Student diplomats simulate the United Nations
Posted on June 16, 2023
Twelve senior students from Macleans College recently attended the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA), run by the Rotary Club at Auckland Girls’ Grammar School.
MUNA is a two-day-event simulating the United Nations where secondary school students assume the roles of country delegates and lobby with others to reach diplomatic agreements.
Over 300 students from Auckland and Northland participated, representing 100 countries from Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Africa.
Students from Macleans College represented Ghana, Denmark, Bolivia and New Zealand. Delegates represented their country’s views in debating two of five remits, which ranged from advancing gender equality, addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, promoting access to fair justice systems, ensuring the availability and sustainability of water resources and sanitation, and limiting environmental damage.
Day one buzzed with riveting speeches, lively note-passing, and thought-provoking amendments to remits, creating a highly memorable experience for all students involved.
Day two consisted of regional discussions and a final impromptu debate which proved to be an exciting opportunity for a realistic simulation and critical analysis of how countries in the United Nations negotiate and interact with one another in the present day political climate.
Guest speaker the Hon Aupito William Sio, the Elected Member of Parliament for Māngere addressed the students. He described his life in politics, and shared valuable wisdom with all delegates.
Annabelle Harrison, delegate of Ghana, delivered a speech regarding veto powers of the Security Council, and whether they should be disbanded in favour of giving minority countries a voice. For this, Annabelle won the Best Contribution to Security Council award.
The passionate debates and discussions demonstrated the students’ deep understanding of these global challenges and their commitment to finding viable solutions. Of special mention were New Zealand’s powerful speeches that saw them win the Most Depth of Content award at the conclusion of the event.
A special thank you to Mrs Coventry for helping to organise the logistics of this event, and Mrs Layec, Mr Henderson, and Mr Hamilton for giving up their time to supervise the student delegates.
Rotary Districts 9910 and 9920 Model United Nations 2023, photographers: James Hook (Rotary) and Mabel Zhang (Macleans College).
