Trinity hosts 2024 Model Organization of American States Conference for first time

Trinity students have strong showing representing South American nation of Suriname

Trinity’s Model OAS team, representing the nation of Suriname, participated in the 2024 Model OAS conference this week, which was hosted right here on Trinity’s campus for the first time.

Kayla Strong, one of Trinity’s OAS delegates said that the conference brings together about 200 students from across the United States for the purpose of participating in a role-playing simulation where students engage in discussions and debates about current South American political issues for the purpose of fostering greater diplomatic understanding. Global Affairs major Sircey Smith, who served as rapporteur, commented that her role was to facilitate respectful and peaceful dialogue among the various delegates.

“We are very excited to have the honor of hosting the Model OAS right here at Trinity for the first time, and we have Political Science professor, Dr. Erin Carriere-Kretschmer, who recently became the President of the Washington Model OAS, to thank for bringing the conference here,” said Dr. Allen Pietrobon, Chair of the Global Affairs Department. “She has done an incredible amount of work to make sure that the entire event runs smoothly.”

The conference typically happens each spring, so for students interested in participating in this experience in the future (and earning academic credit for it,) keep an eye out for the Global Affairs course, GLBL 411: Model OAS in spring 2025.