International School Suva (ISS) held its sixteenth annual Model UN on the 18th and 19th March, 2024, with seven participating schools. These were Adi Cakobau School, Christian Mission Fellowship College, Jai Narayan College, International School Nadi, Marist Brothers High School, Natabua High School, Saint Joseph’s Secondary School, and Yat Sen Secondary School. All students were assigned to five committees, Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), General Assembly, Security Council, Special Committee on Slavery and Human Trafficking, and UN Commission on Refugees.

A Model UN conference provides the chance for students to develop a range of skills such as communication, research, leadership, and time management. It also provides an opportunity to develop an in-depth knowledge and understanding of a range of global issues.

The student leaders acting as Secretary Generals and Chairpersons exercise leadership skills in the organization of the two day conference, by researching and writing the white papers on the agenda items that will help student delegates with their position papers. They also build the information that is disseminated to the students during the training sessions, and maintain communication with the delegates in their committees to ensure that they have fully understood the global issue.

During the training sessions, student delegates learn the rules, the terminology, and the formal language required. Student’s throughout the conference develop confidence in public speaking by clearly articulating a good understanding of the global issue as it applies to their assigned country. They develop critical thinking in drafting resolutions, applying appropriate language for operative clauses, listening carefully to arguments posed by other countries, and deliver their key points persuasively.

Student delegates are graded for their ability to pose points of inquiry, draft resolutions and amendments while showing a good understanding of the global agenda, their country’s position, while maintaining diplomacy and decorum.

The global ‘Emergency’ in the last session is usually the highlight of the debate as a crisis scenario is presented to challenge students to formulate a resolution to resolve the situation, which often leads to humorous and entertaining debates.

Our leadership team was comprised of Secretary Generals Adara (Y12) and Joshua (Y11); Chairpersons Nicole (Y12) and Aiden (Y11) for General Assembly;  Inaya (Y12) and Almira (Y11) for ECOSOC; Anjali (Y12) and Chuchu (Y11) for Security Council; Faith (Y12) and Jaslyn (Y11) for Special Committee on Slavery and Human Trafficking; and Nathan (Y12) and Amani (Y11) for UN High Commission for Refugees. The student leaders rely on the support and organization of a well led Logistics and Media team led by Kelvin (Y12) assisted by Malia (Y11) and Bulou (Y11) and the Media Team led by Masako (Y12) and Bryannah (Y12). The leadership experience provides an excellent opportunity for students to organize the training sessions and the two day conference, refine communication, negotiation, diplomacy and conflict resolution skills, and collaborate to ensure the sessions maintain the decorum of a United Nations conference.

Nathan (Y12), reflected on his role, ‘Chairing the 2024 UNHCR Council in ISS’s MUN was a great pleasure and honor. I had the opportunity to meet and be in charge of a group of enthusiastic and eagerly internationally-minded students. The MUN experience as a whole was one of great learning, bonding, and joy. Most definitely without a doubt something I would recommend to anybody to try and experience.’ Aiden (Y11), valued his role as Chairperson and stated, ‘chairing the ISS MUN 2024 General Assembly Council was an enriching experience as I gained valuable leadership skills and public speaking skills when facilitating the productive debates among the delegates. The role also provided me with a deeper understanding of global issues and the importance of diplomacy and collaboration.’

ISS was pleased to welcome the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms. Selina Kuruleca, to provide the Closing Address and to present awards to student delegates. Ms. Kuruleca encouraged the students to work collaboratively across multiple platforms, to rally support and uphold principles of integrity, to be inclusive, and to reflect on how their approach will be for the general well being of everyone concerned. Ms. Kuruleca presented certificates and prizes to each committee for Best Delegate award, Commendation award, Best Researcher award, and an Encouragement award.

We, the Individuals & Societies Team, are pleased to have seen another successful Model UN conference and are proud to celebrate the vast array of student learning experiences.

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