Bali Island School returns from THIMUN-Singapore 2015

14 students have just returned from attending the 10th annual The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) Conference in Singapore. Both  three months of weekly preparation and a successful participation in BALIMUN paid off as our delegates of Panama, Uganda and Amnesty International  reenacted the diplomatic process of the United Nations. Hundreds of students were in attendance from South East Asia and also Sudan, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Switzerland. Unlike at BALIMUN, the first hour is the most stressful, as students are separated into different committees, there are no familiar faces and the fight or flight response kicks in. Our students kept calm and carried on: our future generation of leaders is ready.

I often get asked: “What exactly do students do there?”. It is a simulation of the United Nations. In each committee, within a small group they work on merging a resolution for a given issue (e.g. addressing the impact of ageing populations) in General Assembly, which will then need to be approved to be debated the following morning. Over the next two days the focus of the debate is on amending resolutions. Delegates raise their placards to vote in favour and against the resolution, submitted by the group. For General Assembly committees (GA), the voting is performed on the last day of the conference during the plenary session.

Ambassadors make an opening speech to express the position of their country or organisation. Alex Bang (Panama), Anneleen De Ruiter (Amnesty International) and Kavi Israni (Uganda) did a great job considering there was no less than a full auditorium.

Although the expectations are seriously high and the fear of public speaking is permanent, it is all good fun and we do get a few giggles. It is also an incredible opportunity to develop  21st century skills.

Please join me in congratulating the other delegates for Panama, Uganda and Amnesty International: Adela Aubuchon (Gr.10), Sari Kasim (Gr.10), Kai Koenye (Gr.11), Jack Attwood (Gr.11), Luke Hamilton (Gr.11), Zoe Koenye (Gr.11), Gautam Malhotra (Gr.10), Suel Moris (Gr.10), Pravir Daryanani (Gr.10), Ethan Simmerman (Gr.11) and Alfonso Romero (Gr.11).

A special thanks to Ms. Hamilton and Mr. Simmerman for their valuable help this week, and their partnership in supporting our MUN students.

Mme Sakina Brik