The Third Annual Pacific Model United Nations Conference
took place on November 14 – 15, 2014 at the Waikiki Beach Marriott. Fourteen delegates from Sacred Hearts Academy
attended representing the countries of Libya, Qatar and Indonesian. Each country had delegates or ambassadors representation
on the General Assembly, Disarmament and International Security Committee, and
the International Law Commission. For a
period of two days, students saw the world, its people, and its problems from a
global perspective. Topics for committee
discussion included: Water Scarcity, Overpopulation, Weaponization of Seabed
and the Ocean Floor, Overpopulation of Antarctica, International Law of the
Sea, and Embassy Safety and Security. Preparation
was limited to research of their respective countries and writing a position
paper on the topics selected for their assigned committees. The real learning took place at the
Conference by watching the experts and slowly moving into sub-committees. Academy delegates quickly found their voice
and discovered that their vote was needed by others to get things done – they
were soon trading and discussing possible solutions with other delegates. They learned a major lesson – there is power
in numbers.
Ambassadors became experts and activists for “pet” topics;
debating rigorously with other delegates to push their views and formulate a
resolution to be voted on by the body of delegates. Working the room, building allies and
compromise were the order of the day.
Some yelling and strong voices were heard; especially when issue came
forward for a vote. Clever delegates
worked on their colleagues during lunch; moving from table to table gathering
votes and convincing the undecided to lend their support. In a few cases trade was taking place - not
unlike the real world. As an outsider
looking in it was hard to envision the 13 – 18 years old delegates making sense
of difficult problems. Perhaps, it was
their suits and ties – for they certainly looked the part – No, it was their
confidence and conviction that set them apart.
Thirteen schools across our island chain and over 150
participants participated in this year’s Pacific Model United Nations
Conference sponsored by Stephen E. & Isabella H. Stevens World Peace
Foundation. Academy delegates included:
Delegation from Qatar - Raelynn Chu, Alana Stroede, Shelly Aquino, Megan
Backus, Kaycee Selga, and Joanne Villanueva; Delegation from Indonesia - Ellie Ramirez, Ji-Won Ha, Taryn Wong, and
Faizah Shyanguya; and the Delegation from Libya - Hudson Jones, Justine Sison,
Janelle Lauronal, and Suzanne Tsukenjo.
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