The United Nations comes to Monash
Delgates to the 2012 UN Model Conference
Victorian high school students will have the opportunity to learn about diplomacy and the workings of the UN at a conference to be held at Monash University.
The 75 students from 10 high schools from the Southern Metropolitan and Gippsland regions will participate in the Model United Nations Conference on Wednesday 19 June at the University’s Clayton campus.
The conference, run by the United Nations Association of Australia (Victorian Division) in conjunction with Monash University’s Faculty of Law and Access Monash, simulates the protocols and procedures of the UN General Assembly and engages students in a creative forum of role play and debate.
Delegates will research and formulate a position on the topic The Future of Indigenous Peoples: Rights, Recognition, Respect from the perspective of various UN member states. Throughout the conference they will then have the opportunity to interact with other ambassadors during the caucus sessions and move amendments to the resolution and its specific recommendations.
Dr Stephen Gray from the Faculty of Law will take on the role of acting Secretary General, guiding students throughout the day as they make their voices heard.
“The Model UN provides a great opportunity to learn about the workings of the UN, and about the deep art of diplomacy,” Dr Gray said.
"This year we are dealing with Indigenous rights, which are always especially controversial. I'm looking forward to seeing how the high school students deal with these issues, and with the flexibility and negotiation the role-playing requires."
Executive Director of the United Nations Association of Australia (Victoria) Patricia Collett said the Model UN Conference was a unique, constructive and interactive tool for students to engage in global issues and the work of the United Nations.
“Today more than ever before, students are beginning to understand that issues at home are inextricably connected to global concerns. They also recognise that without versatile understanding of these issues, they will be unable to contribute effectively to global decision-making,” Ms Collett said.
By participating in a Model UN Conference, students not only learn about the UN General Assembly and its member states but also about the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, negotiation, and building consensus. These skills are fundamental to the development of global citizens and future leaders.
The schools participating in this year’s Model UN are part of a partnership with Access Monash, which provides activities to students from schools identified as being under-represented at university. The program encourages participation in higher education, provide information about university programs and campus life, engage with school students, parents and staff about educational possibilities and provide academic enrichment.