MUN Conference

On Saturday 16th November, Christ’s Hospital held their annual Advanced Debate Model United Nations (CHADMUN) conference. Pupils from Christ’s Hospital went up against delegates from Wycombe Abbey, Worth and Royal Hospital School, making the total number of pupils attending about 100.

Pupils thoroughly immersed themselves in the simulation of the UN for the duration of the conference and the debates were well researched, ranging from the question of torturing terror suspects to the protests in Hong Kong. All CH pupils, from GE (Year 11) to Grecians (Year 13), stood out thanks to their persuasive speeches and impassioned arguments.

At the end of the conference, six pupils from Christ’s Hospital were recognized as being ‘Outstanding Delegates’ and given an award certificate. ‘The day was a great success and highlighted the talented student leaders and young public speakers we have at the school, which was evident earlier in the year in March, when CH swept the prize board at Haileybury College’s MUN Conference,’ commented Alicia Cassidy, the teacher in charge of MUN at Christ’s Hospital.

Once the debates had ended, pupils were treated to a keynote speech from Ed Hobart, a parent at CH, who spoke about his fascinating career so far at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, which provided insightful anecdotes on diplomatic life. The day culminated in a candlelit black tie dinner for all delegates and staff in the dining hall, accompanied by jazz musicians from the school. Also attending were members of the Amicable Society of Blues (former pupils), who sponsor MUN.

Model United Nations, also known as MUN, is essentially a role-playing activity, in which students assume the roles of delegates representing various countries in the committees of the United Nations tasked with solving a range of global issues through research, lobbying, and debate. This activity takes place at MUN conferences, which are usually organised by schools or college MUN clubs. Students who participate in Model United Nations develop a range of skills, including substantial researching, public speaking, debating and writing skills, as well as critical thinking, teamwork, and leadership abilities.