MMUN: A New World in New York for the Grade Six Students
Last month, the Grade 6 students ventured to New York to embrace an exceptional, wonderful experience at the Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) conference. This three-day conference provides an opportunity for students from all over the world to discuss global challenges in a positive and constructive environment.
Our MBTS students represented the nations of Montenegro and Macedonia on the topics of Climate Change and Biodiversity in the ECOFIN Environment Committee. Fair Trade and Global Food Security were the focus for the delegates in the Food Agriculture Committee.
Before the conference opening ceremony, the parent chaperones and students rode the subway to the Natural History Museum near Central Park. Unbelievable dinosaur exhibits, interactive games and a spectacular Cosmos show in the Planetarium were some of the highlights.
The opening ceremony took place on Wednesday evening. Flag bearers opened the celebration with a procession in front of over one thousand delegates. Remarks were shared by current UN Ambassadors of Bulgaria and Slovakia, and Ms. Judith Cunningham, founder and organizer of the MMUN conference.
Over the two days of committee sessions, our MBTS students demonstrated amazing skills in communication, collaboration and leadership. Each student prepared for five months, engaging in rigorous research and essay writing. All six students produced knowledgeable and thoughtful position papers, and delivered powerful and persuasive speeches in their committee sessions. Our students were heavily involved in negotiations with other students from around the world. This positive collaboration led to impressive and meaningful draft resolutions for all of the topics discussed.
On Saturday morning, the MBTS students attended the final session at the United Nations General Assembly. Chaperones observed in the galleries as the students took the draft resolutions to a final vote. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for students and chaperones alike. On Saturday afternoon, the MBTS delegation thoroughly enjoyed a well-deserved treat in the form of a Broadway musical, Wicked.
It was a truly memorable trip for everyone who attended. Thank you to the parent chaperones who were positively energetic, engaging and full of enthusiasm and pride for the students. A great deal of laughter and joy were shared, and it was inspiring to see the students have such a multi-faceted, rewarding experience.
Once again, on behalf of the students who attended, we would like to thank the entire MBTS community for your support in the fundraising efforts for this once-in-a-lifetime trip. Thank you for giving our children the chance to explore a brave, new world!