Fifteen students from St Mary’s School joined delegates from across Europe at the Model United Nations Alfrink 2012 (MUNA).
St Mary’s was one of only four UK schools to attend the conference, which attracts more than 300 delegates who gather at Alfrink College in Zoetermeer for a simulation of the United Nations. The theme of the three day conference was Equal rights, equal opportunities?
Charlotte Avery, Headmistress at St Mary’s School, commented: “Model United Nations provides students with an invaluable insight into the workings of the United Nations. It gives our girls a taste of the atmosphere of diplomatic conferences and allows them to debate global issues with other young people from across Europe. St Mary’s is proud to be one of the few British schools to support this inspirational conference which helps to develop our students into diplomats of the future.”
The group of Sixth Form students stayed with host families throughout their time in Zoetermeer in The Netherlands. The events opening ceremony featured an inspirational keynote speech from emancipator Shabnam Ramaswamy. Her speech introduced the theme of the conference, and made delegates aware of the problems and dangers of fighting for equality in the world today.