Model UN 2008

For three days (14th - 16th March) the Woodstock School campus was filled with smartly dressed students passionately discussing such issues as the legitimacy of UN intervention in internal conflicts, how to develop alternative energy sources, and how to guarantee basic nutritional requirements for children. These students were participants in the fourth annual WSMUN conference, a simulation exercise where students represent different countries on various UN councils and committees, discussing and debating issues in order to find common ground and pass resolutions addressing the issues.

Started in 2004 by a team of student leaders and staff advisors, the Model UN program has become one of the largest and most popular extra-curricular activities at Woodstock. A record 194 Woodstock students from grades 7 through 12 participated in this year's conference, filling roles from page/runner to reporter to delegate to committee chair to Secretary General.

Our own students were joined by 40 students and six staff members from four other schools. The Doon School and Mussoorie Public School returned again for their second visit. The American International School of Chennai and Vasant Valley School from Delhi sent delegations for the first time. We were also honored to have two outstanding guest speakers: Mr. Peter Kaestner, Consul General of the American Embassy in Delhi, and Mr. Arup Rajouria, a Woodstock parent and former head of the Nepali conservation agency the King Mahendra Trust.

Secretary General Laura Hansen, a twelfth grade SAGE student, and her two 11th grade deputies, Atirav Gupta and Rithambhra Garg, planned the conference, coordinated the arrangements for the external schools, and worked with committee leaders to coach and prepare the delegates. The Press Corps was also active this year, putting out two papers, two newsletters, and several emergency bulletins, as well as press releases and slide shows for the general public.