ECP students participate in a Model United Nations

ECP at Model United Nations Conference

Over the weekend, seven ECP students went to the University of New York in Prague to participate in a Model United Nations conference. This was the latest of many MUN conferences ECP students have attended over the years and participation in MUN debates is always a popular extra-curricular activity. Dr David Young oversees the group.

The aim of an MUN conference is to involve students in a simulation of the real United Nations. They take on the role of delegates from various countries. Students are placed on committees where they debate a real-life issue assigned to their committee, taking the actual position of their assigned member country. Before the students attend the conference, they research those positions, write speeches and practise their public speaking skills. The whole exercise helps them to gain a deeper understanding of issues affecting the world and how they are dealt with at an international level. At the end of the conference, a panel evaluates their performances and prizes are awarded.

At the Prague MUN, the Security Council discussed measures aimed at dealing with cyber warfare. The Human Rights Committee discussed the plight of the Rohingya refugees and the Economic and Social Council discussed the issue of post-conflict development.

ECP delegates made a significant impact on the conference, discussing the issues in an informed and generous way. By the end of the conference, we secured Distinguished Delegate awards for Teri Kejvalova (Security Council) and Nikita Dyatlov (Human Rights). The award for the Best Delegate went to Allison Mahmood (Security Council). It was a thoroughly successful experience for all concerned.

For more information about the Model United Nations organisation in Prague see www.praguemun.cz.