On 4 July, students from schools across the UK became international diplomats for the day at UNA-UK and BISA's Generation United Nations Model UN.
Held at King's College London (KCL), the day started with a background briefing from Theo Farrell, Professor of War in the Modern World in the Department of War Studies at King’s College London and Chair of BISA. This was followed by Sir Stewart Eldon, former UK Permanent Representative to NATO and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations in New York, delivering a short masterclass on diplomacy and negotiation.
Students then split into three separate committees, each consisting of 15 country delegations, to discuss a draft resolution on regulating the arms trade.
Each delegation faithfully represented their country's own positions and interests as they agreed a final text to this difficult treaty. Just like the real UN tensions ran high and not all final resolutions passed but all ambassadors remained professional throughout.
The day concluded with a question and answer session with Sir Stewart and UNA-UK staff member Ben Donaldson who was present for the Final UN Arms Trade Treaty Conference in New York (March 2013).
Professor Theo Farrell said "Today has given students a chance to explore the importance of international relations as a subject. I hope we have inspired them to consider further study in this area."
Stephanie O'Grady, a teacher from Bexhill College, East Sussex said, "My students and I thoroughly enjoyed the day and found it useful and fun! We will definitely be interested in future events."
Click here to read a delegate's account of this event.
