From March 23rd to 26th, Mougins School participated for the first time in a Model United Nations UN Conference. 171 students from 22 Globeducate schools across the world came together virtually. What an experience for all of our students!
What is MUN?
Model United Nations (MUN) is a longstanding tradition at Globeducate, but it was the first time that our students have taken part in such a conference. MUN is defined as an academic simulation of the United Nations that aims to educate participants about current events, topics in international relations, diplomacy and the UN agenda.
Under normal circumstances, Mougins School students would have been welcomed to the host school site, allowing them to visit the best that the city has to offer. However, with countries on lockdown and strict hygiene protocols in place, naturally the event had to move online. Yet, this did not dampen the enthusiasm or motivation of our students.
“Despite the fact that my first MUN experience was online and that I couldn’t spend as much time relating with my fellow delegates, I felt that MUN was a fulfilling and interesting week and I would gladly spend more time debating with my fellow participants. Overall, it has improved my decision- making skills and helped me understand the political arena more than I did before,” said Charlotte, Form 12a.

The delegates’ topics
The theme of this year’s conference was ‘Sustainability in the 21st Century’, and delegates debated topics and passed amendments around this issue. Four Mougins School students were allocated roles in the General Assembly Committee: Charles Millott (Luxembourg); Alex Bulboaca (Ukraine); Simeon Nedkov (Yemen) and Tom Ruddock (Finland). The issues debated were ‘Tackling Racial Equality and the Oppression of Minorities in the Modern World’ and ‘Implementing Global Measures to Minimise the Risks and Impacts of Future Pandemics’. Charlotte Sidney represented Ukraine in the DISEC (Disarmament and International Security) forum. The issues debated were the usage of drones and robotics in warfare and controlling the arms space race.

These topics, appreciated by our participants, allowed them to be creative, as explained by Tom: “MUN is a great experience which I am grateful to have had the chance to participate in. It has led to a greater ability in debating, teamwork and researching subject areas efficiently, while also being an enjoyable experience by being able to interact with other students from around the world”.
Dominique Laure, teacher member of the MUN Mougins Team, appreciates the important role that MUN can play in developing important life skills for students : “As a teacher and observer, I have enjoyed this MUN experience; I have been impressed by the organization and the chairs holding the lobbying and debates. I have also been proud and impressed by the capability of our students to adapt, their ability to debate and convince. It has been a great opportunity and an enriching experience for all! This year was online; we are looking forward to living it !”
Hilary Lecoy, the MUN Mougins Coordinator, is looking forward to working closely with friends and colleagues from the other Globeducate schools, most particularly our new sister school iSN who hosted this year’s event : “Despite the current travel restrictions imposed by the COVID pandemic, it may be possible to organise events between the two schools as we are so close geographically. I know that this desire for future cooperation is mutual, having spoken to Sergio Galvis, the MUN and Humanities Coordinator at ISN. I would really like to thank Sergio and the rest of his team for their patience, support and infectious enthusiasm.”

The Mougins MUN Team are also grateful to the Mougins School PTA, who supplied healthy snacks and beverages for consumption during the three and a half days of the conference, providing much-appreciated energy to fuel twenty hours of intensive lobbying and debate.