On 1 December, 21 pupils went to Benenden School in Kent to take part in their 18th annual Model United Nations conference. The Model UN team here at Bede's represented the countries of Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia and India, in various committees ranging from the Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to the Security Council (SC). Joseph was a deputy chair in the Special Political and Decolonisation Committee (SPECPOL) and Noa was a deputy chair in the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC).
At Benenden, we had the opportunity to debate current and essential issues which have been escalating and have immensely affected our world. We constructed debates and arguments on issues ranging from the question of the Preservation of Biodiversity and Endangered Species, to the question of Addressing the Aftermath of the Toppling of the Assad Regime and Syria’s Fragmented Government. It is vital that we, as students, engage with and understand these complex topics due to their extensive impact on those in other countries and also our environment.
Throughout the day we took part in constructive debate and negotiation while debating resolutions. While representing Russia in the Security Council, Boris passed an amendment which struck transparency in arms transfers. Furthermore, as Russia is one of the 5 permanent members of the Security Council, he had veto power, he exercised this over a resolution which aimed to stop proxy groups. Immy, who represented the Czech Republic in the Historic Security Council, proposed many amendments on the subjects of providing healthcare and law courts in Rwanda after the genocide, and also promoted the persecution of specific individuals. Harrison passed his resolution while representing Saudi Arabia in DISEC which promoted the regulation of Private Military Contractors (PMCs) in peacekeeping zones by encouraging member states to oversee these (PMCs).
Nithil made a spirited speech which promoted the resolution which was being debated, after which he responded to a number of Points of Information. Moreover, Mysha, while representing India in the Environment Programme (UNEP), made a speech against an amendment which limited industrial revolution in developing countries.
All these contributions were essential to the committee and shaped the course of each committee by directing and influencing the discussion. The building of alliances, finding common ground in order to work towards a compromise are all important aspects of a Model United Nations debate and are also essential skills to have for future life.
This was a very successful conference for Bede’s as a number of pupils received awards. Anthony received an honourable mention for his work in the Office on Drugs and Crime. Lilian and Emilia both were awarded Commended Delegate, in their efforts in their committee of UNEP while representing Saudi Arabia and Iran respectively. The Best Delegate award went to Immy and to Harrison for their consistent and extremely valued contributions in each of their committees.
On behalf of Bede's Model United Nations, I would like to thank Mr McIntosh and Mrs Webster for their hard work and dedication in organising this opportunity and when preparing us for this conference. Model United Nations is invaluable in giving us essential skills such as debating and negotiation and public speaking.
