Building knowledge, understanding and confidence at Model United Nations Conferences

The College’s Model United Nations club have recently had the opportunity to put their skills to the test at two Model United Nation Conferences.  One in Oxford on 15^th November organised by St Clare’s School and the other in London on 19^th & 20^th November at Kings College London.

Both conferences were attended by seven Year 12 students and two Year 13 students, who showed a positive can-do attitude and were activity involved in the discussions.

While in Oxford the students spilt into three groups with each group attending a different committee:

• Historical Committee – How should the international community respond to the outbreak of the Korean War? (June 25, 1950)
• Human Rights Committee – In what ways, if any, should the international community update the 1951 UN Convention on the rights of Refugees?
• Politics Committee – How should the International Community react to the Russo-Ukrainian war?

In London the Students represented various countries on different committees.  They spent two days developing their skills, knowledge, understanding and confidence in debating, negotiation and proposing solutions focussed on the theme of ‘Peace and Sustainability’. There were also speakers  from Kings College London, United Nations, World Bank and Non-Governmental Organisations who gave presentations to the students.

We were delighted that Pongkhun received the ‘most improved’ award as the delegate for China in the UNESCO committee and also Eleonora received a special mention as the delegate for Australia in DISEC.

Emma Smith and Sasha Utami who lead the club mentioned “In just a few days the students attended talks for key representatives in global development, participated in negotiations, presented speeches in delegations, and acted with diplomacy to produce resolutions to some of the world’s biggest problems.

We received comments from teachers at other schools on our students exemplary behaviour and feedback from the leaders of these events on their participation and contributions, certificates and special mentions, and we have witnessed for ourselves the boost in their confidence.”

Upon speaking with the students:

Abril said “I enjoyed meeting new people in a different environment where you need to come to put forth an agenda, come to compromises and finally a resolution. It forced me to leave my comfort zone and become more argumentative, confident and assertive.”

Pongkhun commented that he really enjoyed being a participant in the events and advancing an interest of a country and Zahra enjoyed socialising with other groups of people and having the opportunity to debate in an internationally recognised forum.

Well done to all the students who participated and we look forward to hearing about your participation and future events.