University organises first Model United Nations Conference for A-Level pupils in North of England
A-Level students from throughout the North West have been putting themselves in the shoes of world leaders at a global diplomacy event organised by the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan).
UCLan’s inaugural Model United Nations Conference is the first of its kind in the North of England and allowed participants to take part in lively debate and consider global issues using the exact same format as a real UN Conference.
Students from Furness College, Carmel College in St Helens, Hutton Church of England Grammar School and Sixth Form and Lancaster Royal Grammar School were split into committee groups with each person representing a different country. They debated a range of issues, including the use of killer robots in war, international cooperation for a faster transition to green energy and racial justice in law enforcement.
"I have a borderline obsession with politics so this was the perfect opportunities to develop my debate and negotiation skills."
— Barrow and Furness student Connor McPhale
Furness College student Connor McPhail 17, said: “I have a borderline obsession with politics so this was the perfect opportunities to develop my debate and negotiation skills.”
Maisie Tune, 16, from Hutton Grammar Sixth Form, represented France in a discussion around international crisis situations. She said: “My ambition is to work at the United Nations and I am particularly passionate about animal welfare. I think it’s important for young people to have an interest in politics and how it impacts our lives.”
The Conference was officially opened by UCLan Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin, who acted as Honorary Secretary General, and closed by Preston Mayor Councillor Yakub Patel.
"The Conference aims to be inclusive and interactive, stimulating proactivity and leadership skills amongst participating students as we help empower tomorrow’s leaders for a more humane world."
— UCLan Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin
Graham said: “I am delighted to open this landmark event. The Conference aims to be inclusive and interactive, stimulating proactivity and leadership skills amongst participating students as we help empower tomorrow’s leaders for a more humane world.”
Alfred Brennand, 17, from Lancaster Royal Grammar, took part in the use of killer robots in war debate. “I was particularly interested in this subject because artificial intelligence in advancing so quickly” he said. “It’s been interesting to research a topic and try to put myself in the shoes of another country and how it might approach it.”
"Ultimately, we want students to experience politics in a fun way, expand their horizons, and become the leaders that our societies are in dire need of."
— Dr Evan Lawrence, Senior Lecturer in International Relations at UCLan
Carmel College student Luca Uddin represented Malta in a debate on racial injustice in law enforcement. He said: “It’s important to be aware of how diplomacy works and this is a great chance to immerse ourselves in how a UN Conference works in practice.”
Dr Evan Lawrence, Senior Lecturer in International Relations at UCLan, supported UCLan students from the Model United Nations Society to organise the event.
She added: “It’s fantastic to see so many young people who are passionate about politics and interested to learn how diplomatic relations work.
“The Conference promotes critical thinking about global questions that affect the UK directly and prepares students to address complex challenges on the international stage from their own perspective.
“It is an excellent exercise in teamwork and group coordination, fostering a spirit of cooperation, tolerance, and democracy, which are key values emphasised in UCLan's BA International Relations and the very foundation of the British society.
“Ultimately, we want students to experience politics in a fun way, expand their horizons, and become the leaders that our societies are in dire need of.”
