The 35th annual San Diego Junior Model United Nations (JMUN) was held at University of San Diego on May 30 and 31.
Participants, referred to as delegates, each represented a country in the United Nations (UN) and set out to solve world problems through debate and compromise. The delegates were divided into several UN committees, such as the General Assembly, Security Council, Human Rights Council, and World Health Organization.
Students from Patrick Henry High School, Scripps Ranch High School, Lewis Middle School, Grant School, Mann Middle School, and Wagenheim Middle School attended the conference.
The conference proved to be a fulfilling and interesting experience as a whole, despite the slight anxiety that occupied each committee room.
“The conference was a learning experience for everyone and that’s what was exciting about it,” said Lance Cameron, a freshman at Scripps Ranch High School. “It helped me to speak in front of the rest of the committee, although it was a bit uncomfortable being in a room surrounded by complete strangers. It was great.”
Many admitted to the difficulties of representing a country and its policies in a manner suit for the real UN. Crafting elaborate speeches and resolutions through collaboration and debate was another component that several delegates found challenging.
“One’s ideas don’t always correspond with those of others you are collaborating with,” said Maddie Rienks, a freshman at Scripps. “It’s a fact that we all need to acknowledge and go about solving. I think it’s great that JMUN gets young leaders thinking and successfully solving world issues and conflicts.”
This year’s mid-conference crisis included resolving a worldwide H5N1, or bird flu, breakout that most, if not all, participants had no problem tackling.
John Cameron, a freshman at Patrick Henry High School, said, “Everybody was aptly prepared for the conference itself and collaborating to find resolutions for this year’s bird flu crisis was very easy.”
Students gathered at the Joan B. Kroc Theatre to conclude the conference, where several students were recognized for their active participation and superb problem-solving skills. Patrick Henry High School found great success with a good handful of its participants receiving the gavel, an honor given to the single delegate who demonstrates diplomatic skill above and beyond what is expected by the committee.
The conference was concluded with a statement of reflection from the security generals, Scripps senior Lina Jemili and junior Betty Lema, and finally a “motion” to wrap up the conference until next year.
