On Friday the 20th of October 2006, the ACS Model United Nations delegates set off for the Royal Russell School International Model United Nations conference in Croydon, Surrey. Representing the United Kingdom were Rafael Blanco-Bush (who was also the U.K. Ambassador), Paris McGhee, Yvette Dimiri, Yvonne Dimiri, Charlotte Cosgrave, and Melissa House. Representing the Netherlands were Manon Oliver (Ambassador), Kristian Clausen, Roger Knoops, and Halvor Heggenes. By attending this three-day conference, each of the students was given the opportunity to participate in a simulation of the United Nations. The days were composed of discussing current world issues in various committees, drafting resolutions, and meeting in the General Assembly to debate these resolutions and their potential effectiveness in improving today’s global society.  

As in the United Nations, there were five countries that had the power to veto resolutions, and ACS was lucky enough to represent one of those countries – the United Kingdom. With the power to veto comes much respect, so the views of the U.K. were well regarded at all the committee meetings. In the General Assembly (GA) especially, whenever the U.K. had something to contribute, it was always acknowledged by the chair. To most people, the GA was the most exciting part of MUN because of the permitted “note passing”.  Although note passing is intended mainly for serious discussions between nations sitting far apart, students were willing to admit that the notes were used for various and sundry “other things” as well!

One of the most memorable parts of the entire conference was the church service commemorating UN day. The guest speaker Nicolas Baines, Bishop of Croydon, addressed the students with an inspiring speech. He talked about the importance of diversity amongst people, saying, “The thing is, people go around talking about how we are all the same, but the truth is that we aren’t, and unless you can learn to identify difference with integrity, you cannot even begin to identify commonality.” He also expressed his thoughts on what the job of a leader is, stating, “The job of a leader is to put themselves in the middle where the tension is and to hold together the community and the world.”

The beauty of MUN is that it not only teaches and nurtures skills that might come in handy in later life, such as debating, negotiating, and presenting, but it also provides the opportunity to meet the participating students that are destined to be the leaders of tomorrow.