The ECOSOC committee hit the ground running, forming alliances and writing resolutions to combat youth unemployment. The delegates of Syrian Arab Republic, Spain, Ukraine, Greece, and the United States were busy at work and tensions rose as the member states were confronted with conflict and began to disagree.

At the same time, the delegations representing Sweden, Spain, Greece, UK,  the Syrian Arab Republic, Belgium, the United States, France, and the Russian Federation were forming alliances and merging resolutions in preparation to discuss their respective stances on Brexit. In an effort to calm the tension and excitement in the room the chairs called order. Syria, France, Spain, Sweden, and Russia proceeded to join the speaker’s list following approval from the chairs.

All member states who spoke on behalf of their countries concerning Brexit were in opposition to the ensuing change faced by Europe and the rest of the world. Most notably, the delegations of France and and Greece were highly concerned and frustrated with the UK, assuming that following Brexit, the UK would cease in aiding other European countries to solve the Syrian refugee crisis. The delegate representing Spain also strongly opposed Brexit, but for different reasons. The delegate feared for the many UK pensioners living in Spain, stating that they would not be able to receive health care from the Spanish government following Brexit. Sweden took the most positive stance when faced with the issue of Brexit, claiming that they would maintain political links with the UK, despite the economic depletion that they anticipate as a result of the UK’s exit from the EU. The UK chose to remain silent during this debate, presumably in an attempt to uphold their alliance with the decision to follow through with Brexit.

Thus far, the level of debate is extremely high throughout and we expect to see this same level enthusiasm over the course of this years SISMUN. If these students really are our future political leaders, I can safely say that we are in good hands.