A group of Hampstead students visited Belfast in November 2002 to take part in a Model United Nations event hosted by Methodist College. The aim of MUN is to teach young people how to engage in constructive debate about key global problems. Delegates need to research the issues and then represent the views of their country. The ultimate goal is to have your resolution passed by majority vote; this requires considerable skills in formal language, the lobbying of other delegates and persuasive argument. The evenings offer the opportunity to socialise with other students from a wide range of schools and backgrounds.

Hampstead students represented Bulgaria, Jamaica, Iran, Finland and Greece. Congratulations to Ella Year 11 and Kierra, Naomi and Rowenna of Year 13, who all won commendations.

After the conference we took a taxi drive around the political murals of Belfast to remind ourselves of the complexity of some political issues!

Links:
tour around the belfast murals
photo gallery of murals
Model United Nations Belfast 2002 web site

Photo gallery:

The "Foolish Finnish" delegate who posted her airline ticket into the feedback letterbox. What a great start!

The mean and moody Jamaican delegation!

Bulgarian delegation. One of the members seems to be embarrassed by a certain press release!

The Iranians!

and Finland.

The Greek delegation

The Economic Committee in session

Alam addresses the Environment Committee

Tom and the Singapore Security Council delegate address a lobby group.

The General Assembly