The Hague International Model United Nations 2009

 This year our school sent 16 excellent students to represent Brazil in the world's largest and most prestigious Model United Nations (MUN) conference in The Hague between 24th January and 1st February.
Working with over 3,000 students coming from all parts of the world, our students debated and presented resolutions on topics such as climate change, globalisation and child welfare, rights of indigenous people, victims of armed conflict, and sustainability for emerging world economies. Many of the students actually succeeded in seeing their resolutions pass from the lobbying stage to a majority vote in a plenary session. They are to be congratulated.
Whether learning about the perspective of a poor African country on the right of all to education or to a Russian delegate's view on the transfer of arms technology , the conference and its very interactive character opened the minds of our students to very tangible global and international perspectives.
Our students also enjoyed the visits to Amsterdam and The Escher Museum as well as the opportunity to experience Dutch life by being lodged for 6 of the 8 nights by the local community. Many friends and happy memories were made. Learning was meaningful, enjoyable and unforgettable. It was very rewarding to be responsible for the week and such an exceptional group of students.

Rob Gallagher, Head of Humanities

Here are some quotes from the students about the week :

"I was happy that I could talk in front of so many people and fight my shyness...."

"I enjoyed meeting people from all over the world and realising that we could work together to come up with good solutions to the world's problems."

"I really liked the great ambience and spirit in the group."

"I felt we were taking a step towards making a difference in the world."

"there was a great balance between serious learning and the fun of all the other events which had been organized."