THE Asia World Model United Nations (Awmun) V, held in Bangkok, Thailand from May 27-29, 2023, witnessed an outstanding display of diplomatic prowess and intellectual acumen by 23 student-delegates from St. Benedict Childhood Education Centre, Cebu City.
Despite competing against seasoned veterans and college-level Model United Nations (MUN) delegates, three young representatives who are also senior members of St. Benedict Debate Society emerged victorious, securing multiple awards and leaving an indelible mark on the conference.
The Awmun V is a simulation of an actual United Nations Conference, where the participants are tasked with solving a global issue through research, drafting, lobbying and debate to pass a suitable resolution.
It is organized by International Global Network (IGN), an organization that focuses on youth development. IGN was established with the aim of bringing together young people from all over the world. Its mission is to cooperate in social movements, business, technology and culture to get to know each other and bring changes for a better world.
The Awmun V welcomed 227 delegates from 34 countries around the world, each vying to make their mark in the world of international diplomacy. However, it was the student-delegates from St. Benedict Childhood Education Centre (SBCEC), Cebu City, who exceeded all expectations and left a lasting impression on both their peers and the judges.
Lian Edmor Ybañez, a delegate who represented the United Kingdom in the Unesco Council, received the highly coveted Best Position Paper award for the said council. This recognition highlights Ybañez’s exceptional research, critical thinking, and articulation of key issues pertinent to the council’s agenda on cultural preservation. His meticulous preparation and well-crafted position paper set the tone for his subsequent performances throughout the conference.
Marco Emmanuel Mercado, a delegate who represented the United Kingdom in the Unicef Council, also received the Best Position Paper award for the said council. Mercado’s comprehensive understanding of equal access to education and the integration of technology and innovative approaches to tackling pressing global challenges impressed the chair and the co-chair. His ability to effectively communicate his ideas and propose feasible solutions made him stand out among a highly competitive group of delegates.
In addition to the two Best Position Paper awards, Leia Marie Capanas, a delegate who represented the Philippines in the Unesco Council, was awarded the prestigious title of the Most Outstanding Delegate of the said council. This accolade recognizes Capanas’ exceptional leadership skills, persuasive arguments, and the ability to forge consensus among her peers. Her unwavering commitment to diplomacy and global cooperation demonstrated her potential to become a future leader in international affairs.
The achievements of SBCEC’s student-delegates at the Awmun V highlight the school’s commitment to nurturing young talents and empowering them to excel on the global stage.
The school’s emphasis on research, critical thinking, and effective communication undoubtedly played a crucial role in the success of their student-delegates. Furthermore, the student-delegates were trained and assisted by SBCEC’s MUN coaches, Mr. Markpoalo Cañada and Mr. Cris Jhon Tejada, and SBCEC’s Debate Society moderator, Mr. John Ryann Gallego.
The triumph of these young representatives not only underscores the significance of youth involvement in shaping our world’s future but also serves as an inspiration to other aspiring MUN participants. The Awmun V showcased the immense potential of young minds to generate innovative solutions to complex global issues and reaffirmed the importance of platforms like Awmun in fostering global citizenship. (JOHN RYANN F. GALLEGO)