HAGÅTÑA (The Guam Daily Post) — The International Model United Nations invited nine students from Guam’s St. John’s School to the 2023 International Model United Nations Conference in Manila, Philippines, which took place from Nov. 8 to Nov. 10.
Hosted by the University of Asia and the Pacific, the conference welcomed over 150 students from some 25 countries from across the world. The students have participated in mock conferences similar to that of meetings held by the United Nations, representing several countries with different U.N.-affiliated committees, such as the United Nations Development Program, World Health Organization, United Nations Children’s Fund, U.N. Women, and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.
Of the SJS delegates, four were recognized for their work and dedication: Clara Arcilla achieved the Outstanding Delegate award for WHO, Bea Mariano achieved the Honorable Mention award for UNICEF, Jackson Fulkerson-Smith achieved Verbal Commendation for UNESCO, and Zane Whitehead achieved Verbal Commendation for UNICEF, according to SJS.
Clara Arcilla, one of the winners, shared her experience at the IMUN conference in Manila.
“I had a wonderful time at the IMUN conference because I established comradeships with delegates who shared a passion of developing a positive world,” explained Arcilla.
“As Model U.N. president, I encourage anyone to consider joining a Model U.N. conference, since it is enjoyable to act as a country’s diplomat and interact with people from several countries.”
Johnson Xia, who participated as delegate of Norway for UNICEF, added his insights as a first-time attendee.
“This was my first time attending an in-person conference, and I was really nervous. After experiencing it, … it was great learning about other people’s perspectives and hanging out with people (from) around the world.” Xia said.
The conference provided the students with experience constructing speeches, participating in debates, writing resolutions and attending presentations featuring special guest speakers, including the ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, the ambassador of the Royal Danish Embassy in Manila, the country representative of the United Nations Population Fund Agency Philippines, and the deputy head of mission of Argentina to the Philippines.
St. John’s School delegates attend the Model United Nations conference in Manila, Philippines.
