April 8, 2008
Central Bucks South hosted the annual World Affairs Club Model U.N. recently.
The gathering of more than a hundred students, from all three Central Bucks high schools, represented hundreds of nations around the world.
This eventful day really brought into perspective the need for a United Nations. It is not easy to compromise or discuss sensitive issues, but, of course, it must happen.
The day went smoothly: First, the countries were divided into their respective sub-committees, and then they all met for the general assembly. Within the sub-committees, different nations spoke about special political issues, the environment, humanity, culture and security around the globe.
The advisers of the World Affairs club and the principal of South seemed really motivated by our discussions. It was clear - by the expressions on their faces - how impressed they were that high school students can peacefully debate issues and try to develop solutions that would answer the United Nations' goals.
The most heated debate regarded the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. Jordan and Turkey argued that Israel should lift the siege on the Gaza strip, while Andorra and Israel refuted that request. After many thoughtful questions and points of information, the insightful discussion only paralleled reality: The Middle East conflict is very complex in its present state because of its background, making resolutions hard to be passed.
The World Affairs Club replicated a day of peacemaking and negotiating tremendously well. Each person took the responsibility of acting as the delegate from their country, rather than being influenced by personal biases. The day was a success and the future of the United Nations is secure with people like those who participated in Model U.N.
