Model UN Discusses Climate Change, Nuclear Energy and the Crisis in Myanmar
On November 29, the St. Stephen's Model United Nations Security Council took up the topics of the Paris Accords on climate change, the use of nuclear energy in an era of global warming, and the ongoing crisis of the Rohingya in Myanmar. The debate for the Paris Accords mirrored the real world, where all countries reaffirmed their commitments and urged the United States to live up to its original commitment. The decline in U.S. authority was apparent in a drawn out debate on how to remove U.S. veto power in the UN. The final resolution reflected another incipient shift in the world: U.S. veto power was assigned to Germany.
The debate over nuclear energy was enriched with large amounts of technical information, as well as tart exchanges about engineering expertise between Russia, the U.S., China and France. Chile led strong sallies against what it took to be an American imperialist plan promoting the building of U.S. engineered reactors in third world countries, while Germany critiqued the use of a dangerous and expensive technology when alternative energy sources are competitive and promise quicker availability. The delegates only had a brief debate on the last topic, most of it concerning the use of sanctions. Several delegations were noteworthy for their energetic participation throughout the day; in addition to those already named, Bangladesh, Greece, Japan, Singapore, Sudan and the Ukraine all made significant contributions to the debates.
Greta Kastner ably served as Parliamentarian, and Jonathan Wilkey, Secretary General, gave a stirring opening speech and greatly aided administration and record keeping during the meeting.
Model United Nations at St. Stephen's is a simulation of the U.N. Security Council, which puts students into a world of diplomacy and negotiation. Students take up issues before the UN, research those issues from the perspective of their assigned country, and seek to defend their country’s interest in public policy debate. They also seek to gain international consensus by means of drafting resolutions, political negotiations and informed debate. St. Stephen’s Model UN provides time and resources for students to engage in these activities and to learn the art and patience of procedural rules and policy development.
These sessions allow students to further school-wide goals of global citizenship and social justice.
Faculty sponsors are Christopher Colvin, Ph.D., Sarah Todd and Mason Cox
Address: 6500 St. Stephen's Dr., Austin, TX 78746
Phone: (512) 327-1213
Phone: (512) 327-1213