Tag: model UN

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.

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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

From January 20th to 22nd, the YHS Model UN class participated in the Vancouver Model United Nations (VMUN) 2012 conference held at the Hyatt Regency downtown.

Each student represented a country on a United Nations committee to discuss global issues. These issues included topics such as: the development of antibiotic resistant bacteria, the problem of child soldiers in armed conflict, and responding to the Arab Spring, to name a few. All committee topics were debated upon by the delegates over the three days of the conference. Not only were these issues debated upon during committee sessions, but resolutions proposed by countries were also presented in an attempt to help solve the important problems at hand.

Despite some inexperience, every YHS student successfully represented their assigned delegations. This conference not only enlightened the Yorkies about world issues, but also provided them with an opportunity to practice and improve their public speaking abilities, utilize their problem-solving skills, and learn the importance of teamwork by working together with with fellow high school students from across North America to solve the issues.

On the first day, the team gathered at the hotel and attended the opening address where everyone was welcomed and VMUN 2012 officially commenced. After the first committee session, delegates gathered to see the keynote speaker, Justin Trudeau, deliver a remarkable and truly inspiring speech.

After three committee sessions and nine hours of debating global issues, even the most experienced of delegates were worn out. Yet, with strong passions to solve the problems at stake, the students pushed through their fatigue to attend Saturday’s early morning and afternoon committee sessions.

After all of their hard work, the students were rewarded with a break from all of the seriousness of global issues. They let off some steam at the delegate social. This year’s social was especially unique as York House School’s very own Azzra M organized the entire event with her role as USG Sponsorship on the VMUN Secretariat. The dance was extremely successful and everyone seemed to have a blast!

However, the fun had to come to an end as “midnight crisis” was to strike. This is where individual breaking news topics are released to the UN committees, and delegates must gather at midnight to debate the new issues. The YHS team did not disappoint. Every student showed up to their respective committees in full business attire and worked tirelessly to help resolve the pressing crises.

On the final day of the conference, the delegates participated in two committee sessions to vote on resolutions and expire the topics, and attended the closing address, which officially concluded the conference.

The Yorkies had only positive feedback to give when the conference came to a close and the YHS Model UN Heads, Julie, Azzra, and I could not have been more proud of every girl who participated. We owe a great deal of our success to Mr. Abt and Mme. Marti who generously gave up their weekends to help organize our team at the conference.

VMUN 2012 was a great experience and I know many of the students are looking forward to next year’s conference!

Kylie W.
Grade 12