Model United Nations: AISL in Geneva at the WIMUN Conference

Tom Potter and Ingrid Turner took fifteen MUN (Model United Nations) students ranging in age from 13 to 17 years-of-age to Geneva for seven days to take part in the prestigious WIMUN conference. Students had the opportunity to do some cultural activities as well as take part in the four day conference. 

WIMUN (an acronym of the World Federation of United Nations Association International Model United Nations) is a more accurate simulation of the United Nations, and this was AISL's first time at one of their conferences. Students took part in training workshops and then in sessions where resolutions were created and students discussed issues and worked towards consensus. The style of the conference is less formal than the student delegates were used to and seemed to suit them well. Delegates grew in confidence and Clara won a participation award, which was wonderful. Owen was offered a place at the WIMUN conference in New York with the registration fee waived. Our students definitely held their own during the conference sessions as they had researched well. The conference hours were long and delegates only returned to their hotel between 7.30 and 12.00 at night! So they really learned about what it is like to do a full day's work!

At the Global evening, students showcased Zambia creatively at the table they were allocated. Each of them had brought something to highlight Zambia, and people flocked to our table. Tom and I were so proud that they took responsibility for this table themselves, and that they were all so enthusiastic about informing everyone about Zambia. 

We stayed in an IBIS hotel which included a travel card. The hotel was comfortable and gave students easy access to the mall across the road. Students were horrified to realise that malls in Switzerland close most days at 6.00 pm and don't open on Sundays! 

We traversed the city by foot, tram, bus and boat over the course of the conference. The lake views were wonderful. We were very lucky to have tour guides - one of the students had relatives in Geneva who showed us around. They were so helpful and saved us time and money.

On Tuesday, before the conference, we took a bus to Annecy in France, which is known as the Venice of France with its canals. It is situated on Lake Annecy and has lovely quaint streets. The students had a French meal on the sidewalk in a lovely cafe and then explored. The boys hired a scooter and had great fun in the square. 

One of the highlights of the trip, despite the long process because of the tight security, was to have an official tour around the United Nations Building and then to have the opening ceremony held there. 

Student delegates have returned to Lusaka, Zambia, really enthusiastic to start planning for our local conference in March. We are  proud of all of them: they were incredible ambassadors for the school.