The weekend 7 – 9 December 2012 saw Woodhouse College host their first ever Model United Nations. Schools and colleges from across London and England gathered for what they knew would be an exciting conference of fiery debates, tactful negotiations and crates of Krispy-Kreme doughnuts.
The political, disarmament, human rights, economic, and security council committees were packed full of well-researched, well-spoken and well-dressed diplomats, debating issues that are currently concerning the United Nations: Iran’s nuclear ambitions, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the Syrian revolution and the global regulation of financial institutions were some of the disputed matters that characterised the weekend. And the dedicated delegates’ diplomacy paid off: multiple resolutions were passed in every committee, and on Sunday 9 December the General Assembly – after inspirational speeches from Danny Sriskandarajah (Director General of the Royal Commonwealth Society) and Andrew Grice (political editor of the Independent) - was faced with astonishingly detailed and viable resolutions. Countries eagerly debated the issues that concerned them most. All delegates handled the event with a sophisticated knack for international relations, but a special mention must go to Syria, who won the award for overall Best Delegation.
Award winners:
Best Delegation – Dame Alice Owens School representing Syria
Security Council: Best Delegate Silas Scott, Honorary mention - Ian Bright
Economic: Best Delegate Isabel Barnes, Honorary mention- Aida Mugabo
Disarmament: Best Delegate Robert Tomlinson Honorary mention: Gabriel neophytou
Political: Best Delegate Nicholas Ttofis, Honorary mention - Jacob Seamons
Human Rights: Best Delegate Gabriel Neophytou Honorary mention: Biba Kang:
Best position paper: Prince Kwofie and Beatrice Leong
Here are some quotes from our twitter feed:
“Proud to be part of the brilliant security council #woodhousemun”
“Thank you to @woodhousemun for a fantastic three days of debate. This has changed my views on debating and compromise. Thanks guys”
“Just got home great day lobbying my allies and exceptionally fantastic committee session #woodhousemun”
“MUN at Woodhouse was amazing! Couldn’t have been better! Thank you #woodhousemun
More photos at http://www.flickr.com/photos/woodhousecol/sets/72157632294462348/