Our school is a proud member of FOBISIA, a collaborative federation of 96 International Schools. FOBISIA member schools work together to share teaching best-practices and provide students with unique new learning experiences. The FOBISIA MUN was a valuable opportunity for students to learn more about the role of the United Nations, as well as develop skills such as communication and collaboration, at a time when international relations are more important than ever.
What is Model United Nations (MUN)?
MUN is an academic simulation of the real-world United Nations! Students take on the challenge of becoming United Nations delegates, working to find solutions to world issues through intense negotiations and discussions.
MUN introduces students to the principles of the UN and provides an opportunity to deep-dive into the heart of global issues through carefully curated topics. Topics in this year’s FOBISIA MUN were centred around ‘The Future of Asia’.
A Welcome from the British Ambassador to Vietnam
On Friday afternoon, our student delegates gathered in the theatre for the official Opening Ceremony. We were privileged to welcome His Excellency Mr. Iain Frew, His Majesty's British Ambassador to Vietnam, as the keynote speaker.
Mr Frew inspired the delegates by sharing his experiences from the five international postings he has held as a diplomat. Referencing his time representing the UK in both Russia and the EU, Mr Frew reflected on the positive outcomes achieved by diplomacy, as well as those times when a resolution could not be found. Mr Frew described diplomacy as “an art, rather than a science,” emphasising how successful diplomacy creates solutions where the framework for an agreement does not yet exist. He encouraged delegates to demonstrate the key values of good diplomacy during their own MUN debates, including:
- Empathy
- Vision
- Creativity
- Positivity
- Expertise
- BIS Hanoi’s own values of Integrity and Respect
Three Days of Debate and Discussion Begins!
After an introductory session on Friday, the student delegates returned to campus on Saturday morning, ready for the real debating to begin!
The MUN was split into 12 different committees, each made up of delegates from different international schools, which tackled a diverse range of topics.