National Mall. Paul Hansen’19/Media
Over four days this past weekend, thousands of the world’s hopeful future leaders travelled to Washington D.C. to attend the 55th annual North American Invitational Model United Nations, or NAIMUN. Among them were a handful of delegates representing Columbus Academy.
NAIMUN is a prestigious United Nations simulation for high schoolers hosted by Georgetown University and run by Georgetown students. Schools from all over North America and the world sent delegations to attend the conference. Delegates spend months and sometimes even years preparing for the convention, conducting research, drafting position papers, and writing speeches. For those eyeing one of the few awards handed out to the top delegates, competition is fierce
Housed at the Washington Hilton in Washington D.C., students spend their time attending meetings, experiencing various learning opportunities, and exploring the majesties that the sprawling city has to offer.
Committee sessions offer a glimpse into the world of diplomacy, as assemblies ranging from a couple dozen to a couple hundred students attempt to represent their countries’ ideals and advance their own agenda. Delegates debate, make speeches, and draft resolutions. Battle are were drawn in those committee rooms as each side vies to get its way.
Mr. Morford, teacher chaperone (and the person who will help you if you leave your phone on the train), says that for the students: “The biggest impact is just the experience . . . stepping up in committee to speak and to listen and and consider these issues in a sort of deliberate fashion, hopefully gives students a good experience going forward both in high school and college.”
Thanks to Ms. Garita and Mr. Morford for heading this memorable Model UN experience.
