Last weekend, Year 12 students Jack Preller and Harrison Rimell attended the NSW Youth United Nations State Conference with 200 high school students from across the state, to learn about leadership, diplomacy and advocacy, and to take part in the global conversation about modern conflicts.
Harrison Rimell has written a brief overview of their experience:
“Throughout the three-day event, we partook in workshops, activities and ultimately three separate Model UN summits. Hosted in Collaroy, the conference consisted of discussions on a variety of prevalent issues facing the world and global youth today, ranging from conflict to environmentalism. Jack and I were able to speak with other young people from around NSW to coordinate solutions to these issues, as well as be informed from others; an experience that I would recommend to anyone looking to broaden their perspective and further their understanding of politics.
After a day of workshops and activities, we participated in three separate model UNs; I represented Colombia, and Jack, Finland. Together with the other delegates, we pushed conventions on international cybercrime, the refugee crisis, weapons manufacturing and the rules of engagement. The debates surrounding these issues were nuanced and helped Jack and I to better understand the multi-faceted nature of policy-making.
In addition to simply discussing these issues, we met with the 2023 Australian Youth Representative to the United Nations, as part of her listening tour. The points that we, among ~190 other students, raised to her will be brought up in her statement to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Jack and I both feel honoured to be able to have such a direct impact on the ongoings of world politics, and recommend this program to anyone who wishes to engage with current affairs on a meaningful level.”
