StFX’s Model United Nations Society Takes on the First-Ever SMU East Coast Model UN Conference

On February 4th, StFXs Model United Nations society traveled to Halifax to compete at their first conference of the year. The event took place at Saint Mary’s University, and it was the first ever SMU East Coast Model UN Conference.

Put simply, Model UN conferences consist of students representing member states (which are countries) of the real United Nations and essentially mocking what really happens in UN conferences. Students are to solve problems with fellow delegates on different topics considered global issues. At the start of the conference, each member state gives a speech about what their countries goals are or what is important to them regarding the topic, then informally, member states form groups to work towards finding solutions to the problem at hand. As the day continues and after hours of forming groups, discussions, proposing ideas and working on position papers, member states vote on what resolutions should pass in the end.

Thankfully, at the Saint Mary’s Conference all resolutions StFX members proposed ended up passing. The topic of the conference was “safeguarding those displaced from climate change.” One of our own members of the Xaverian Weekly team, Zoey Phillips, won top delegate award. Ms. Phillips says, “I’m so happy to have joined MUN this year and so far, it's been a really great experience.” Another StFX student, Robbie Hughes won the top delegate award, three were given out in total. Overall, the StFX Model UN society excelled at the conference, serving as an indication of all the hard work they have done so far this year.

The Model UN society will have another shot at winning awards when they head to New York at the beginning of April, the conference, named NMUN, takes place in New York City. StFX will be representing Italy at the conference, they will be working and competing with universities from all around North America and even a few international universities. The society is currently regularly meeting to learn both rules and procedures, holding mock sessions and learning all things Italy to be prepared for the big day.

Those interested in politics, social issues, debate, or wanting to improve their public speaking skills should consider joining the society next year, rumor has it that a political science course may also be offered.