This year, a group of students travelled to New York together with Mr. McCormick, Ms. Rader and Ms. Guyo to attend the Global Citizens International Model United Nations (GCIMUN) conference. GCIMUN is a conference where students from all around the world meet to debate global issues. The purpose of it is to learn the procedures of the United Nations and practice diplomatic negotiations. In addition, it develops future world leaders. Similar conferences have been organised in Stockholm and have served as practice for GCIMUN.

During this term, students of SIS have written opening speeches, worked on position papers and held miniature conferences in preparation for GCIMUN. Before attending a conference, students are assigned countries and committees. They prepare opening speeches, which present the standpoint of their assigned country. This is followed by moderated and unmoderated caucuses (formal and informal debates) between delegations. Finally, countries with similar stands form resolutions, which aim to reach an agreement regarding solutions to the problem. GCIMUN had a similar structure.

The conference lasted for three days where the first day included a presentation of the procedures. On the second day students were separated into committees and began debating the issues. Each day had a packed schedule with a one-hour lunch break. I represented Uruguay in the World Health Organisation where we discussed ensuring health coverage for all. A suggestion that I had was to implement a capitation system in countries with similar economic status as that of Uruguay. Even though I had many reasonable ideas, it was hard to get onto the sponsor’s list as Uruguay is a small country.

The final day of the conference was spent in the United Nations General Assembly Headquarters where students were given the opportunity of listening to representatives from the United Nations. It was fascinating sitting in a room where world leaders make decisions which impact our everyday lives. GCIMUN is a great opportunity to gain insight into how work in an international organisation is conducted. I look forward to attending another conference next year!