Bradley’s Model UN makes major improvements over previous year

by by Eric Sese

News Editor

The following story was written by a student on the staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Journalism Production course.

All 152 nations are seated with their fellow delegates during a General Assembly session. Resolutions which passed smaller Council Sessions are presented to the conference for debate and caucus. Photo by Eric Sese.

Hilliard Bradley’s Model United Nations (UN) club attended the statewide conference at the Hyatt Regency Columbus last weekend. In contrast to 2021, Bradley students came well prepared for the variety of proceedings held over three days.

The conference, organized by the Ohio Leadership Institute, is the second one held since the COVID-19 Pandemic halted the world. Over half a thousand students represented 152 nations during the “global education simulation experience” described by Ohio Leadership Institute. Students take part in the “writing, presenting, and debating of “issues affecting the nations and peoples of the world.”

In less than 15 after-school meetings, Bradley students representing six nations made major improvements over last year. Bradley representedEquatorial Guinea, Guatemala, Saudi Arabia, Sweden, Venezuela, and Vietnam. Each nation consisted of a maximum of eight student “delegates”.

With the exception of a few seniors, the 2021 Model UN Conference was a first for many. Libby Nilsen (12) believes “last year was a great trial run” for Bradley students. As a delegate for Sweden, her team “took inspiration from…other people” who did well last year. The centerpiece of Model UN is the student-crafted resolutions that must solve a problem of their nation.

From last year, the Model UN club had a major increase in membership. Many returning members like Grace Stuver (12) believe it was helpful to have “people who went to the conference last year.” She mentions returning members “were able to explain procedures and answer questions'' new members might have had. As a simulated experience of the real-world UN, Model UN has a comprehensive list of rules, procedures, and a code of conduct.

There are many aspects to Model UN. Debate Speeches are encouraged in favor or opposition to resolutions. An optional Talent Showcase is held where nations present their culture to other delegates. Menna Alkhafaji (12) explains she was “very proud of the work” her nation of Vietnam prepared. Her group put in “hours of research, speech prep, and musical talent” for the conference. Menna was part of a select few delegates who received Outstanding Delegate.

Vietnam Delegates Autumn Bernava (12), Menna Alkhafaji (12), and Trisha Suresh (12) present their resolution to the General Assembly. Photo by Mike Bleh.

Hilliard Bradley’s Model UN club took many significant strides this year. As Club Advisor Mr. Bleh puts it, “students take charge of all research and debates” and he has little to no involvement. Along with Outstanding Delegate, Vietnam received an Outstanding Resolution award. Sweden received an Outstanding Culture award in-part due to their unique IKEA bucket hats.

Two Bradley students were elected to Ohio Model UN leadership. Lauren Lagana (11) and Dani Peck (11) will serve as “council presidents” with 20+ other officers at the next conference. They will assist with the planning and operating of Model UN proceedings.

Many students have a lot to look forward to next year. Beginning with the 2023-2024 school year, Hilliard Bradley will be offering an elective tying into Model UN. This first semester elective will allow students to dedicate more time and effort to crafting material for the next conference.