RGS Worcester Launches First Model United Nations Conference
Last Saturday, we were delighted to welcome 250 pupils from schools across the area to participate in RGS Worcester’s inaugural Model United Nations (MUN) Conference. Through MUN, young people have the opportunity to learn about the work of the United Nations, international relations and diplomacy by taking on the roles of delegates and simulating United Nations meetings. Those involved develop skills such as public speaking, negotiation, teamwork and critical thinking as they research their assigned country’s positions and debate solutions to global issues.
The day began with an Opening Ceremony in Perrins Hall, where Co-Secretary Generals Isabelle Jones and Joe Kington opened proceedings and introduced the guest speaker. Via a live video link, Nicholas Hercules spoke to the pupils from South Sudan, where he serves as the Senior Liaison Officer at the UN. In his inspiring speech, Mr Hercules reflected on his experiences of working for the UN for over twenty years, demonstrating to the delegates that the debates and resolutions which take place in UN meetings have a genuine real-world impact.
Following this, delegates dispersed across seven Committees where they spent the morning debating a wide range of issues, including the transition to a ‘cashless’ society, the repatriation of art, human organ trafficking and drone warfare. Lower School RGS pupils did a fantastic job of passing notes between committees as delegations communicated with one another and built alliances. It was a pleasure to welcome several guest chairs from the other schools, as well as see RGS pupils take on these important roles.
After lunch, all delegations returned to Perrins Hall to debate in the General Assembly. They were confronted with a crisis scenario involving a global cyberattack. There was a real buzz in the room as delegates formed alliances and considered solutions. Alongside the formal debate, delegations had the opportunity to engage in covert operations against other member states.
Best Delegate Awards were won by delegates from KES Birmingham and Cheltenham Ladies’ College, who also won awards for Best Delegation in the General Assembly alongside a delegation from Bromsgrove School. Overall, Best Delegation was won by Somalia, represented by KES Birmingham.
The conference was a significant undertaking and particular recognition must go to Joe and Isabelle for their organisation and leadership. We also thank all the Chairs, both from RGS and other schools and the staff who helped with organisation and on the day, including the Catering, Estates and Maintenance teams. Finally, particular thanks are due to Mr Breffit for the huge amount of time and effort he put into making this conference happen!
Mrs Soman, Teacher of Philosophy & Religion and Head of PSHCE
