French Model UN Conference
On the 25th of July eight VCE French students from our school participated in an exciting French Model United Nations conference. Held entirely in French, the event offered a unique opportunity for us to immerse ourselves in diplomacy and international relations while honing our language skills.
The day began with each delegation giving a 3-minute position statement. This was followed by morning tea, after which the Caucus began. This was where delegations could have a moderated debate, in which their countries opinions an ideas could be voiced.
Following this there was an Unmoderated Caucus. This allowed delegations to walk around and gather support for their amendments. After a one hour break for lunch, several amendments were chosen to be voted on.
Representing Vietnam and Türkiye, we engaged with peers from other schools, simulating the roles of diplomats and policymakers. The Conference's theme, "Climate Action," provided a relevant and urgent context for discussions, allowing students to explore environmental issues and policies on a global scale and gain access to more specific French vocabulary on the topic.
A highlight of the conference was when our team, representing Vietnam, successfully passed an amendment through a majority vote, showcasing our persuasive communication and negotiation skills. This achievement was particularly impressive given the challenging nature of the debates and the necessity of operating in a second language.
The benefits of participating in this event extend beyond diplomacy and global awareness. Engaging in discussions, drafting resolutions, and negotiating amendments, all in French, provided us with an immersive language experience. This practical application of our language skills outside the classroom helped improve fluency, expand vocabulary, and enhance our ability to think and respond quickly in French.
Additionally, this experience encouraged us to articulate our ideas clearly and confidently, fostering public speaking skills in a foreign language.
Overall, the French Model UN was a valuable and enjoyable experience for all participants. It not only enhanced our understanding of global issues and international diplomacy but also provided a platform for us to practice and improve our French language proficiency in a real-world context.
By Lovidu Fernando
French Cultural Liaison Leader 2024
