SCHOOL NEWS

YEAR 9 BEAUMARIS MODEL UN

On Wednesday 13 November, I had the pleasure of accompanying Year 9 studentsAlisa Krivulin, Kiara Naidoo, Lereesha Govender, Keisha Sutaria, Mateo Capurro Martinez, Lia Erlich, Leigh Kontopoulos and Mason Villella to a Model UN hosted by Beaumaris Secondary College.

This Model UN focused on the global issue of Ending Violence Against Women And Girls. Together with about 60 students from five schools, representing 17 countries, students debated clauses of a draft resolution and tried to find a way forward regarding this critical world-wide issue. All students involved immersed themselves with thorough research and preparation of their country’s stance on this issue and by writing a position paper in response to a draft resolution provided before the event. The day was filled with debates, negotiations, and learning as students posed as delegates of China, Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The event kicked off with an inspiring statement from United Nations General Secretary Antonio Guterres, followed by an address of the acting Secretary General of the day, Erika Feller, a former UN diplomat. She emphasized the words of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, who spoke about the humanitarian obligations we all have to protect the well-being of women and girls globally. This message set a serious tone for the day and encouraged all students to reflect on the real-world significance of the discussions.

Students presented their position papers to the General Assembly, participated in both Moderated and Unmoderated Caucus sessions and learned about the formalities required when addressing the Assembly and fellow delegates. After negotiating and putting amendments forward after lunch, students adopted a final resolution. 

Congratulations to all students who put a lot of effort into preparing for this event and their participation on the day. These Model UNs not only encourage students’ public speaking skills and collaboration but also teach how important international collaboration and diplomacy are to achieving meaningful change.

I would like to thank McKinnon Secondary for the opportunity to engage students in these events in the past ten years. As I am leaving at the end of this year, I hope Model UNs will continue to be offered for students in the future. 

Andrea Fowler

Global Citizenship Coordinator