Debating success for Year 7 pupils at the Model United Nations conference at Bryanston

Six avid debaters from Year 7 joined pupils from 11 different schools from across the south at the Bryanston Model United Nations conference at Bryanston School. Representing the USA, the team had to tackle difficult modern issues faced by countries from around the world.

Joining us to debate these issues, were other pupils representing countries as varied as China, Syria and South Africa. The pupils were split into delegations of two, representing the USA in the three major decision making bodies at the United Nations. The General Assembly investigated issues over access to water and education while the UN Security Council discussed challengers presented by North Korea and the Syrian civil War. Finally, the UN Environment Programme Committee examined concerns over climate change and nuclear energy.

The quality of debate was high, with each school attempting to present the views of their individual countries as accurately as possible. The debates were well structured and good natured, with the pupils demonstrating excellent skills of debating, compromising and justifying as well as the art of diplomacy. After many negotiations, these debates achieved a number of majority decisions on resolutions on the range of topics discussed. Quite an achievement for these pupils, especially given that many of these issues have continued to exercise the finest diplomatic minds for over half a century!

To end an excellent day, our delegation were awarded the ‘best overall delegation’ award in recognition of how each pupil contributed towards each debate in such a positive way. A great day was had by all, with a great deal learnt about this vital global organisation.   

Click here to see the pictures in Flickr