MUN Mini Conference by BSB
As we are approaching the end of the winter term, secondary students ranging from Years 10 to 13 enthusiastically took a day away from their regular lessons and participated in a thrilling and thought-inspiring event — The Model United Nations Conference simulation on Wednesday, 10th December, 2014.
Invigilated by BSB’s newly elected Head Boy, Darren Chong, who is also an experienced member of MUN, along with the assistance from Year 11 Student Jenny Hwang, the event was ably facilitated by BSB MUN directors – Ms. Kaye MacIver and Mr. Aidan Jones. This would help prepare for the BEIMUN conference in 2015. All 8 participants demonstrated utmost devotion and passion in Wednesday’s debate.
The conference was carried out with the aim to imitate the real meeting as close as possible, where it started with roll call and merging resolutions. The issues at hand were two of the most profound and imminent controversies in the world today —the outbreak of Ebola in West Africa and the bloom of ISIL as a terrorist organisation. Intense discussions then begun regarding the future of Ebola, with many intriguing points of information raised; feasible amendments to certain clauses submitted; and undoubtedly some extremely mature speeches given.
After a brief lunch break in which pupils continued their debates over meals, another two resolutions were discussed on the suppression and containment of ISIS in northern Iraq, but with new addition of staff members to sit in the meetings – Deputy Head of Secondary Mr. Carlisle and the Principal, Mr. Puttock.
The results of the conference were exceedingly satisfying with two of the resolutions passed, and one which, unfortunately, failed to pass. However, the students very much enjoyed the engaging atmosphere and the fruitful debates. Although some of the amendments and resolutions had come to a disappointing end in the voting procedures, various lessons were learnt and the outcomes were gracefully accepted.
According to the vast majority of MUN conference participants, they believed that this year’s simulation was a much greater success in comparison to last year’s discussion. It is safe to say that most pupils developed a better understanding of the conference system, and also gained more confidence while the conference went on. The directors believed that the students are in an incredibly promising situation in regards to the real conference next March.
To provide some examples of the valid, firm clauses from those resolutions which delegates voted in favour on, the suggestion in the resolution of reporting and monitoring ISIS in UN sanction monitoring team, submitted by Brazil and Sierra Leone could be a realistic solution in the future; while seeking NGO’s help such as WHO, UNHAS on distributing Ebola countermeasures could also be a viable method.
Remarks from the staff members present could be summarised as follows:- the students presented a high-level of sophistication in both their resolution writing and verbal response, as well as the intellectuality revealed in the course of the debates. Additionally, an enormous amount of diligence and courage in students were identified and congratulated on by the staff.
Well-concluded in laughter and encouragements, all of the MUN participants are more than keen to the BEIMUN conference experience in Spring 2015.
Update from: Emily Liu, Year 11 student