While most students at Silicon Valley International School (INTL) were enjoying a well-deserved October break, 11 members of INTL’s Middle School Model United Nations (MUN) Team worked on their opening speeches in order to take part in the KeysMUN Conference at Keys Middle School in Palo Alto. Joining 75 students from around the Bay Area, Los Angeles, and San Diego, INTL students not only exhibited their practiced oratory skills, but they also strengthened their collaborative skills by joining forces with like-minded delegates assigned similar positions on the conference's topic: The China-Taiwan Conflict.
At the all-day conference, students crafted resolutions with members of their “bloc” and experienced the process of ratifying those resolutions. Some INTL students enjoyed the satisfaction of having their resolutions ratified, and two INTL students were honored for their contributions in their committee: Toshani B. (7th Grade) received an Honorable Mention and Kaiyen A. (8th Grade) was awarded the Most Outstanding Delegate.
Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an extra-curricular activity in which students typically roleplay delegates to the United Nations and simulate UN committees. Thousands of middle school, high school, and college students across the country and around the world participate in Model UN. Through public speaking, critical thinking, and in-depth research, the Model UN experience allows students to cultivate essential skills and enrich their global affairs knowledge.
MUN conferences provide enriching experiences for INTL’s Middle School MUN Team, allowing them to apply their knowledge of global affairs, practice diplomacy, and collaborate with peers. Next month, INTL will host its own mini-MUN conference chaired by High School MUN Team member Lukas W. (11th Grade). All 17 members of the Middle School MUN Team will learn how to write position papers in order to advance their level of MUN knowledge, sharpening their skills further for future opportunities in Model UN and beyond.
