Model United Nations
Over the weekend of 18 and 19 March, seven Year 12 pupils , Harriet Dipper, Luke Greenhow, Giles Kerr, Alfie Leek, George Ruskin, Kirsty Swaine and Georgia Yarnall, travelled to North London for the Haberdashers' Aske's Boys' School Model United Nations Conference.
The following report was prepared by Kirstie:
"As this was our first conference, we were unsure as to what to expect, but were very excited to be involved. Eastbourne College represented Bangladesh, a country that we were enthusiastic to get to know more about and debate things from a Bengali point of view.
The Friday night consisted of signing others’ resolutions and getting to know one another, as well as having dinner at Haberdashers' Aske's before going back to our hotel. Waking up bright and early on Saturday, we made our way to the school and prepared ourselves for a long day of fruitful debate each in our separate committees, giving speeches and mastering the use of formal language. Later in the afternoon, four of our group returned to Eastbourne to fulfil various commitments the next day, but three of us remained to complete the rest of the weekend. On Saturday night we enjoyed some Bengali food and a well-deserved rest before the last day of the conference.
Sunday morning brought a General Assembly, where all 500 delegates gathered to discuss resolutions that had been passed over the course of the previous days. Bangladesh contributed to the debate and a successful resolution was passed.
The weekend was thoroughly enjoyable and sparked a developing confidence in each of us."
Richard Bunce, Head of Government and Politics at the College, commented: "The pupils pushed themselves way beyond their comfort zone, seeking intellectual challenge at a very high level. They had to speak in front of rooms full of their peers, often needing to improvise quickly whilst responding to a wide range of political, environmental and humanitarian issues amidst the cut and thrust of live debate: writing resolutions, proposing amendments, objecting to clauses, seeking compromise and alliances within a room of eager and experienced delegates from some of the best independent schools in the country.
They approached this challenge with no shortage of good grace, excellent humour and an impressive willingness to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. Their unfailing positivity was so refreshing and made them an absolute pleasure to accompany."
