Tough questions stretch diplomatic skills

Exeter School's second annual MUN conference

How can we achieve peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo? Will there be future mass immigration due to rising sea levels? Is it possible to have a world free from nuclear weapons? These were the questions delegates from across the south west struggled to answer as they convened at Exeter School's second annual Model United Nations (MUN) conference. MUN is a role-play of the United Nations where each pupil acts as a delegate from a different country and the committee as a whole attempts to achieve a global consensus on a number of challenging issues.

The day began with an opening ceremony including speeches from the Headmaster, chair and delegates. After some intense and enthusiastic lobbying, delegates merged their ideas into seven resolutions that were all successfully submitted to an approval panel. Following an international banquet, formal debate on five of the resolutions was chaired by Chris Clay and James Rampersad. Delegates from Exeter School showed impressive negotiating, diplomacy and public speaking skills and debate drew to a close with two resolutions passed by the committee.

During the closing ceremony a number of Exeter School pupils were awarded prizes. Billy Talbot and Seb Wright were awarded Highly Commended Delegate awards and Alex Porter was awarded a Distinguished Delegate award. It was, once again, an exhilarating event with all those who took part enjoying themselves and gaining valuable insights and skills.