Cambridge Model United Nations Tackles Real-World Challenges

Cambridge Model United Nations (CamMUN) is an event hosted annually by several Stephen Perse Sixth Form students over a long weekend where delegates come from many other schools and countries to debate matters important to us. Topics ranged from the regulation of cryptocurrencies, to the stable supply of medical supplies to war-torn countries. Delegates were split into ten Committees, such as the Security Council and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

This event also hosted the Historical International Court of Justice (HICJ) where delegates discussed historical events. This year, they debated the Gadaffi trial and the legitimacy of the actions of the US in Libya. Additionally, this year, a brand new committee UNOOSA: the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs. This committee was designed to address the increasing interest and funding into space exploration. Resolutions were passed which investigated the regulatory nature of spaceflight and exploration.

The first day of the conference, Friday 2 February, welcomed delegates and introduced them to their committees. An opening ceremony was held led by our Secretary General, Benjamin A who introduced our conference theme: “Mitigating growing barriers to navigate a fractured diplomatic climate”. Following that, he explained the course of the conference, and introduced our guest speaker: Amb John Beyer, who advises on the European studies course at St Antony’s College Oxford, and served as ambassador to Moldova from 2006 to 2009. He spoke on the importance of history and joining individuals in creating an environment where peace can flourish. We finished with our Head of Logistics, Florence B on what the future holds and our place within it. With that, delegates joined their committees for introductions and icebreakers.

On the Saturday morning, delegates arrived bright and early for a day of intense debate. Committee sessions commenced with delegates proposing their resolutions and others suggesting and voting on amendments. Resolutions ranged from concerns around cybersecurity to facing the China - US trade war.

Crisis committee commenced its sessions on an international disaster cutting off global communications. Sabotage of undersea cables and a badly timed volcanic eruption separated the delegates, limiting their communication to notes sent between them. All the delegates worked together to create solutions in a unified and diplomatic fashion.

On Saturday evening, we held our social event. This year’s social event was held in the Great Hall in St John’s College. Delegates and chairs arrived through the Great Gate to enjoy the views and architecture of the college buildings. Canapés were provided and all the attendees enjoyed conversing with their friends, new and old, before exploring the college grounds and eventually going into the city for dinner.

On the Sunday and the final day, committees moved onto their second topics of discussion. UNODC considered the legalities of recreational drug use while the crisis confronted a discovery in the South China Sea. Committees all moved towards a close by voting on amendments to be passed and enacted and how they would move forward.

The Sunday finished with a closing ceremony, led by our Head of Academics, Bochang L. Chairs were introduced to the stage to briefly cover their topics and give out awards to their best delegates, best first timers and some special mentions. We finished with our Secretary General giving a closing speech and thanking everyone involved.