CATS Cambridge is excited to be hosting the CIFE* Model United Nations. The Model United Nations will be a great chance for students to engage in topical and nuanced debates while flexing their critical thinking skills. It’s expected 80 delegates from different independent schools will be in attendance.
What is a Model United Nations?
The first Model United Nations was held in 1921 at Oxford University. It began under a different name as the United Nations didn’t form until 1945. Instead, the event sought to mirror the conferences held by the League of Nations, who were established after World War One and were the first intergovernmental organisation that focused on maintaining world peace.
The basic principle behind the Model United Nations is simple. A small group of students, known as delegates, are assigned a country. Delegates join a committee which works towards fixing a certain global issue. There were four committees for the delegates attending CATS Cambridge to join:
- UN Economic and Social Council
- UN Office on Drugs and Crime
- UN Human Rights Council
- UN Climate Change
Committees are made up of delegates from lots of different countries and they come together to debate on issues relevant to their committee. Every delegate is working towards fixing a global issue whilst maintaining peaceful relations with the other countries. They must also consider the interests of their own country and how different outcomes may affect them.
Students Will Discuss:
- The economic and social impacts of the continuing and rapid development of Artificial Intelligence.
- The most effective methods to reduce global warming and being carbon neutral by 2050.
- Policies to reduce the problems of recreational drugs such as Cannabis.
- If there should be an International Human Right to Internet Access.
What Are The Benefits of a Model United Nations?
A Model United Nations is a fantastic opportunity to learn about the United Nations, global government, and diplomatic practices for our students. At CATS Cambridge we encourage our students to embrace ethical empathy in their decision making and act as responsible global citizens. Participating in a Model United Nations allows students to put these skills into practise.
Students are able to learn about international relationships by replicating real life situations and considering how countries may respond and interact. Delegates may be tasked with representing countries whose views and interests do not align with their own. Therefore, they learn to think pragmatically and consider the viewpoints of different countries and why they may hold these views. Students develop their ability to think critically and understand the nuances of complex subjects like global politics.
Participating in a Model United Nations is a great way to build students’ confidence and public speaking skills. Students can share their ideas, views and opinions with their peers and have them built upon and debated over. It encourages students to think carefully about their ideas and be able to support their points of view.
Innovation and Exellence
*CIFE (Council for Independent Education) are an organisation that help ensure independently funded education providers maintain high standards academically and in the wider environment they create.
