Students partake in UNIS Model United Nations

By Claire Butler-Walker
SECONDARY TEACHER

The Vientiane International School Model United Nations team were honoured to be invited to the 5^th Annual United Nations International School, Hanoi Invitational Model United Nations. VIS took a team of twelve students to the event; the team consisted of a mix of experienced MUNers and newbies. The theme for this year’s conference was the ‘rapprochement of cultures’ and the delegates engaged with themes and issues that connected to this. The team represented three countries, Laos, United States of America and Ukraine. We were very
lucky to be awarded a place on the Security Council as the delegateof the USA, as this is a prestigious post for any MUN.

All of the delegates gained new skills and confidence, with many delegates submitting and passing resolutions. There was lively and fruitful debate and on day three, all delegates were extremely sad that the event was drawing to a close. All of the delegates made new friends and are excited about their next opportunity with MUN.

As coach of the team, I am very proud of the delegates’ confidence and willingness to participate that I encountered when visiting all of the assemblies. The opening speeches and speeches during the assemblies were eloquent and thought provoking. The passion that many of the delegates displayed during the conference was inspiring, especially to see the confidence with which the passion was communicated. A special mention must go to Terry Kwag and Aseem Kumar, both newbies, who spoke at the Plenary Session. These two gentlemen gave impromptu speeches in front of an assembly of over 200 delegates, and Aseem spoke several times in this forum.

A special thank you to Mr Lucas Clarkson for volunteering his time to help the delegates before and during the event, especially providing insight to the delegates of the USA. Also, thank you to the parents and families who hosted our team while we were away and the families of the delegates in supporting their children in this experience. A very special mention to Arnold Adji - This conference was Arnold’s last as a member of VIS, he has been a committed and passionate person whose confidence in unfamiliar situations has remained unshaken. To Arnold, from the MUN team and coaches both past and present, we hope that you will continue with MUN at University and that you continue to pass resolutions that make a difference and speak up against issues that are troubling the world.

 To the honourable delegates, thank you for your contribution to another successful and exciting MUN. You should all should be extremely pleased with yourselves. I would certainly vote for all of you as best-dressed and most passionate delegates!

 Picture (Right): Arnold gives his opening speech