long term planning.. It also acts on behalf of the Membership Committee between annual sessions.

It is composed of 19 members with representation from academic faculty, students and community members. The Executive Director, an ex-officio board member, is the chief administrative officer for day-to-day operations and oversight of the annual conference.

 Secretariat

The Secretariat for each Annual Session is chosen by the Membership two years prior to that session. The Secretariat provides information and organization for the other schools and chairs the annual four  day conference. While the Secretariat has historically been composed of a student group from one school, most recent Secretariats have been a consortium of schools working together

For schools interested in participating in the Secretariat, either as a lead school or as a consortium member, contact the MUNFW.