- Model United Nations
On Friday 18 October, the Hangzhou International School (HIS) Model United Nations (MUN) delegation landed in Qingdao for our first MUN conference trip of the year, QISSMUN 2024.
Qingdao No. 1 International School welcomed our delegation of 19 students for two days of fruitful debate. MUN students from Grade 7 to Grade 11 were accompanied by Ms Chelsea Wood, Mr Lewis Braithwaite, and Ms Jody Wood for the weekend.
QISSMUN 2024 formally opened on Friday evening with the Opening Ceremony, where the HIS delegation was greeted and welcomed with enthusiasm by the QISSMUN Secretariat. New friendships began forming almost immediately as students shared excitement about the topics and their preparations for the two upcoming days of debate.
Proudly dressed in MUN formal attire, our delegation once again stood out for their team effort to represent HIS well, all dressed in the smart attire we expect of our team at MUN conferences. Our delegates represented their assigned countries in various committee rooms, including:
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General Assembly 1 (student-led beginner training)
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ECOSOC (regular)
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Human Rights Council (regular)
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Security Council (advanced special committee – US Procedure)
Here, staff and students relate their experiences in each committee room:
General Assembly 1
This committee was led by an experienced MUN student, who guided beginners through each step of committee procedures. The committee had a wide variety of grades and confidence levels. Despite this, everyone was eager to learn and put their MUN theory into practice. As an observer, I was impressed by the patience and the feedback our older students provided to all younger students. The experiences and takeaways each student had on this committee were unique to each student. Seeing how this outcome unfolded each day was definitely a memorable MUN moment, which I will always think of as a highlight associated with the QISSMUN 2024 trip.
ECOSOC
“Last weekend at the QISSMUN conference, I had the opportunity as the Delegate of the United Kingdom to participate in the ECOSOC Committee, where we addressed critical global issues. Our committee's discussions were focused on issues like prevention of rising crime rates via the Internet, exploring ways to strengthen cybersecurity and international cooperation, along with measure to enhance technological development assistance to ensure equitable growth across all nations. Although undoubtedly using fancy words to confuse your opposing delegates is a major part of MUN, you can also have fun. In the end, I struck two resolutions as a whole.” Julian K, Grade 8
Human Rights Council (HRC)
“Our committee had some interesting debates, and we all worked together to improve the resolutions. All our delegates had multiple speaking opportunities, which was an area we were all able to grow more confident in each day of the conference. Together we made amendments that significantly improved our overall resolution. Some of the skills we developed were in our quick and decisive responses during a debate and overall improvement of our POI's. We passed resolutions for all 3 topics, 2 of which we expanded further into AI. We also shared a few laughs as we got to know one another and enjoyed some great dance moves by one of our delegates.” Samuel H, Grade 7
Security Council
“I was part of the Security Council committee during QISSMUN 2024. This special committee specifically focused on the USA procedure, which is followed at international conferences. We further engaged in fruitful debates over the course of two days. This allowed me to gain insights on the topics and enhanced my overall knowledge on emerging technologies. I believe that the Security Council at this conference helped our international conference level group prepare and get practice for Yale MUN Korea XII, which takes place at the end of November. Overall, HIS finished off strong at QISSMUN 2024 and won awards in all our committees.” Prisha J, Grade 10
Congratulations to all 19 delegates for a successful conference. Outside of the committee rooms, we enjoyed our metro adventures and ate dinner together. There was much concentration and also a lot of fun had over the 4 days in Qingdao. Special mention of our award winners:
GENERAL ASSEMBLY 1
Best delegate: Franklin L, Derek X
Most improved: Anna Y
ECOSOC
Best delegate: Kaian OH
Outstanding delegate: Julian K, Livia O’H
HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (HRC)
Best delegate: Samuel H
Outstanding delegate: Zeyad E, Henry T
SECURITY COUNCIL
Best Delegate: Preston R
Outstanding delegate: Oliver Z, Tonya L, Prisha J
Overall, QISSMUN was a fantastic first Conference for our talented MUN team. The event increased the anticipation and excitement for our second conference for the year, which is coming to HIS in less than two weeks!
I look forward to seeing what our amazing HIS delegation can achieve at our own West Lake MUN XVIII, held at school from 8-10 November 2024.