This past weekend from November 1st to November 3rd, CIC hosted the third annual Columbia International College Model United Nations Conference. The United Nations Association in Canada (UNA-Canada) co-organized this conference for the Columbia International College and TEC students. This conference was an great opportunity for the Model United Nations Team to experience hands on learning and to further develop their situational skills. At the conference, CIC welcomed Dr. Anne Pearson, granddaughter of Lester B. Pearson as the keynote speaker.
During the conference the participants were divided into four committees. The United Nations Security Council discussed the Kashmir Conflict, the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs discussed the legal regime of outer space and global space governance, The World Health Organization discussed improving mental health resources in vulnerable states, and The United Nations Environment Programme discussed adaptation and mitigation due to climate change.
All the participants displayed great passion and understanding while trying to resolve these important global issues. Among the students there were a number of students from each committee that stood out and were awarded for their contribution to resolution of the topics.
United Nations Security Council
Best Delegate – Jiang Diwen (Cacerlin)
Most Outstanding Delegate – Nazarii Shershun
Honourable Mention – Tobiloba Ayodele (Tobi)
United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs
Best Delegate – Vo Dinh Huy Nguyen (Huy)
Most Outstanding Delegate – Ghazal Hooshyar
Honourable Mention – Ayomikun Onakoya (Ayo)
World Health Organization
Best Delegate – Mingya Cui
Most Outstanding Delegate – Hieu Linh Le Tran (Jennifer)
Honourable Mention – Junxuan Di (Justin)
United Nations Environment Programme
Best Delegate – Ruoxi Li (Roxy)
Most Outstanding Delegate – Toluwanimi Oladipupo (Nimi)
Honourable Mention – Canwen Qin
Another highlight of the conference was the Saturday Night Social/Networking Event where CIC had 20 Model United Nations Alumni come back to the school to share their experience and wisdom with the current team. Alumni came from all over Southern Ontario and one even flew in from Mexico for this event.
This conference became a very valuable experience for the Montreal Model United Nations Team in their preparation for the Secondary School United Nations Symposium hosted by McGill University that is taking place later this month and for the New York Model United Nations Team in their preparation for the Change the World Model U.N. Conference that is being held at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City in March 2020.
