Model UN Conference

I am proud to report on our students’ outstanding participation in the United Nations Association of Australia (Victoria) (UNAAV) Model United Nations, hosted by St. Joseph’s College. We fielded two teams of eager diplomats; a Year 10 team of four, representing Sierra Leone, and a Year 11 team of three, representing Germany. Stepping into the shoes of UN Delegates, our students represented their allocated nations - listening carefully, negotiating respectfully and advocating passionately for Pathways to Peace, the topic of the conference.

Over the day, our delegates experienced a faithful simulation of the UN General Assembly, moderated by Ian Howie, who is President of the UNAAV after serving an illustrious career across 4 continents and over 10 countries as a UN Official. They opened with formal Position Statements, engaged in lively caucus discussions (both moderated by Professor Howie and unmoderated, allowing students to grapple with the issues more informally) drafted amendments to a Draft Resolution, and concluded by voting on the final resolution on Pathways to Peace.

Our Year 10 team, representing Sierra Leone, gave an impassioned Position Statement exploring the impacts of civil strife and the devastating impact on the region which has left Sierra Leone with over half of their population under the age of 25. Representing Germany, our Year 11 delegates contributed perspectives on disarmament, responsible arms regulation, and coordinated humanitarian responses.

Participating in the event, there were 15 esteemed private schools from the Geelong, Ballarat, Werribee and Melbourne regions; St. Joseph’s College Geelong, Kardinia International College, Simonds Catholic College, Geelong Grammar School, St. Patrick’s College, Genazzano FCJ College, Geelong College, Damascus, Iona, Sacre Couer, Mackillop, Geelong Lutheran College, Clonard College and Saint Ignatius College Geelong, representing 32 different nations from around the world.

Throughout the day, our students built real-world skills that will benefit them beyond the conference; research, critical thinking, persuasive writing & speaking, coalition building and ethical decision making. Teachers and peers throughout the day praised our students’ preparation, collaboration and the maturity with which they balanced national interests and global responsibilities.

We extend our thanks to St. Joseph’s College for hosting, UNAAV & Ian Howie for their expert facilitation, and all staff and students involved in the event. Most of all, congratulations to our delegates who represented Saint Ignatius College with integrity, passion and confidence.

Tyran Dillon|VCE Politics