From the 19-22 of November, the JFKS hosted their 34th annual BERMUN model UN conference with over 700 students attending from around the world in order to discuss this year's theme : “Building a Rules-Based Order to Withstand Authoritarianism". Thanks to our director, Ms McCabe, seven students from our MUN-club in the secondary had the privilege of taking part as delegates representing Iran in the PC, DC, SOCHUM, WTO and SpC as well as Tunisia in the Security Council. In addition, Amélia IB13, was a student officer, chairing in the SOCHUM committee. Over three days our delegates debated topics such as neocolonialism, nuclear proliferation, combating state sponsored terrorism, the situation in Syria and many more. Each committee also had a guest speaker which added a further layer of knowledge and professionalism to the event. The keynote speaker Herr Putscher, former alternate executive Director of the World Bank , highlighted how existing institutions needed to be strengthened. While a further special speaker event discussed ‘War in Europe: How is Peace with Russia Possible?’, a very timely topic given recent suggestions for a ‘peace plan’. This topic was discussed by Dr K. Wittmann, former Brigadier General and currently at the University of Potsdam along with Dr B.M Scianna from the same university. A further special moment was during the opening ceremony when we watched a moving ,live performance by members of the National Ballet of Ukraine. Conferences such as these allow our students to expand their public speaking skills, become more active in politics and build connections with young people from around the world. This year’s BERMUN has taught us that change is possible if we all take action. We encourage secondary students to join us on Thursdays at 15:05 in N0.4 to take part in lively debates. We wish to thank the Friends of NMS for their support.
Mathilda 11c