This year for SIS students, there has been an abundance of MUN conferences. Last Saturday’s SISMUN conference was once again filled with lively debates and the buzz of delegate interaction. Rather than having different committees, SISMUN decided to set up one General Assembly where all SIS delegates and visiting delegates took part. Saturday’s conference began with the delegates debating and amending on the resolutions that were passed during Friday’s conference for each committee.

In the second session on Saturday, SISMUN introduced a crisis topic: “What would happen if Scotland declared independence?” According to the Secretary General, this was the most interesting debate during Saturday’s conference and there were many countries who came to support Scotland and many who were against. In the end, however, the delegates voted in favour of Scotland becoming a member of the UN and the EU.

SISMUN was an overall success for both SIS and visiting students, and the MUN staff was extremely helpful in organising the entire conference. Along with SISMUN last weekend.  Many of our students are experienced Muners and we have end our MUN reporting for the moment with a recent account from MUN in Athens.

In December, 9 Diploma Programme students, traveled to Athens, Greece to partake in a Model United Nations conference hosted by the Costeas-Geitonas School. The delegations from SIS were diverse in terms of experience – ranging from beginner to those who have attended up to 12 other MUN conferences.

Sarah F, first time MUNer, described her trip as eye opening and exciting. “The CGS MUN conference was my first ever MUN experience. It gave me the opportunity to expand my knowledge regarding the inner workings of the UN in an interesting and diverse environment.”

The theme for the conference was Social Media, as students in each committee worked to understand the role of social media in a modern diplomatic setting, while also trying to use this understanding to create unique and influential resolutions.

While on the trip, the group had opportunities to see the city and experience Greek culture; walking through the side streets of Athens, touring the Acropolis and its museum, and experiencing Greek cuisine. 

“We ended up at one of the quaintest, homiest places I’ve ever eaten.  I watched as the cooks skewered and cooked the meat over a huge fire, right in the restaurant where many Greek families come for a Saturday night meal,” reminisced Adam K.

While on the trip, students were able to interact with kids from all over Europe and the Middle East. The students found it especially interesting work with  others from so many different backgrounds work together to solve a common problem. All in all, the trip was considered a success. While the days were long, it was all made up for through the knowledge gained and people met, the sleep deprivation helping to bring the delegation closer together.  

That is the end of the QQ’s MUN coverage for a while.  Don’t forget to vote on our MUN poll.  A new poll will be up next week.