‘United Nations’ comes to the capital

About 250 secondary school students are beginning their holiday break negotiating and debating global affairs in the 2015 New Zealand Model United Nations Conference held at Victoria University of Wellington this week.

Professor Frazer Allan at Model Youth UN Conference
Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Professor Frazer Allan welcomes students at the opening ceremony at Parliament.

Minister of Education Hon Hekia Parata and Victoria’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Frazer Allan welcomed the students at the opening function at Parliament last night.

The four-day event is a unique opportunity for teenagers to broaden their understanding of international diplomacy and global challenges, while honing their skills in critical thinking, negotiation, leadership and innovation.

Minister of Education Hon Hekia Parata and Victoria’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Engagement) Frazer Allan welcomed the students at the opening function at Parliament last night.

Professor Allan says it was a privilege for the University to help the students develop essential skills in their development as future leaders and thinkers.

“The Model United Nations will give them a taste of participating in a complex global community. It will help teach when to lead and when to listen, the importance of another’s counsel, and the personal relationship skills that are often at the heart of successful diplomacy.

“Victoria University is committed to promoting the values of global responsibility. We’re very proud to be the host institution,” Professor Allan says.

During the week, the students will participate in workshops, committee sessions and a plenary session, which will centre on the theme of ‘UN + Accountable: Global Responsibility’.

The annual conference is organised by UN Youth NZ and runs from 6-9 July.