Written by Cass, Year 13, contributions from Leo (Year 12), Freja and Rozmene (Year 10)
On Saturday April 26th, a group of six Oxford High delegates set off for London to experience their first Mock United Nations debate competition. Entirely student-led and organised, the group embarked on an exciting new journey to King’s College London, where they would encounter other schools to debate about pertinent topics, ranging from evaluating the Effectiveness of Current Regulations on Prohibited Weaponry (DISEC), to Managing Space Debris (COPUOS)! OHS students also debated in the WHO, designing a global framework to tackle future pandemics.
The conference was a spectacular opportunity for students to speak their minds on global issues that impact everyone. It empowered us to try debating with other delegates with a spin of empathy. OHS students not only took the weekend head-on, but also won awards. Alice (Year 10) won the most diplomatic award, enabling her to attend the university conference to debate with other students from top universities. Leo (Year 12) won the most improved award, showing the rapid improvement and adaptability over the weekend. Both of these achievements foster the school’s philosophy of fostering inquisitiveness, learning and compassion.
Reflecting on the event, several students expressed their gratitude and excitement for the next MUN conference.
“My LIMUN experience was amazing. I had so much fun as I learned a lot and met a lot of nice people. I think the school (OHS) should participate as it is a great experience for everyone, no matter their level of skill.” – Freja, Year 10
“LIMUN was a fun and educational experience which helped me develop and learn lots of new skills, as well as making friendships throughout this experience. It felt very welcoming, especially to beginners, and I would totally recommend everyone to take part next year!” – Rozmene, Year 10
“I’ve never felt more at ease in a place so entirely new!” – Leo, Year 12
The conference enabled OHS students to embrace a completely different environment with other students from diverse backgrounds, igniting discussions about multilateralism between nations and inspiring the new wave of leaders. As I was chairing throughout the weekend, I peered through the windows to see all OHS delegates debating – every single OHS student had something impactful to say, and actively engaged with the material at hand. OHS students are those who are bold, unafraid to speak their mind, and to treat those around them with understanding. I wish for our MUN society to grow bigger to encourage those who I know will deliver diplomacy from within.