High school students from across Windsor-Essex spent a day as international delegates, debating global issues and negotiating resolutions at a Model UN conference hosted by the University of Windsor team. (TAIBAT IDRIS/ University of Windsor)
By Lindsay Charlton
More than 65 high school students from across Windsor-Essex spent a day as international delegates, debating global issues and negotiating resolutions.
The University of Windsor’s Model United Nations team hosted its annual conference this semester for a day of debate, negotiation and collaboration.
“It was amazing to have a room full of so many people,” said Model UN president and secretary-general Matthew Najem.
“I was very nervous in high school and never would have participated in something like this or had the confidence to speak in front of so many people, debate and share my ideas. That’s why I was so proud of all the participants — I wanted them to know they were here to have fun and have their voices heard.”
Delegates were divided into two committees, Security Council and General Assembly, and given a country to represent along with a pressing issue to address.
The Security Council was charged with responding to the simulated Jan. 3 capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States.
“They received background guides on the Venezuelan case and conducted research before entering the simulation, where they drafted resolutions, delivered speeches and debated,” said UWindsor team VP and deputy SG Taibat Idris, who chaired the event with Najem.
“Even though it was an issue mostly between the UN, U.S. and Venezuela, the United Kingdom delegate was able to bring about a resolution that would most benefit Venezuela with really great ideas to increase humanitarian and military aid — acting like a great ally.”
The University of Windsor Model UN team at the conference hosted for Windsor-Essex high school students at the University of Windsor. (TAIBAT IDRIS/ University of Windsor)
Similarly, the General Assembly drafted and voted on resolutions as they worked through a dispute in Niger involving a claim for damages against French nuclear giant Orano over alleged improper disposal of radioactive waste at a uranium mining site.
“Delegates came up with ideas on what they thought could be done to help, then the students voted and eventually came to common ground on how to fix the issue,” Idris said.
“At the end of the conference, we gave awards to the best delegates who were able to give their speech well and accurately represent their countries.”
As participants of Model UN at the university level, both Idris and Najem commented on how great it was to see younger students getting involved, noting one of the day’s award winners was a Grade 9 student.
“It’s a unique experience you might not get in high school otherwise. You might present in front of your classmates, but here you’re among 67 participants from other schools you’ve likely never met, and you have to present a resolution you came up with in the last 15 minutes and persuade the group,” said Najem.
“So, you’re learning public speaking, persuasive argument, active listening, as well as diplomatic language and professionalism.”
He said the experience quickly helped participants build confidence.
Delegates from Windsor-Essex high schools vote on resolutions at the Model UN conference hosted at The University of Windsor. (TAIBAT IDRIS/ University of Windsor)
“While a lot of them were nervous initially, after the first council, they settled in and we received a lot of good feedback. The students were absolutely having a blast,” Najem said.
Idris, who was involved in Model UN at her high school, said the program can open doors to new interests.
“I feel like a lot of the students come here for the conference and figure out they are really interested in politics or international relations and would like to take it further in their education, especially when they get to the university level,” she added.
The high school conference marked the second time Idris and Najem had taken on hosting duties, building on their experience from the UWill Discover Model UN in the fall.
While they were able to pass that experience on to students, they also learned from the participants.
“It was a great experience,” Idris reflected. “I was able to strengthen my leadership skills, especially as a chair. I learned a lot alongside the students, and I also learned from them,” Idris said. “I feel like we all benefited — executives, chairs and students. It was a lot of fun.”