The 13th annual Global Classrooms International Model United Nations (GCIMUN) conference was held from May 17-19 in New York City. Opening Ceremonies and Closing Ceremonies took place at the United Nations headquarters, and this year’s General Assembly plenary session focused on the 2012 Earth Summit (Rio +20).
Opening Ceremonies was another treat as delegates got to hear UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speak about the need for youth to have their voices heard. He answered questions he had received on Twitter and then took a photo of the audience at the General Assembly Hall to tweet! Delegates also got to hear from Monique Coleman of High School Musical fame who now serves as the first-ever UN Youth Champion. Reflecting on her own actions after sitting in the GA Hall a year ago, she emphasized that you don’t need permission from someone else — you’re the leaders now and can make a change. Secretary-General Chuck Roberts encouraged students to seek to understand rather than seek to be understood.
Delegates from all around the world then got together in committees to solve a plethora of international issues. Check out all the action in the video and photos below as well as the MUN Chronicle website! You can also find highlights at the UNA-USA website.
Here are more photos from the conference:
Congratulations to all the delegates and staff on a successful Model UN conference!