The next generation of international leaders
A group of UNSW students had a taste of working at the United Nations when they attended a high-profile model UN conference in New York.
Published on the 08 May 2013
The UNSW team at the UN Headquarters
Twenty-one UNSW students had a taste of working at the United Nations when they attended this year’s National Model United Nations conference in New York (NMUN-NY).
Spanning over four days and held at the UN Headquarters, the conference gave students the opportunity to assume the position of a UN delegate and discuss issues of international significance while listening to first-hand accounts from diplomats and embassy officials.
The conference attracted over 5,000 university students from all over the world.
The UNSW team was the only Australian delegation to attend. Led by head delegates Carol Sin and Samuel Clarke, the team performed exceptionally well, winning three Position Paper Awards and two Best Delegate Awards.
UNSW’s team represented the Republic of Malawi and the Russian Federation in various committees, including the Security Council, where students discussed issues of piracy and corruption in Somalia.
Sin, a second-year Commerce/Law student, described the conference as a mixture of negotiation, diplomacy and debate.
“These conferences made me realise just how difficult diplomacy is. Each country has different cultural values and political priorities, all of which requires extensive research,” she said.
The team took part in summer training sessions in the lead-up to the conference, which involved researching past resolutions as well as debating and negotiation exercises.
While Sin enjoyed the conference activities, it was the opportunity to gain a global perspective on topical issues that really convinced her to attend.
“I think these conferences are an excellent opportunity for young people to engage with our international peers so that we remain informed and not so insular. The world is not defined by national borders anymore, that’s why these events are so important,” she said.
“It was amazing to be in New York, home of the United Nations. We were sitting where world leaders have sat.”
Media contact: Cassie Chorn, UNSW Media Office, 9385 8107