Vancouver Model UN Recap

 

This sort of parliamentary language echoed off the faux Canadian House of Commons walls found at the 23rd iteration of the Vancouver Model United Nations conference, hosted January 26-28 by WPGA. Club members from all grades came together at the Fairmont Hotel Vancouver to form new bonds. Whether our Wolves were discussing antimicrobial resistance in the World Health Organization or tackling gender-based violence in UNHRC, the event allowed students to engage in fruitful debate and learn about prominent global issues. 

 

For me, the best part was learning about the traditions of Parliament in Ottawa. Some examples include bowing to the mace, the procedure for enacting legislation, and yelling the infamous “shock and appalled” countless times. Although this was not my first time being a member of this committee, it was my first time being the party whip, and it made for a transformative experience, forcing people to vote along with me. 

 

From “proofs of life” in the wildly formal group chat to the team dinner at Earl’s Test Kitchen, our 21 delegates had plenty of opportunities to get to know each other both in and outside committee sessions. We also attended the always quirky delegate social.

 

I was happy to receive an honourable mention from my committee and extend congratulations to Julia Cao '28 for earning an honourable mention from her committee. Although not all delegates received an award, every participant learned that diplomacy is not a spectator sport.

 

Finally, a big thank-you to Ms. Haider and Ms. Boland for organizing and chaperoning this venture. In addition, Mr. Korol rearranged his birthday celebrations to spend a night with us at the hotel.

 

If any senior school student is interested in getting involved in Model UN, please join our weekly meetings in room 216 on Tuesdays at lunch recess. Upcoming MUN opportunities include CAIMUN in March and CAHSMUN in April.