SIM'Université, life-size political and negotiation simulation for Occitanie students

[Press release] - Published on November 14, 2024 in Espace presse, Environmental issues and social responsibility

On November 29 and 30, 2024, the Faculty of Economics at the University of Montpellier will host the ^8th edition of SIM'Université, a life-size role-playing game organized by "les ateliers ludosophiques" and supported by the UM. The event will bring together more than a hundred students from the Occitanie region to simulate debates and negotiations on major political and societal issues.

This year's theme is "Sustainable water management in Europe in a context of climate change", a crucial issue for the future of our planet. Participants will take on the role of MEPs, ministers, lobbyists and journalists, and simulate the workings of European institutions such as the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Discussions will cover economic, social, geostrategic and environmental aspects, offering a global and interdisciplinary vision of water management issues.

Inspired by the Model of United Nations (MUN), this educational program is free and open to all Occitanie students. It aims to introduce students to international relations, public speaking and negotiation techniques, while awakening their critical faculties. Students will have the opportunity to develop communication, analysis and problem-solving skills, essential for their future careers.

SIM'Universités bring together a variety of academic backgrounds, promoting an interdisciplinary approach. A half-day preparatory session on November 29 will enable all participants to acquire the necessary knowledge of the European institutions and the roles to be assumed. This fun, interactive preparatory session is designed to maximize engagement and understanding for both male and female students.

Les ateliers ludosophiques, founded in 2016, invent playful but serious educational devices, such as escape games, philosophical games and role-playing. Their aim is to use games as a powerful tool for understanding today's world and imagining tomorrow's.

The event is supported by Région Occitanie, Université de Montpellier, Université Paul Valéry Montpellier 3 and Université de Toulouse. The opening ceremony will take place at 9:30 am on November 30, followed by a day of debates and negotiations until 5:30 pm. The day will be punctuated by constructive interventions and exchanges, offering an immersive and formative experience.