HABSMUN, the School’s annual Model United Nations conference, returned for the ninth time on the weekend Friday 17 March to Sunday 19 March 2017, with the School playing host to over 600 people from a mixture of schools around the country and around the world, with the delegation from Azerbaijan travelling the furthest to take part.
There was a vibrant, positive buzz around the campus, as delegates arrived to debate some of the most pressing global issues. From climate change and mental health issues to refugees and the future of NATO, delegates were able to grapple with serious issues and come up with imaginative and creative resolutions to respond to these issues.
Following the Opening Ceremony addressed by Lord Popat, the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Rwanda and Uganda, and Headmaster Peter Hamilton, delegates engaged in intense, reasoned debate, coming up with clauses and resolutions relating to topical issues, as well as a surprise ‘crisis’ that challenged delegates’ ability to respond. Amidst the debate, there was still plenty of room for fun, with a rap battle in the Human Rights Committee and a sing-along in Political One two such highlights.
The conference finished with laughs and tears at the Closing Ceremony, where the delegation of Tonga was awarded the ‘Best Delegation’ gong. The immense success of the weekend was testament to the hard work of the pupils in organising the conference, and the great fun had by everyone who attended the conference was tangible. Habs boys played an immense role, from organising the conference, to writing daily newspapers and producing the conference video, with over 150 Habs boys and girls involved in the running of the conference. Everybody that attended had a great weekend, and HABSMUN 2017 ensured that the annual conference remains one of the highlights of the School calendar.