Model UN Club Attends Conference at Columbia University

Twelve Upper School students from Agnes Irwin’s Model UN Club headed to New York City last week for the Columbia Model United Nations Conference and Exposition, accompanied by José Sevillano, US and MS Spanish teacher, Sylvie Molta, US and MS French instructor, and Andrew Connally, US History teacher. 

The conference, which ran from January 16 through 19 allowed students the opportunity to debate key global issues and find resolutions through mock UN committees — a unique glimpse into the realm of international relations and diplomacy. Students researched topics prior to the event in order to prepare themselves to represent the interests of different countries or historical figures, as they embodied the most likely viewpoint of their assigned country or individual.

AIS students have attended this and similar conferences for decades, embracing the opportunity to discuss important topics with peers. This year, mock committees addressed key historical events and interests such as the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the Congress of Vienna, Pharaoh Akhenaten’s Council in ancient Egypt, and more. Seniors Lizzie Dixon and Leann Luong both brought home “Best Delegate” awards — the top conference honor — for their outstanding work in their respective committees.  

In addition, students visited the Slovenian Permanent Mission to the UN, and met with Ms. Ondina Blokar Drobič, the Deputy Permanent Representative.