IUS student 'diplomats' attend Model United Nations

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Ann Stefanek
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Several Incirlik Unit School students recently returned from a week in Dublin, Ireland, where they took part in the St. Andrews International Model United Nations, an annual conference that hosts more than 800 students representing 45 schools from 11 different countries on both sides of the Atlantic. 

Kyle Sterling, Toby Robinson, Zach Angel, Greta Slotness, Pearson Altizer, and Jim Brendlinger were selected as this year's student delegation. Kyle Sterling was elected Ambassador by his peers. 

According to Neil Bacon, Incirlik Unit School faculty sponsor, "The students were required to read and research issues, discuss world affairs, write resolutions, persuade others through lobbying and debate, and reach consensus with other delegates." 

Students were part of a delegation of four to six people representing one of the 185 countries presently comprising the UN. Their assignment was to represent the country as effectively as possible. 

The first step in preparing for the conference was discovering that Incirlik's students would represent Canada. 

"We had to research every aspect of Canada," explained Greta. "We had to become familiar with the politics of the country as well as its natural resources, culture, and economy. We also had to become familiar with Canada's views on world issues and its record in the UN." 

After the students researched Canada, they had to become experts in the specialty they represented as a delegate. 

Each delegate represented one area of specialization and argued Canada's case while in committee. Once the committee discussed an issue and passed a resolution, they moved on to the General Assembly where they tried to get their resolution passed. 

"It is really interesting," explained Mr. Bacon. "This is where the delegations really show they can authentically represent the country's views and demonstrate their in-depth knowledge of their chosen area of specialization." 

As Ambassador, Kyle gave a speech to the General Assembly and was a member of the disarmament committee. 

"Although Canada is not a member of the Security Council, I was drawn into their discussions and asked to address Canada's position on claims to the Arctic passage as a result of global warming," explained Kyle. "Because I wasn't a regular member of the Security Council, I was unfamiliar with the issues. For that reason, I had to learn quickly and draft a resolution in keeping with Canada's position." 

Although Kyle enjoyed the MUN experience as a whole, he realized he isn't destined to be a politician. 

"I didn't like anything about the diplomatic process," said Kyle. "It is difficult trying to skirt around issues rather than coming right out and saying what you really think. Ironically, I was selected by the disarmament committee as the person most likely to become a member of the UN. " 

Mr. Bacon thought the trip was valuable to all the students on two fronts. 

"The entire experience was fabulous. Mr. Bacon said. "First of all, the exposure to Dublin, the cultural tours of the city, interaction with the large number of Irish students, and the added bonus of spending St. Patrick's Day in Ireland will definitely leave a lasting impression. Secondly, on the academic side, all of the students showed a great deal of improvement in researching as well as in their writing and speaking skills." 

The students agreed this trip was one to be remembered. 

"The best part about the experience was getting to meet and interact with so many different people from around the world," said Greta. "We really got to experience a wide range of personalities as we worked together to discuss major topics affecting our world."