MUNA: And the winner is…
At the end of Term 3, Wenona hosted the 2019 Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA) forum. Students competed in teams against Shore, with Wenona’s Team USA placing first.
Wenona and Shore students from Years 9, 10 and 11 formed teams of two to three people, representing their assigned country on issues such as climate change, refugees, terrorism, women’s rights, hate speech and cultural tourism.
More than ever, students are exposed to news media that often presents over-simplified or biased perspectives on world events such as military conflicts, racism and radicalisation. MUNA presented a fantastic opportunity for students to learn how to better negotiate the politics of information in today's world, equipping them to be effective local and global citizens.
The students devoted several weeks to researching their assigned country, with the option of delivering their opening speech at the forum on Tuesday 17 September in their country’s native language. They were also encouraged to wear their country’s national dress to the forum, with the official judging process encompassing presentation skills, as well as each team’s ability to debate issues convincingly, and demonstrate a high level of research, knowledge and insight.
Teams had to ensure they adopted positions that were consistent with the known views and behaviours of their assigned country. This meant they had to carefully evaluate and view their own cultural perspectives and practices in order to successfully analyse the beliefs and attitudes of their assigned country.
Bryson from Shore’s Team Bhutan said, "I know my team and I enjoyed approaching these questions from an angle we weren't used to. MUNA was a great experience!"
The students also had to develop effective negotiating and influencing skills. Each country was part of a voting bloc with other countries in their geographical region. It was imperative therefore, that each team built strong allegiances with their fellow bloc members in order to secure support for their viewpoints and persuade bloc members to vote together.
Brooke (Year 10), from Wenona’s Team Algeria, delivered the following speech on a resolution on women’s rights both in English and in French. “Mr Secretary General, Madam Secretary General, my name is Brooke and I am speaking on behalf of Algeria. The General Assembly has put forward a resolution that calls on all member countries to remove any law that incriminates abortion. Algeria strongly disagrees based on the dominant religion, Islam, that has been in place for thousands of years. The main religion of Algeria is Islam with 99% of our population following this faith. The Qur’an promotes the importance of maintaining and preserving life, stating that “whosoever has killed a soul, it is as though he has murdered all of mankind.” Algeria views abortion as the unnecessary killing of a child, not as a woman’s right. Also, there are many countries that follow a religion that places the sanctity of life at the forefront of people’s rights. On behalf of these countries, Algeria defends our religious beliefs. In conclusion, Algeria believes that it is unfair to encourage individuals to disregard their religion in favour of women’s rights. Algeria believes that our religion and faith preserves the importance of life and that this is more important than destructive laws that have the power to end a life.
Monsieur Secrétaire Général, Madame Secrétaire Générale, je m’appelle Brooke et je suis la porte-parole d’Algérie. L’Assemblée Générale propose une résolution qui appelle que tous les pays retirent toutes les lois, qui mettent en cause l’avortement. La loi islamique préconise l’avortement. 99 pour cent du peuple algérien suit la religion islamique. Le coran déclare personne qui tue c’est comme si elle avait tué est toute l’humanité. Du point du vue algérien, l’avortement egale l’assassinat d’un enfant pas le droit d’une femme. D’ailleurs, pour la plus grande part de pays et ses peuple la vie est la chose plus sacrée. De la part de tout ces pays, l’algérie defend nos croyances religieuses. Nous les algériens, croyons que c’est unjuste d’encourager que les individuals ne respectent plus leurs religions en faveur de des droit de la femme. Nous croyons que notre religion préserve l’importance de la vie et que cela et plus important qu’une loi détruit la vie.”
Mya (Year 10) from Wenona’s Team Sweden said, "This year MUNA grew, with an increase in girls and new participants from Shore engaged with this competition. Mr Mikkelsen and Ms Furlong Alexanderson worked so hard to make it a successful MUNA. I love MUNA because it allows me to learn about how other countries in the world think and function. MUNA grants the opportunity to explore and understand international relations and politics at school, something not possible in our school subjects. MUNA is witty, dramatic, entertaining and thought-provoking. I think it is such a valuable experience due to the collaboration, research and speaking skills you gain."
MUNA was a fantastic event with students demonstrating a high level of intercultural awareness and understanding.
Shore’s Team Ireland took out the prize for Presentation Skills.
Wenona’s Team Japan of Tashi and Katherine won Best Dressed.
Wenona’s Team UAE of Darci and Hannah won Clarity of Ideas.
And Shore’s Team Cuba won Teamwork.
Third place went to Wenona’s Team Germany (Zara and Natalie).
Shore’s Team Bhutan came in second place.
And the winner was Wenona’s Team USA. Congratulations to Mia and Isabella in Year 10.
Dr Scott presented all the Wenona students with their certificates at the Principal’s Assembly on Tuesday.
Students from all around the world participate in MUNA forums. As Brexit continues to dominate headlines in the UK, along with efforts to keep the peace, protect human rights and tackle the effects of poverty and climate change, it is critical that our young people understand the role that the United Nations plays in the world. Bravo to Languages Teachers, Mr Mikkelsen and Ms Furlong Alexanderson for their enthusiasm, hard work and support of the students!