Model United Nations Assembly

After victory in the Northern Sydney Model United Nations Assembly (MUNA), the team of Aaron Rucinski, Blake Fite and Patrick Zhang travelled to Canberra on Friday 19 August for the National MUNA Competition. The competition took place in Old Parliament House and gave the students the opportunity to speak in a historical venue. Representing the United States of America (USA), the team was tasked with engaging in both debate and diplomacy.

The competition began on Friday evening with a special debate where delegates were required to decide on the resolutions that would be debated in the General Assembly the following days. Over the weekend, the team debated on a range of resolutions, including arguing in support of the importance of food security, the freedom of information and the growing concerns around the South China Sea. The team then opposed resolutions which proposed changes to the Security Council and the removal of the USA’S Presidential Veto Power.

The team were also able to attend the MUNA formal dinner and heard the Australia Human Rights Commissioner, Lorraine Finlay, speak on the importance of maintaining international cooperation for the protection of Human Rights. 

Over the weekend, the team presented compelling and articulate arguments and effectively argued for their nation’s interest. They combined detailed research with humour and energy. Unfortunately, the team were not able to come away with a victory due to the high standard of the National Competition. However, the team should be pleased with their efforts over the weekend.

Top Image Credit: Team USA L to R: Patrick Zhang, Aaron Rucinski and Blake Fite

Ms Meray Wolsely
MIC, Model United Nations Assembly