King’s students depart for Harvard to participate in Model UN
On February 16, 2012, 11 King’s students from across the campus will be departing for Cambridge, Massachusetts to participate in the 58th Harvard Model UN. Members of the team will represent the Republic of Congo while others will represent Croatia.
The Harvard Model UN which runs from the 16th- 19th, is one of the biggest, most prestigious and competitive Model UN experiences in the world. It attracts approximately 3000 participants from over 35 countries. Participants will have the opportunity to negotiate critical international issues alongside undergraduate students from around the world.
The students will not only increase their knowledge of international affairs and enhance their capacity for teamwork but will also hone their research, writing, public speaking, critical thinking, problem solving, consensus building, and conflict resolution skills.
“This outstanding team represents the most gifted, dedicated and motivated students at King’s University College at Western University,” notes Erin Hannah a faculty advisor who helped organize the group. “The hard work and long hours they have put into preparing for the Harvard Model United Nations is astounding and I could not be more proud of their efforts. I hope they enjoy every second of this once in a lifetime opportunity!”
The students have conducted extensive background research and preparation for this event. Along with meeting weekly to practice the Model UN format and rules, they have developed scenarios and mock debates and hosted an in-house Model UN for King’s students.
Students are already realizing the benefits of this UN experience. A permanent Model UN presence at King’s has been created through the establishment of the King’s University College Debating Society. In addition to participating in annual MUN events such as Harvard and McGill, members will also participate in formal debates, public lectures, and socials. The King’s Debating Society and the Western Model UN club have partnered to help plan and organize the King’s Model UN, a special annual event for highschool students taking place in May 2012.
