St. Colman’s and Loreto partake in the Model United Nations

António Gutteras, former Prime Minister of Portugal and Secretary General of the United Nations, virtually welcomed and thanked the students of St. Colman’s College and Loreto Secondary School in Fermoy for participating in this year’s Model United Nations. “Thank you for the belief in dialogue and cooperation to meet the tests of our time.”

The Model United Nations Model UN is a popular activity for those interested in learning more about how the UN operates. Hundreds of thousands of students worldwide take part every year at all educational levels. Many of today’s leaders in law, government, business and the arts – including at the UN itself – participated in Model UN as students.

“In these trying times I welcome your engagement in the MUN”, he said.

St. Colman’s College have a strong history in participating in the MUN and this year was no different. Eight students represented the Security Councils and General Assemblies of Poland, Azerbaijan, Iran and the USA, to mention a few. Students from a wide range of schools debated such topics as the ‘ Yemen Crisis’ and ‘Quotas for Women in Work and Politics’; two very contentious and vital issues of the modern world.

TY student Aaron Butt outlined why he enjoyed the two and a half days of the event.

“We really enjoyed participating in the MUN as we had the opportunity to act as a representative for a country. We could be a tinpot dictator or a democratic representative. This year’s MUN led to some fruitful debate and good back and forth between some delegates. There was an efficient setup for the delegates from the other schools who attended the debates digitally, so despite Covid we had a very good gathering of people.”

Fellow student Colm Hurley, agreed.

“This year’s MUN was a great learning experience and also it gave my friends and I some great rewarding insights in the striving to reach a resolution.”

The United Nations Model UN Programme aims to build and maintain strong links between the UN and Model UN participants across the globe. It is a thoroughly rewarding experience for our students. The future in Fermoy is safe!