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by pltm
(PLTM) - Eight students from Cedar International School travelled to New York for the International Model United Nations Association’s flagship conference, the National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN).
According to the school, the conference was held at the Midtown Manhattan Hilton Hotel and at the United Nations Headquarters between 9th and the 14th of March.
Model United Nations is a student simulation of the proceedings of the United Nations, with over 3,000 students from all over the world participating. Each group is assigned a nation to represent in the simulation and the Cedar delegates were assigned the island-nation of Nauru.
Cedar students converged with other participants to debate topics and propose solutions, participate in committee sessions, file motions and vote on them.
According to Cedar School, students not only got to experience a week of rigorous debate and problem solving, they gained a truly global perspective while having the opportunity to meet professionals doing work for international organisations, attend a lecture series featuring politicians and activists, and meet fellow delegates from over 100 countries.
Participating in this year’s conference were Dominique deCastro, Jade Hodge, Elizabeth Morris, Kathlyn Archibald-Drew, Jae Hodge, Jada Adams, Jahnia Harrigan and Aiden Abednego.
Dominique deCastro (Grade 8) commented, ”Going to MUN has opened my eyes to how world leaders solve problems and the importance that small things, like enrichment groups for youth, have on the future of a country’s economy.”
Jahnia Harrigan (Grade 7 ) expressed that it was truly an eye-opening adventure.
"To hear the opinions of persons around the globe – the opinions of our future leaders – concerning world issues. The promotion of international-mindedness, collaboration, negotiation, and cooperation, was a prominent and heavily advertised part of the event and will continue on as something I will never forget," Harrigan said.
“Being in the UN General Assembly building for the opening ceremony was a little bit intimidating but it was very inspiring because I felt like this is what I could do in the future. The speakers were very powerful with their words and I felt touched at the end of the ceremony,” added Aiden Abednego (Grade 7).
Leah Di Vincenzo, one of the teachers accompanying the students said Cedar students represented their assigned country (Nauru) extremely well by expressing themselves in debate and helping to write the winning resolution.
"Our students showed that even a small island can have a large impact on the global stage."
Scott Crawford, Director of Cedar International School said that they are very pleased that students embraced the opportunity to participate in Model United Nations.
"Our school’s vision statement is “Preparing global citizens for tomorrow’s opportunities.” This is a perfect example of how this vision is reflected in the opportunities open to Cedar students."
Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General of the United Nations speaking of the Model UN said, “You will have to represent countries in talks with States that have policies you may not agree with. It will train you to be open-minded and flexible. To analyse all of the positions, even those you oppose."
"To propose constructive solutions that will benefit all parties. Developing these diplomatic skills will help you as you prepare for leadership in the future. Such skills have never been more important.”
The Cedar students were very proud to participate and appreciated all the support they received from Cedar, their families, and the wider BVI community.
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