VMUN 2017

 

Fifty-seven Yorkies participated in VMUN, one of the largest contingents at the conference this year (second to St. George’s). VMUNVancouver Model United Nations, is the largest high-school-run Model United Nations conference in Canada. A total of 1,200 students from Canada, US, and other countries gathered together for three days (Jan 20-22) at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Vancouver.

The purpose of VMUN is to try to find solutions for international issues by researching causes/solutions, representing a country on a committee, and negotiating a solution which most nations in the committee would be willing to agree to.

Isabelle, Gr. 12, was on the Secretariat this year, which means she helped organize the conference. Two other Yorkies chaired committees, one acted as the official photographer, and the rest were delegates on committees ranging from beginner to advanced, and historical crisis simulations. Two of our students won awards for research and negotiating.

The conference delegates participated in committees, speeches, caucusing, and drafting resolutions. Also, there was a midnight crisis, which is a diplomatic crisis (e.g. act of war), which has to be resolved before delegates can go back to bed! Students were also invited to attend a social/dance on the Saturday evening.

Participants meet students from other schools/countries and within a short time are developing bloc positions, and are wheeling and dealing support for resolutions. Generally, students have a great time, while also learning a great deal about world issues and international relations. They discover they have speaking and negotiating skills they never knew.

Watch the closing video from VMUN, and see the photos below.

YHS at VMUN

YHS at Vancouver Model United Nations

IMG_3877xFrom January 22 – 24th, 26 Yorkies participated in the Vancouver Model United Nations (VMUN), the largest high-school run Model UN conference in North America. Engaging in fruitful debate for an entire weekend, day and night, high school students became delegates of countries, or members of government in various committees ranging from the United Nations Security Council, the House of Commons, to a mock Cabinet of Oceania (from the novel 1984).

In these committees, delegates debated on important issues facing our world today, such as non-power nuclear applications in food security or Greece’s debt crisis. Over 1100 students attended VMUN 2016, and shared ideas on ways to resolve real-world problems. Fostering the next generation’s leaders, VMUN motivated students to voice their opinions and join together to create exceptional resolutions. Watch the videos below to see VMUN in action!

Isabelle, Gr. 11
VMUN Secretariat