Model United Nations Assembly

The annual Model United Nations Assembly was held on May 24th and 25th. For the first time ever, this event was held in the Tindall Auditorium at Rosmini College.

Organising the event were members of Rotary, led by Jan Malcolm. Assistance was also given by volunteers at Rosmini College in AV and note-passing. Following tradition, a press team from Westlake Girls’ High School was also present.

Over 300 delegates from almost 50 schools across wider Auckland, represented over 100 countries in the United Nations. They congregated for two full days delivering speeches and debating resolutions. This year saw variety in both schools participating - stretching as far north as Kaitaia - and in countries represented -  from Kenya and Ecuador to Japan and France.

Current issues were reflected in this year’s remits of territorial sovereignty, women’s equality, climate inequity, and conduct in space. Shanan Halbert, MP, presided over the event as Secretary-General for the first time. He states, ‘[delegates have] had to front up against some of the challenges and opinions of their own countries.’

His statement reflected the diverse perspectives on remits, with delegates representing countries from both extreme poles on issues such as territorial sovereignty and women’s equality. To accurately represent their country, delegates also had to shelve away their personal points of view. 

On this topic, a delegate of Cameroon said to us, ‘Last year I had to vote for several remits against my own point of view. This year, I was really fortunate—I support either a ceasefire or Israel [in the Israel-Palestine conflict], but certainly not Palestine. Luckily, Cameroon supports Israel—most don’t—so I got quite lucky.’

Some delegates took the need for accurate representation to heart, saying, ‘Argentina does not believe climate change is a problem that exists’ and ‘[Somalia] does not think women are equal to men anyway.’

Despite the heated debate in the assembly - aggravated by remit two being cut short from a majority vote, leading to delegations missing their turn to speak - delegates had a good time networking with new friends from different schools over Pita Pit and sausage sizzles. 

A delegate from Hungary said to us, ‘Talking to new people and learning about other countries’ views was really fun for me. I look forward to seeing some of them back here next year.’

Following an insightful speech given by Chris Carter - formerly a Cabinet Minister and United Nations advisor - the event ended in success after two days of debate and laughter.

‘I declare this assembly to stand adjourned until this time, 2025.’

Chris Huang