On Monday 1st December, a group of Royal Russell pupils attended the 18th Benenden Model United Nations Conference. Logan Hatchwell-Wray and Raza Ali Jafri were Deputy Chairs in the Human Rights Council and the UN Office on Drugs and Crime respectively. Vasily Van Vloten (Ambassador), Rohan Phillpot, Ethan Wallin, Omer Babur, Leo Welsh, Kalan Sharma and Jacob Wu represented Algeria whilst Jamie McDowall (Ambassador), Matilda Welsh, Lana Lam, Eliza Saoul and Dominique Shved represented North Korea. Whether novice or experienced, all delegates played an active part in their committees, debating topics such as The Question of Addressing the Aftermath of the Toppling of the Assad Regime and Syria’s Fragmented Government, The Question of Preventing Nuclear Proliferation and Promoting Denuclearisation, The Question of Reducing Antibiotic Resistance and the Reemergence of Infectious Diseases, The Question of Addressing the Effects of Climate Change on Vulnerable Regions and Communities, The Question of Establishing the Right to be Forgotten to the International Human Rights Law, The Question of Preventing Gang Control and Reducing Violence in Central America, The Question of Examining the Involvement of Government-Backed Terrorist Groups in Proxy Warfare and The Question of the Political Future of Indigenous Nations Seeking Recognition and Autonomy, amongst many other pressing global issues, making speeches and Points of Information with knowledge and confidence. Rohan submitted a well-thought-out resolution on The Question of Safeguarding the Red Sea and Gulf Shipping Lanes to Secure Oil Exports that was successfully debated and passed in his Arab League Committee. Congratulations to Rohan and Jamie who received the Commended Delegate award and to all delegates for making the most of this event to gain valuable experience in public speaking, debating and diplomacy.
