Canberra Model United Nations Assembly
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Hastings Secondary College, Port Macquarie Campus would like to thank Tania Powick of the Rotary Club of Kempsey, and the Rotary Club of Port Macquarie for the support and opportunity to send Shawn Wilson and Sam Harris to the Canberra Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) on August 19-21.
MUNA is based on a continuing successful project, originally organised by the Rotary Club of Forbes, NSW, which has now been adopted by Rotary Districts and is enthusiastically supported by the United Nations.
Each participating team is sponsored by a Rotary Club or District.
Teams are made up of two or three year 11 or year 12 students, with each team to represent a nation at a simulated Model United Nations Assembly.
Teams debate topics of international concern such as world peace, environmental issues and human rights over two days.
Before attending, students are expected to familiarise themselves with the nation they represent by studying its history, politics, economics, people, geography, international alignment and real life stance on world affairs.
The boys represented Sweden again, having had practice at the Kempsey MUNA earlier this year, and delivered debate on 18 resolutions.
The boys had their work cut out for them, preparing to deliver their stance on issues such as International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, The Question of Women in Conflict Zones, Nuclear disarmament and the Situation of the Rohingya minority in Myanmar.
Out of 28 competing teams, the boys came a very commendable fifth place, beating other teams from private and public schools across the country.
Another highlight for them was being able to visit ANU and get an insight into university life and what it has to offer.
Both boys are hoping their futures include some form of law or politics so this opportunity provided by Rotary has reinforced their chosen career paths and opened up so many future possibilities, not to mention enhanced their public speaking, communication and debating skills.
We would also like to thank Mr Ian Wilson for traveling with the boys and supporting them as counsel for the event.