By Kathryn Burns

In June, the Secondary School held its inaugural Model United Nations Competition. This event provided 24 students the opportunity to pose as national delegates in a simulated session of the UN Security Council. In teams of two, students represented Algeria, China, Denmark, France, Greece, Guyana, Panama, Russia, Sierra Leone, Somalia, the United Kingdom and the United States of America.

Students spent the fortnight ahead of the competition researching the background, needs and interests of their allocated country. Using this information, they stepped into the shoes of an international diplomat, negotiating with their counterparts on the world’s stage, advocating for solutions to transnational concerns while being mindful of their country’s specific national interests. Students debated two mock resolutions – one on the issue of child soldiers, and the other on conscription. They scrutinised the language of clauses, proposed amendments and persuaded each other, forming alliances to promote a common cause.

The event allowed students to sharpen their skills in the arts of persuasion and public speaking, but perhaps more importantly, to practise communicating disagreement with respect. The event highlighted how promoting world peace involves acknowledging the existence of different values, while holding fast to one’s own.

The teams for France and Panama were judged dual ‘winners’ of the event, with honourable mentions also going to the delegates for Algeria and Somalia. Teams were judged on their overall ‘effectiveness’ in representing their country’s interests through their advocacy, negotiation and depth of understanding about the issues at stake.