Tuesday, March 22, 2011

The Debate Begins: March 22nd

Model UNers from all parts of the globe, Albania, Belarus, Cyprus, Egypt, Germany, Greece, India, Italy, Kuwait, Mexico, Panama, Taiwan, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, the United States, and Turkey, assembled into their assigned committees and began their important work: debating important issues of concern for our ever-changing world. I began my morning observing Alex and Idrienne in the Human Rights Committee. The morning’s topic: Advancing Women in Government and Politics. Alex delivered a convincing speech in support of the first resolution while Idrienne, our newest Model UNer, sat near the delegates representing Saudi Arabia and Russia, learning the ropes.

By the end of the day, Idrienne shared that she had asked questions and put forth amendment ideas to improve existing resolutions.

Next, I visited the Special Conference on Youth where Priscila represented Romania. I watched as she passionately argued in support of a resolution that she co-sponsored with Japan. The way to prevent youth from involvement in political and religious extremist movements, she explained, was to advance educational or civil service opportunities.

Both these committees were held in Gymnasium 157 founded in 1868 by Princess of Oldenburg, granddaughter of Russian Emperor Nicolas I. Next stop, the Disarmament & International Security Committee held at the University of Service and Economy near the school. Delegates were fiercely debating how to prevent cyber terrorism. Cameron and Steven closely followed the debate on an amendment to a resolution and voted several times.


I will admit, I had a difficult time following this debate while our students did not. Why? Too technical in nature… this type of informational system was needed, this one was to no longer be used. The Model UN Director from Taiwan turned to me at some point to ask, “Do you follow this?” I replied, not really, but the students do, which is what is important. Both Cameron and Steven filled me in during a short recess. This to me, was the ultimate Model UN experience. Young people finding solutions for pressing or future problems. MUN directors learning from them. My last stop, the Environmental and Cultural Committee housed in the beautiful Vodokanal Museum of St. Petersburg, where the last resolution of the day was being debated.

The topic: the Role of Youth in Safeguarding cultural heritage. Tyler delivered a strongly worded speech in support of this resolution, which was chosen to be presented in the General Assembly today.

Bullis students were engaged in the important work of the conference but at the same time made friends. At the end of the day, Idrienne told me about her conversations with her Egyptian peers. They shared their experiences of the recent Egyptian revolution: families afraid for their lives and their livelihood, people being killed as they stood up for their beliefs, hopes for a bright future led by the youth. The Egyptians almost didn’t make the conference as their schools were closed for a month. I am so glad they did as all of our students have bonded with them. I constantly hear about the Egyptians and their experiences from our students. I close this day’s blog with a short description of our evening: a Classical Ballet at the Hermitage Theatre.


Simply exquisite. Our students dressed in their formal wear, checked their coats into the cloak room, preceded up the red-carpeted stairs into the oldest theatre in St. Petersburg created during the reign of Catherine the Great and basked in the cultural heritage of this great nation. The beauty and grace of the dancers was an extraordinary end to our day. (Ms. Vardi)

2 comments:

  1. Bonjour Alex, Tyler et Idrienne, Je suis actuellement en Floride ou il fait tres beau et tres chaud, Je regarde le blog de votre voyage tous les jours, et je suis tres contente de savoir que vous participez si bien a toutes les activites. A bientot, Mme Gerson

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  2. Wow, good for our students...so engaged and taking on such tough topics! Love the pic of Ms. Chehak and Ms. Vardi...dare I say you look almost rested?? Or certainly happy!

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