TOPEKA, Kansas - Nearly 700 students from 53 middle and high schools across Kansas are in Topeka March 8-9, 2010, to participate in Topeka's 46th annual Model United Nations.

The Topeka Model United Nations is a two-day simulation for student delegates to represent their country's point of view on a variety of topical issues. The simulation is designed to foster debate and teach our future leaders to resolve problems diplomatically. The Topeka Model U.N. in Kansas is one of the largest in the Midwest, second only to Chicago.

The opening general session was presented Monday morning by Andy Brownback, former Topeka Model UN delegate.

Travis Lamb, Hayden High School English Department Chairperson, serves as Director of Topeka Model U.N.

Students delegates are assigned to participate in one of five councils: Security Council, World Council, General Assembly, Political Council, and Economic and Social Council. The student proposed resolutions include fair treatment of workers, especially women and children; humanitarian aid, especially around Africa; and combating land degradation for sustainable agriculture, including the rainforest.