As spring rolls around the Model UN class at YHS makes the annual trip to a Model UN conference to exercise the global knowledge and debating / public speaking skills that the students have acquired throughout the year in this course.
For the second year in a row the class travelled to to San Francisco for the Berkeley Model United Nations (BMUN) 60th conference.
Upon arriving in San Francisco, the group spent the first day of the trip visiting some of the city’s classic destinations, such as Fisherman’s Wharf and the Ghirardelli Chocolate Factory. After indulging in some sweets, we made our way downtown and went exploring all of the wonderful shopping that the streets had to offer. Many purchases later, the MUN team reunited for a group dinner – very delicious to say the least!
After a great day in the heart of San Francisco it was time to focus on the purpose of the trip, the conference. The following day the team made their way to the University of California, Berkeley, to attend the opening ceremonies, where we were privileged to hear Gillian Sorensen, a Senior Advisor at the United Nations Foundation, with an extensive background in International Relations.
The first committee session of the conference was to follow. The group parted ways to join their committees that evening and commence the experience that the students had been preparing for all year long. The girls took part in a variety of UN committees, such as the World Health Organization, the International Monetary Fund, and even specialized committees such as the International Court of Justice and Press Corps, to name a few.
Over the course of three days the delegates debated global issues affecting countries all across the globe. It was an exhilarating few days and every York House student performed exceptionally well in their respective committees. The BMUN conference was a great success and from the students’ reviews it was well worth all of the effort and preparation that they had put in to it.
On behalf of the YHS Model UN students, we would like to express a huge thank you to Mr. Abt, Madame Marti, and Ms. Lee for their efforts as it would not have been possible to have had this fabulous trip without all of their valiant work. The trip was a memorable experience for everyone and next year’s MUN students look forward to what the 2013 trip will hold!
Kylie W., Grade 12