Hamza Shad ’13
On Thursday March 11, the seventh annual Model United Nations Day took place at Mountain Lakes High School, with all freshmen students involved. For several weeks prior to the event, students worked with other members of their assigned delegations to write position papers and resolutions. Every person had a specific topic to research, including poverty; water, climate and food; refugees; family; health; child soldiering; education; and human trafficking. The entire class voted for the top seven resolutions, which would be presented on the day of the event. Out of the twenty-two countries’ resolutions, the seven resolutions that were chosen were from Afghanistan, Colombia, Egypt, the Maldives, the Philippines, Sweden, and the U.S.A. The remaining fifteen delegations each presented a speech either for or against a specific resolution.
Interestingly, the actual Model UN day was run entirely by freshmen, specifically a group of ten students who were on the Dais Committee. After they gave a brief introduction, the resolutions were presented, as well as the pro and con speeches. In between resolutions, delegations were allowed to come up to the mike and ask the presenting delegation questions. This was perhaps the most interesting aspect of the day, with heated debates, rebuttals, and arguments. Next, the delegations broke up and formed groups with people from other delegations, all of whom researched the same topic. In these sessions, each group was to debate and create a new resolution.
Many of the students worked hard during this time, and afterwards, all of the new resolutions were combined and projected onto a screen for everyone to see. There were brief questions, but mainly the delegations voted whether or not to pass each resolution. Surprisingly, only two of the eight resolutions were passed; it seemed as though many countries did not vote how they actually would in the General Assembly.
Now, overall, was Model United Nations Day a positive experience for the students? Jen Lam, a delegate representing Egypt, believes “It was a fun experience, and entertaining at some parts! Although it was quite tiring.” Generally speaking, it was an important event for young adults to experience. In today’s globalized and modern world where everything happens so fast, it is very important for everyone, including teenagers and children, to be aware of what occurs on a daily basis. World events affect every person on the planet, directly or indirectly. Young adults should stay updated so they can develop viewpoints and contribute to society.
Photos courtesy of J. Price