Model United Nations Trip

After a professional application process, eight ambitious Year 12 students travelled to ACS Hillingdon International School on Wednesday 19th March, 2025, to partake in a realistic simulation of a United National General Assembly. Each student was allocated a country (ours included Costa Rica, Fiji and Jamaica) to research and represent on the day. 

Two global issues were selected for discussion: the geopolitical situation in Western Sahara, and the international housing crisis. The depth and accuracy of the students’ research was impressive, and this knowledge was clearly demonstrated in their lobbying with other countries. Despite less formal preparation than the other students present, the students excelled in their discussions and negotiations, and Matthew Banks even raised a ‘Point of Information’ in front of the entire conference.

The Ruislip High team got stuck into proceedings, and ensured they matched the confidence and determination shown by many other country delegates. They really were admirable in this way, and we are all very proud of their efforts and skills.  

Voting procedures concluded the debates, and one even led to a complete tie, with 42 countries in favour of, and 42 countries opposed to, the resolution proposed by ‘Morocco’. 

The day concluded with an address by the Canadian representative for the International Maritime Organisation, who gave an insightful talk into life as a diplomat. During his talk he shared with students some of the skills most desirable in this field: the ability to listen, discern people’s true intentions, and communicate with tact and approachability. 

Daniel, Year 12, who attended the day, said: “The day was a completely new experience and very useful for getting an insight into the conduct of nations negotiating with each other on different topics. All in all it was very enjoyable!”

Mrs Rickards, who led the trip, said: “The students were extraordinarily professional, proving to us and themselves that no matter how unfamiliar an environment may be, they have the skills to learn, and excel at whatever they put their mind to.” 

All in all, the experience was an escapade into unknown waters that the students took to with very impressive speed and success, showcasing what they have to offer the wider world, when the time comes to step out into it.