What does it take to find common ground between nations with competing priorities?
On Monday 7 September, a group of Years 9 to 11 students put their diplomacy skills to the test at the Model United Nations (MUN) conference.
After weeks of preparation, students stepped into the role of international delegates, representing countries from around the world as they tackled complex global issues relating to peace, security and international cooperation. Having successfully applied for the program, each student spent time researching their allocated nation, developing policy positions and preparing for the negotiations ahead.
Throughout the day, students joined peers from a range of schools in a series of formal debates and negotiations, working collaboratively to propose amendments, respond to competing viewpoints and build consensus on resolutions.
For Oscar (Year 10), who represented the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the experience provided a unique insight into the complexities of international diplomacy.
“Model UN was an absolutely amazing experience! As a delegate for the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, I found every aspect of the experience amazing. Sometimes during decision-making, you had to go against your own beliefs on behalf of the member state you were representing. To me, this experience was invaluable. I got to understand how difficult it can be for world representatives to agree, sometimes even disagreeing entirely on an amendment, while also learning about the important decisions made by the UN and how they are made. I met new people from other schools, exchanged jokes and stories, and represented TKS to the best of my ability. I especially recommend this experience to anyone who loves new experiences, working in teams, and has an interest in politics!”
Aleeza (Year 10) represented Denmark and reflected on both the challenges and memorable moments of the day.
“Model UN was definitely an experience I will not forget. My team and I represented Denmark, which meant I got to argue about international issues while pretending I was a very important diplomat. The debates got pretty chaotic, with people passionately arguing about their rights, interests and, somehow, whether climate change even exists. One of the funniest moments was when America confidently claimed that climate change was not real, which definitely made things interesting. Even though there was a lot of arguing and dramatic speeches, I actually learned a lot about diplomacy, public speaking and how difficult it can be to get countries to agree on anything. Overall, Model UN was hilarious and surprisingly educational, and I would definitely do it again.”
While public speaking played a significant role, the experience extended far beyond delivering speeches. Students were challenged to think critically, listen carefully, negotiate respectfully and adapt their arguments in response to new ideas and perspectives.
Model United Nations provides a unique opportunity for students to engage with current affairs in an authentic and meaningful way. By stepping into the shoes of global leaders, students develop a deeper understanding of international issues while strengthening their communication, leadership and problem-solving skills.
The extra-curricular program continues to be a valuable extension of Humanities learning at The Knox School, encouraging students to become informed global citizens who are confident in contributing to important conversations about the world around them.
