Over 400 students from across Auckland schools attended the Model United Nations Forum hosted by Rosmini College
Last Friday and Saturday over 400 students from across Auckland schools attended the Rotary Model United Nations Forum hosted by Rosmini College, known as MUNA.
MUNA gives Year 12 and 13 students an opportunity to participate as ambassadors from UN member states in debating remits such as Refugee quotas, UN sanctions for severe Human Rights breaches, and a global moratorium on deep-sea mining in international waters. Rosmini students were allocated Russia and Nicaragua this year which allowed for interesting and rigorous exchanges.
This UN Council assembly simulation saw extraordinary displays of intellectual conversation, diplomatic debate, problem solving and connecting of inspired and inspiring students across the Auckland region.
The Secretary General was Shanan Halbert MP who expressed in his opening address “Today you are not just pretending to be diplomats, you are practising the skills the world desperately needs more of; listening, debating respectfully, building consensus, and finding common ground even when people disagree. My message to you is simple: be bold in your ideas, grounded in your values, and fearless in standing up for others, because the world does not just need future leaders someday, it needs your leadership today”
Rosmini College, as the hosts, had opportunity for more than the delegates to participate, we had a team of 12 volunteer students who gave their time to ensure diplomacy and debate was robust by delivering messages between the Secretary General, and across delegates covering the many nations represented in the UN council.
Congratulations to the delegates Luka Overweel, Jett Hart, Peter Duong, Ian Lim, Justin Tremonte and Caleb Pereria.
And without the effort and time from these young men, the event could not have been a success; Boyd Archibald, Hugo Brieba O’Loughlin, Quillan Drum, Joshua Fernandez, Emmanuel Fong, Tourenz Mangiri, Roman Metcalfe-Jamieson, Ryan Percy, Nic Street, Mharcus Victorio and Henry Kilgallon.
Rotary Auckland are very proud to offer this event and of the continued association with Rosmini College.
Alexandra Wilton
