On Jan. 31, 2025, the Vancouver Model United Nations (VMUN) kicked off its 24th annual three-day conference in the heart of Vancouver. More than 1,500 students from across the Pacific Northwest gathered for the largest student-organized Model United Nations conference in North America. 

“They are very excited to be here, especially since the event is happening right down the street from King George and it will host students from all over the region,” says Patrick Wilband, a teacher at King George Secondary and chaperone at the event. 

Student delegates from King George Secondary

VMUN simulates world diplomacy, inspiring student delegates to become aware, educated and thoughtful global citizens as they debate the challenges of modern society. Four students from King George Secondary and 11 students from Magee Secondary represented VSB during the conference, discussing, debating and resolving relevant and contentious global issues. “Model United Nations gives students a fantastic enrichment opportunity,” says Kelly Hawbolt, a teacher at Magee who has been a part of the school’s Model UN club for 15 years.

Student delegates from Magee Secondary

Students are tasked with representing their interests as delegates of a country. For example, they can represent Canada in the World Health Organization. As members of their school's Model UN club, Hawbolt explains that students prepare for the conference through several student-led workshops. One is a mock Model UN, where students practice the rules of debate. Another is a position paper writing workshop, where students learn the expectations of their position papers, which need to be submitted prior to the conference. 

“They research their country and the issue the committee is attempting to solve. Then they submit a position paper to VMUN describing their country and where they stand on the issue,” adds Hawbolt. “During the conference, the students attend committee sessions all day to debate their country’s wishes and try to convince the other countries to back them. They write and pass resolutions to solve the problems.” 

Over the course of the weekend, students participated in eight committee sessions, selecting from General Assemblies, Intermediate Agencies and Advanced & Crisis Committees. In one session, Kate Naumenko, a Grade 11 student at King George, role-played a delegate from Cuba as the group discussed the topic of child marriage. 

"Participating in Model UN is a challenge for critical thinking skills and debate, it is also a unique space for networking in a positive friendly community," says Kate. 

In connection to VSB’s Education Plan, the Model UN event encourages students to reach beyond previous boundaries in knowledge and experience while inspiring them to think through new perspectives. Great job to all who attended!