The Nord Anglia Education Regional Model United Nations at La Côte International School provided students from 10 different NAE schools across Europe and the Middle East with an exciting and welcoming learning environment, as part of a programme specifically designed for ambitious and globally-minded Secondary students in Year 7 to Year 9.
The first NAE Regional Model United Nations at La Côte International School offered younger Secondary students with no previous MUN experience the opportunity to develop key collaborative and communication skills, and feel empowered to make their voices heard and make positive change in the world.
Ninety students delegates from NAE school took part in the event, which started off with a visit the UNOG-The United Nations office at Geneva and a dedicated session with a representative international diplomat from OHCHR (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights).
Back at LCIS, students joined their committes for fun team-building activities, and initial research on their position papers. Students delegates were tasked to debate about education, illness and disability; inequality, poverty, waste and sustainably; disputes over the South China seas and water disputes in Africa; as well as denuclearisation in North Korea and the arms market.
It was amazing to see all attendees making friends so easily and being able to work collaboratively from the word go.
International Programme Director Anne Reitsema and Educational Outreach Officer Lorretta Cuff from Medair Suisse were the keynote speakers at the Opening Ceremony, introducing the student delegates to the structure and mandate of the United Nations; as well as the core humanitarian principles of neutrality, humanity, impartiality and independence.
The 90 student delegates that attended the NAE Junior Model United Nations at La Côte International School gave proof of outstanding collaborative skills in their committee debates: negotiating, submitting amendments and voting on resolutions.
The closing ceremony paid tribute to their hard work and commitment with Honourable Mentions and awards for Best, Most improved and Most Open-minded delegates.
