This is a wonderful international Rotary youth program.
Senior high school students develop an awareness of the United Nations and the countries they will represent at a simulated UN Assembly.
The event provides an excellent forum for students from years 10, 11 or 12 to develop and practice their public speaking skills whilst debating on topical world issues. They also learn about the workings of the United Nations.
This year MUNA was staged at Lyndale High School on Saturday 17 August and 28 teams were involved. Ken, Lyn and I attended and we all were very impressed with the event especially the standard of the debating.
The students were randomly allocated their country prior to the event and researched their country’s position on various topics. The students gain valuable research, debating, and negotiating skills, as well as building connections with other students from other schools.
Our club sponsored Lizzy and Bethanny from Our Lady of Sion College, Box Hill. Their allotted country was Indonesia and considering Lizzie and Bethanny had a much shorter time to prepare, both girls made a terrific contribution to the Assembly.
This year the following four resolutions debated at MUNA related to humanitarian, environmental, economic, and geopolitical issues.
● The situation in the South China Sea
● Strengthening the role of the UN in the promotion of democratisation and enhancing periodic and
genuine elections.
● Preventing and combating crimes that affect the environment
● State of global food security
It was emphasised that students were to show respect to fellow delegates and observe the ‘Spirit of MUNA’ ie act with dignity, decorum, and within the UN protocols.
Every student received a certificate to acknowledge their participation in MUNA. There were also 7 monetary prizes awarded including best delegation (also received a perpetual shield), best country dress and the DG’s award.