The second annual Model United Nations which was held at the Wellington International School (WISMUN), a GEMS Education school, came to a successful close yesterday.
Students from seven schools, including five GEMS Education high schools as well as Jumeirah English Speaking School, Dubai and The Ivy Bridge College, UK, participated in the event. Each school had six students represent three ‘nations’ of the world.
WISMUN emulated how the United Nations functions by staging identical committees. This year, the focus of the conference was on one aspect of the United Nations – Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) – and addressed two issues of critical relevance to the world: The Federally Administered Tribal Areas between Pakistan and Afghanistan; and Iran’s Nuclear Weapons Programme.
Mrs. Mel Curtis, Chief Executive Officer and Principal, Wellington International School Dubai, said the second session of WISMUN follows the extremely successful and well-attended premier event last year. “WISMUN is an initiative that enhances the commitment of GEMS Wellington International School, in providing students with tangible opportunities to grow as global citizens. WISMUN is aimed at offering a rich learning experience for students outside their formal curriculum and encourages their active participation in global issues. The conference enabled participants to play an active role in the global debate to promote peace and socio-economic welfare.”
Participating students from the seven schools represented Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, South Korea, China, U.A.E, Germany, Iran, the USA, Italy, France, Syria, South Africa, the U.K., Turkey, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Australia, Japan, Russia and Iraq.
Delegates took part in 12 hours of committee time, which allowed them to focus on resolutions on the two issues being addressed - The Federally Administered Tribal Areas between Pakistan and Afghanistan; and Iran’s Nuclear Weapons Programme. Students were also involved in lobbying other delegations and creating draft resolutions.
Study guides supported the students’ efforts to gain a critical understanding of the issues being discussed. All ‘delegates’ were provided with individual feedback on their
performance and a custom-made certificate was added to their portfolio. A gala dinner concluded the session.
“There were no winners or losers in this event, which made WISMUN a truly constructive and educational experience for all involved,” added Curtis.
