News & Events

Mexico, Togo and Elmwood - well represented by Model UN group

Montreal, November 6 – 9, 2008 – Elmwood’s Model United Nations team recently attended the Secondary Schools’ United Nations Symposium (SSUNS). SSUNS is Canada’s premier high school conference and is a simulation of real United Nations conferences. SSUNS is hosted by McGill University, in downtown Montreal. Elmwood’s team of thirteen girls debated against over one thousand other students from all around Canada, the United States, Mexico, and Trinidad and Tobago. Also, the team was able to meet and speak personally with Dr. Marc Garneau, the first Canadian to visit space.

This year, Elmwood represented two countries (Mexico and Togo) in the General Assemblies. General Assemblies are committees in which all member nations have equal representation. Usually, there are over one hundred students in these committees. Nine of Elmwood’s students participated in various General Assemblies that ranged from cultural and humanitarian issues to the environment and international security.

Four Elmwood students participated in Crisis Committees. These committees are not directly associated with the UN but rather with specific events in history. Instead of having prepared speeches, the delegates in these committees must think of solutions as events are happening. Ultimately, they can change the outcome of their committee from events that have actually happened in real life. Elmwood’s students participated in committees such as the Kargil War, the Algerian War, East-West Germany Reunification Talks, and the Quebec Cabinet.

Overall, the team’s experience was an enormous success. Not only were the students left with wonderful memories and new friends, but they also learned how to problem-solve by looking at all perspectives of the problem and how to debate and stand up for what they think is right.

“This is my second year participating in Model UN,” says head delegate Danika Leminski. “The experience is unforgettable and truly worth doing. I felt a strong sense of accomplishment when I came back from the conference.”

Currently, the team is preparing for another Model United Nations conference in Ottawa.