Pace University student Shade Quailey ’15 representing Italy in a simulation of the Human Rights Council at the 2014 Geneva International Model UN conference.
Model United Nations exposes participants to new people from a variety of backgrounds, teaches them about the United Nations and international affairs, and helps them to develop skills required for school, activities outside of Model United Nations and many other future endeavors. The most important thing I feel Model United Nations teaches anyone is about themselves.
This March I had the opportunity to attend the Geneva International Model United Nations (GIMUN) conference in Switzerland. GIMUN was very different from my participation in the 2013 National Model United Nations conference in Washington, D.C., last semester. The GIMUN conference was conducted in both English and French allowing me to interact with many intelligent and dedicated students with diverse backgrounds. GIMUN was also held in the Palais des Nations, which gave the simulation a greater feeling of realness.
I represented Italy in a simulation Human Rights Council. Unlike NMUN, we were able to discuss and complete draft proposals for both of the assigned topics: “Is Access to Energy a Universal Human Right?” and “Oil and Gas in Africa: is Foreign Control to Energy Resources Hampering the Right to Self Determination?” We were also able to do an actual Universal Periodic Review simulation, which made our committee feel even more like the actual Human Rights Council.
Discussing topics on energy in the Human Rights Council made me realize the importance of having access to energy. There are many people without adequate access to energy in the world and sadly, there is so many people who take it for granted.
Participating in a Model United Nations conference, whether at a national or international conference, is truly a worthwhile experience. I have learned a lot about myself through my two semesters on the Model United Nations team and will always remember my all that Model United Nations have taught me for a lifetime.
-Shade Quailey ’15, Head Delegate elect for 2014/2015 Academic Year