A Diplomatic Triumph

Over the half term break, a delegation from King’s attended the Alleyn's International Model United Nations Conference (AIMUN). This 3-day conference brought together over 100 pupils from schools across England, France, and the Middle East, offering our pupils the opportunity to step into the shoes of UN diplomats and engage in high-level debates on pressing global issues.

Representing the United States, our delegation excelled, securing four individual awards and the coveted Best Delegation Award - the highest award in MUN conferences. All attending pupils should be immensely proud of their dedication and remarkable efforts.

Friday began with intense lobbying in committee sessions, followed by the opening ceremony which featured an inspiring keynote address by Steve Crawshaw - former Russia and East Europe Editor at the Independent and former UK Director at Human Rights Watch. The evening concluded with a diplomatic reception of drinks, canapés, and a three-course meal, setting the tone for the days ahead.

Saturday demanded an early start, with our delegates departing Rochester station at 6:30am for a full day of committee sessions. After a busy day of debates, they enjoyed a buffet dinner and a lively Roaring 20's disco night, before returning home late in the evening.

Sunday saw another early departure for the final day of the conference, which included intense committee debates, the presentation of resolutions, and the tabling of amendments. Our pupils really shone during Sunday’s proceedings with the USA being at the centre of a global crisis simulation by leaning on their weekly MUN training here at King’s.

Gilbert H (U6) was on the UN Security Council (UNSC), which addressed issues ranging from the crisis in Sudan to nuclear weaponry in the DPRK and economic sanctions on states in conflict. Malik N (L6) was part of the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), which tackled illicit arms trafficking, maritime security against piracy, and the use of drones in armed conflict. Laura K (L6) was part of the Special Political and Decolonisation Committee (SPECPOL), which debated the role of youth in peacebuilding, UN peacekeeping in post-conflict zones, and the rights of Indigenous peoples worldwide. Sam H (U6) was also on the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), which sought to address exploitation of migrant workers in the Gulf States, mechanisms for enforcing human rights treaties, and the rehabilitation of children after crisis.

We are looking forward to further success at the next Model UN Conference at Epsom College in March.