Hazlegrove represent the United Nations for a Day of Debate

Indonesia has raised an objection to the resolution in the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) concerning China’s proposal to allow the continued use of coal power plants for our energy needs. While Germany counters this by offering technical assistance to countries willing to invest in renewable energy. France suggests an alternative proposal, whilst the USA objects to everything.

These issues and many more were debated by our delegation of six intrepid Hazlegrovians during the Bryanston mini-model United Nations Conference at Bryanston School. A mixture of Year 6 and 7 children joined 11 other schools from across the south to tackle a variety of issues faced by countries around the world.

Joining us for this were children representing countries as varied as Jordan, Australia and China. The pupils were split into delegations of two, representing three separate countries on three different decision bodies at the United Nations. UNEP (United Nations Environmental Programme) explored concerns about climate change, sustainability and use of natural resources. UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Council) investigated concerns around terrorism and human rights while UNICEF (United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund) explored the devastating impact of the Syrian Civil War, particularly on children in the Middle East.

Each delegation had to represent the views of their country as accurately as possible, with the quality of debate extremely high. They also had to get to grips with the key skills of research, active listening, negotiation, conflict resolution and technical writing. Consensus was also vitally important, as getting delegates from other countries to support proposed motions would ensure new international laws and regulations! A number of our delegates had their resolutions passed, including how to tackle the effects of climate change.

To cap off a wonderfully exiting day, Freddie won the award for ‘Overall Outstanding Delegate’ due to all his hard work achieving consensus between the 11 countries on the United Nations Environmental Programme. All six of our children had a fantastic time, representing the school brilliantly and leaving with a better understanding of global issues and how the UN works.

“A good leader can engage in a debate frankly and thoroughly, knowing that at the end he and the other side must be closer, and thus emerge stronger.” - Nelson Mandela

Mr Capozzoli

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