Volume 34 issue 08 - 3 June 2022

2022 Model United Nations Assembly Competition

On Saturday 28 May, three Year 11 girls, Tynan C, Monet C  and Ella W, travelled to New South Wales Parliament House to compete in Rotary’s annual Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) competition. The event took place in the Legislative Assembly chamber of parliament.

Sitting in the Speaker's Chair in the Legislative Assembly

The MUNA competition requires students to debate the merits of a range of proposed UN Resolutions in the General Assembly forum. Students from nineteen schools were invited to attend the competition and address the General Assembly. 

Each school team was allocated a nation to represent and argue the case from their nation’s perspective, in favour or against each of the resolutions. The three St Patrick’s students were tasked with acting as diplomatic representatives of Brazil. The challenge for the students was to present their argument from their respective country’s point of view, not their own personal viewpoint of the issue. Tynan C spoke of the need to reform the UN Security Council, Monet C argued Brazil’s stance on its limited action on climate change while Ella W presented Brazil’s case in supporting the plight of international migrants and the need for migrants to retain their cultural heritage.

Although the team did not come away with the trophy, they performed admirably. The organisers commented on how well they represented the College with grace and dignity. One highlight of the experience for Tynan, Monet and Ella was when they each stood at the lectern in the Legislative Assembly to give their speech. The same lectern used by the Premier of NSW and his government. It was a wonderful experience for the girls and we would like to thank Rotary District 9675 for the opportunity to participate in the event. 

Matthew White - HSIE Coordinator