From improving the rights of female refugees to space debris, Haileybury Pangea and Haileybury Rendall School students recently stepped into the world of international diplomacy during a Virtual Model United Nations (MUN) Summit.  

Supported by the Monash University International Affairs Society, the MUN allowed Haileybury Pangea students from Years 5–10 and Year 8 students from Haileybury Rendall School to debate real-world issues. 

The students were given a country to represent and presented arguments and amendments, negotiated alliances and voted just like real-life UN representatives. One topic was shared in advance to encourage research and preparation, while the second was revealed on the day, challenging students to think on their feet.  

The event enabled students to gain confidence and skills such as research, debate, teamwork and leadership.  

“It felt like there was a good half hour of no talking and then everyone was talking; when we got to the final resolutions there was an abundance of hands,” said Felix, Year 7. 

This is the first time that Haileybury Rendall School and Haileybury Pangea students have collaborated for an online MUN event. It follows on from another first when earlier this year Haileybury Pangea students collaborated online with Melbourne-based City and Berwick students to explore the geopolitical consequences of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam. 

The events have encouraged the sharing of ideas and new connections. “The students were highly engaged and worked closely with one another to forge alliances and gather support for what their country was trying to achieve. As an intra-campus event the students were very collaborative and felt comfortable because they still had their campus peers around them,” said Chris McCullough, Haileybury Pangea teacher. 

 “I really appreciated the chat function in Zoom, as I could privately reach out to different countries,” explains Charlotte, Year 10. 

Chris hopes MUN will open new possibilities for the students, including potential career and study paths. “This is a stepping-stone event, opening up students to consideration of global issues and their solutions, the development of a global perspective and global citizenship.”