Model United Nations at Bristol Grammar School

Six pupils enjoyed a day of committee debates and a General Assembly while representing Canada at Bristol Grammar School’s Model United Nations conference. 16 other schools were involved, with 49 countries represented.

Our Ambassador, James Barker (L6c), was on the first Human Rights Committee, in which he debated the issues of internet shutdowns and vulnerable migrants. On the latter, he raised a point of information discussing the logistics of Canada accepting Syrian refugees. Meanwhile, on the second Human Rights Committee, Jordan Zhuo (4e) investigated the issues of Human Trafficking and Industry Automation. In particular, he looked at the economic benefits of A.I. in industry, as well as its ability to improve the lives of workers by replacing dangerous jobs.

David Chen (4e) gave a speech to the Political Committee on the issue of Mexico’s ‘War on Drugs’. Seiko Yonemata (5m) was asked to represent the USA in a last-minute change. He spoke to the Disarmament and Security Committee in support of the USA’s military presence in Guam and enjoyed lively interactions with the delegate from North Korea.

Aneurin Denham (4e) and Simeon Davchev (L6e) sat on the Committee for Science and the Environment. Aneurin debated the merits of potato starch as an alternative to plastic. Simeon focused on the issue of deforestation, and received a Certificate of Commendation for his contribution to this committee. In the afternoon’s General Assembly, an unfolding emergency situation in the Middle East was presented and delegations had to come up with immediate resolutions and lobby for support. After some fervent lobbying, Simeon was invited to speak. He called for de-escalation of the conflict and spoke against the arms trade.

This was the first MUN conference for most of our delegates. They were impressed with the level of debate and the knowledge of many of the participants. They commented on the differences to regular debating, with MUN requiring a greater degree of flexibility, collaboration and procedural technique.

Claire Greenrod, Teacher of English