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The Model United Nations (UN) was founded in 1954 to serve two purposes. First, the Model UN gives students the opportunity to learn more about world problems and, in particular, to see the different viewpoints and positions that are at work in the United Nations. Second, it provides students experience in organization, leadership, and debate as well as bringing together college and high school students to work as a team.

In its inaugural year, 11 high schools in the local Erie area participated in the event. Since then, the conference has grown to include over 700 students from 60 high schools in the tri-state area and Canada. Nearly thirty thousand high school students have participated as delegates over the years. Approximately 30 Gannon students take part in the event each year, serving as moderators.

Issues discussed in the most recent Model UN include:

• Controlling the spread of HIV/AIDS in Africa and other Third World Countries
• Insuring Protection of International Environmental Resources (i.e. air, water, energy, endangered species, etc.)
• Protecting the Status of Women and Children in Hostile Environments of War and Conflict
• International Control of Weapons of Mass Destruction
• Establishing the Roles of Free Trade in Developing the Global Economy

Each year the Gannon Secretariat distinguishes three delegations for outstanding participation. Awards to delegates are based upon their knowledge of and insight into world issues during committee meetings, as well as the skills they displayed in debating these issues. Up to 12 members of the delegation who are named "outstanding" at the closing session of the General Assembly will each be granted a one year $1,500 scholarship, contingent on their meeting the Gannon admissions requirements. Additional individual scholarships are also rewarded, one valued as high as $12,000.