From the Ebola-plagued villages of Sierra Leone and the heat of the Australian Outback to an air-conditioned classroom, Model U.N., advised by social studies teacher Todd Jones, covers countless global concerns.

“I want students to have fun, build friendships, learn about global issues, and learn how to work with others,” Jones said. “We encourage collaboration, awareness, and empowerment. Anyone is welcome.”

Model U.N. is a club in which students learn about the world and how to solve its problems. Countries from all over the world pick countries to represent in one of the 400 conferences offered in 35 countries.

Fifteen hundred high school students will work together to address global issues of the nations meeting at the U.N. West Linn students will represent Sierra Leone and Australia in a conference this year in Eugene.

More than 400,000 students in middle school, high school and universities worldwide participate today. Many of today’s leaders in law such as U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, former first daughter Chelsea Clinton, and the former World Court Justice M. Schwebel started out in Model U.N.

“I wish I could have done it in high school, but my school didn’t offer it,” Jones said. “I hope anyone interested takes advantage of this great opportunity.”