Model United Nations (also Model UN or MUN) is an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy, the United Nations agenda and about the United Nations as a whole. The participants role-play as diplomats representing a nation or NGO in a simulated session of an organ (committee) of the United Nations. Participants research a country, take on roles as diplomats, investigate international issues, debate, deliberate, consult, and then develop solutions to world problems. During a conference, participants must employ a variety of communication and critical thinking skills in order to represent the policies of their country. These skills include public speaking, group communication, research, policy analysis, active listening etc. A position paper is an essay that is written by participants of some models. It describes the detailed position of a certain country on a topic or issue that the writer will debate in his or her committee. Harvard National Model United Nations is the world's oldest continuous College Model UN conference, founded in 1955. Model United Nations is supported by many organizations, private groups, non-governmental organizations, inter-governmental organizations and national governments.