Buses from 34 school districts as far away as Syracuse and Ithaca rolled up to Hilton High School on November 9, so hundreds of students could participate in the 39th Annual Hilton Model United Nations Conference. The student-directed event provides debate opportunities for both new and experienced high school delegates.
“Your work over the next two days is going to exemplify the International Baccalaureate learner profile,” said Dr. Jeffrey Green, Hilton High School principal. “You’re going to be open minded and take risks; you’re going to think and reflect; you’re going to communicate; you may be asked to represent stances that you don’t necessarily agree with, but you’re going to do so because you’re principled.”
Students chaired 15 different committees based on actual UN committees that debate proposals, present position papers and vote on resolutions. Schools select the country/countries they want to represent and delegates prepare before the conference by researching that country’s stand on issues and current problems. Disarmament, World Health Organization, Economic and Social Council, and UN Women are a few of the committees on which delegates took an active role representing their country while following parliamentary procedures.
“The ability to suspend your own lens of preferences and truly attempt to understand someone is an important lesson I hope you take with you, regardless of where in the world you live or what profession you hold,” Secretary General Maia Raynor told her fellow delegates.
In addition to being an opportunity to learn and collaborate with students from other schools, Model UN raises funds for charity. Students sold carnations and competed in “Jar Wars” to see which committee could raise the most money for a charity. This year, students raised $4,000 for East House, a private, nonprofit agency that provides services and programs to individuals in recovery from mental illness and substance use disorders.
Hilton teacher Annette Wattie has coordinated the Conference for the past nine years. Prior to that, Robert Phillips, a retired Hilton teacher, and his wife, Mary, also a retired Hilton teacher, ran the conference for over 30 years.
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Adam Sheelar, committee chair for the United Nations Children’s Fund, addresses his fellow delegates from 34 area schools during the 39th Annual Model United Nations Conference at Hilton High School. Provided photo
