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Posted: Tuesday 17 March 2009

Hutchesons' Pupils at Model United Nations

Hutchesons at Model UN

Sam Denham, Natasha Koppel and Ranald Nisbet, fourth-year pupils, report:

This year Hutchie decided to join over 20 other schools from across the UK at George Watson's Model United Nations. Everyone (including the teachers) was unsure of what to expect, as it was the first time Hutchie had ever done anything like this.  Each school represented a UN country and sent a delegate from their country to a committee (Health, Human Rights, Africa, Security Council, Disarmament, Economic, Environment, Middle East) where they debated issues. There were a few "emergencies" and everyone took part in the general assembly. We were pleasantly surprised about how relaxed and fun it was- as it was pretty much run by the students there were many jokes as well as heated debates, including encasing China in a giant glass pyramid (they had bird flu).  

The committees each contained 40 students representing as many countries that came armed with resolutions to tackle the pressing questions posed by the MUN. Being a model of the United Nations, an obvious number of comparisons can be drawn: from the etiquette presented by all to the roar of the gavel from the chair.      

Lobbying was a first for all subjects and involved persuading your peers to support your proposed answer (an extremely lengthy yet concise one at that) to the question and to sign it in hope of it becoming a prospective resolution. After the mayhem of battling for your resolution came an even bigger challenge where one delegate is put on exhibition before others and forced to defend their resolution through a barrage of probing questions and unconvinced minds - this is the debate. The debate continues from here and witnesses a host of delegates speaking for and against your oh-so valuable resolution and finally is put to a vote along with any amendments that the delegates wish to pass as an alteration.

At the General Assembly, the hall at Watsons was packed to the rafters with delegates from countries throughout the world including Mexico represented by eight Hutchesons' pupils. The assembly was called to order and we all prepared for a serious debate! The issue being discussed was imperialism. After a lot of lobbying the resolutions were submitted and one was accepted. It was then debated upon amended several times and finally passed. It really felt like being at a real conference with real ramifications if our decisions were wrong. Model UN is a steep learning curve but with the right amount of effort it is an excellent experience!

The mere idea of this, I'm sure, puts many a student off, but really it is a wonderful experience; especially for young minds new to the political scene or those still considering career options. Hutchie's first MUN conference will most definitely become note-worthy as we grow into a finely-tuned political machine.

 

 

Tags: International

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