By Vasileos Orfanos, Year 12
Have you ever wondered how countries with different backgrounds and different beliefs work together in order to maintain world safety and towards common goals? The United Nations, an institution founded in 1945 after WWII is a respected organisation that promotes global peace. Ecolint, which founded Student’s League of Nations (SLN) and the concept behind this activity, gives students the opportunity to learn how debates and decisions take place in the United Nations. Since 1953, this simulation of the UN general assembly has been taking place, including inter-delegation debates. Since Ecolint launched this program, many schools around the world now also partake in their own versions of Model UN or SLN.
SLN 2023 was a collection of interesting and sprited debates which included many bright teams, who had done an exceptional amount of preparation and research about their countries. Before attending the General Assembly on the 4th and 5th of December, our school hosted a practice debate in the Centre des Arts where students presented their opinions on one resolution, prepared by the Singaporean delegation. This gave insight to students who were new to SLN, allowing them to practice their skills before their trip to the United Nations.
The following Monday was an important and exciting day spent at the General Assembly. After passing through the strict security, we made our way into the Tempus building, a temporary hall which included the huge room where the debates were going to take place. We were welcomed with coffee and snacks, and at 9:00 AM everyone entered the room, including the Chair, who was the coordinator of the debate, the secretary general, and the delegates. Delegates started off with India’s resolution, which was one of the most powerful from this year, which battled to give more countries permanent seats on the UN Security Council. This resolution received positive responses from many of the delegations, amounting to over 50 positive votes. After a refreshing lunch break at the United Nations cafeteria, delegates returned to discuss Venezuela’s resolution. In the room, each country was seated in alphabetical order and had microphones which allowed them to clearly and succinctly voice their opinions on each resolution. To get a chance to speak, delegates had to raise their country’s placard and the chair then decided whether they had the right to speak. As time was limited, delegations were allotted 2 minutes each to talk about our point of view on the resolutions.
The second day was also a fabulous experience. Delegates were clearly more used to the procedure, so entered in a similar manner to discuss the rest of the resolutions. Russia, an active member in the previous debates, presented their resolution which proposed to block the transfer of arms in conflict zones. Being a point of contention among many nations, the Russian delegation did exceptionally well, however were unable to secure enough votes to make their resolution a reality. Also debated was Qatar’s resolution on climate change and Denmark’s resolution which was shorter in length, and focused on protecting the Arctic. SLN 2023 was an inspiring experience, as delegates truly understood what it is to be a UN representative and how important it is to educate oneself on multiple topics to be able to express thoughts through debate.
Overall, 2023’s Student League of Nations was an enriching experience which gave all students the chance to express themselves and see how countries debate to seek world peace. Ecolint is looking forward to SLN 2024!
