The Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) is a two-day-event simulating the UN where secondary school students assume the roles of country delegates and lobby with others to reach diplomatic agreements
This article is Day One of MUNA.
Twelve senior students from Macleans College recently attended the Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA), run by the Rotary Club at Auckland Girls’ Grammar School.
Over 300 students from Auckland and Northland participated, representing 100 countries from Asia Pacific, Latin America and the Caribbean, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, and Africa.
Delegates needed to roleplay represent their country’s views in debating two of five remits, which ranged from advancing gender equality (1), addressing the ongoing conflict in Ukraine (2), promoting access to fair justice systems (3), ensuring the availability and sustainability of water resources and sanitation (4), and limiting environmental damage (5). On Friday, Remits 1, 3, and 4 were discussed, while on Saturday, Remits 2 and 5 were contested.
Students from Macleans College represented the following countries and remits:
| Ghana (Security Council*) (4,5) | Denmark (2,5) | Bolivia (1,5) | New Zealand (1,5) |
| Annabelle Harrison Leo Mamedov Amber Ho | Allan Han Shafquat Tabeeb Eric Deng | Wayne Gao Cecilia Ma Clarissa Oblefias | Mabel Zhang Vian Shah Amelia Hu |
The passionate debates and discussions demonstrated the students’ deep understanding of these global challenges and their commitment to finding viable solutions.
Of special mention are New Zealand’s powerful speeches that saw them win the ‘Most Depth of Content’ award at the conclusion of the event.
(from left to right: Vian Shah, Amelia Hu, and Mabel Zhang)
Day One buzzed with riveting speeches, lively note-passing, and thought-provoking amendments to remits, creating a highly memorable experience for all students involved.
(from left to right: Cecilia Ma, Clarissa Oblefias, Wayne Gao)
A special thank you to Mrs Coventry for helping to organise the logistics of this event, and Mrs Layec, Mr Henderson, and Mr Hamilton for giving up their time to supervise the student delegates.
Stay tuned for Day Two!
Rotary Districts 9910 & 9920 Model United Nations 2023, Photographers: James Hook (Rotary) and Mabel Zhang (Macleans College)
June 5th, 2023
Shafquat Tabeeb
