MUNA 2017—HOW WAS IT SEEN ?

Take 46 schools, 320 committed students, an internationally themed environment, and what do you have?
MUNA.—the Model United Nations Assembly.
 
This event is run by Rotary in a number of countries.
 
In this case it was Districts 9910/9920, co-ordinated by the Rotary Club of Auckland East, with the venue of Auckland Girls Grammar School.  A student's perspective on the day is at http://www.rotarydistrict9920.org/Stories/world-politics-from-students-perspective-at-muna
 
The purpose of MUNA is to simulate the workings of the UN Assembly via teams of three students from years 11/12.
 
Each team represents a particular UN country on matters of world politics and social concern...
 
Being in the dress of that country helps ensures a full immersion in the thought process of that country they represent.
 
Five remits were debated and included:
 
*The UN implements a programme to improve water and sanitation which is the lead cause of child mortality in the world.
*The UN examines the role of governments in preventing the free movement of asylum seekers and refugees in the light of the UN Declaration of Human Rights.
 
These and the other three remits generated spirited, informed and thought provoking debates over the two days.
 
Secretary General, Ross Robertson (an ex MP) maintained a cool head and a steady hand on proceedings, although briefly gave up his chair when Paula Bennett, NZ Deputy Prime Minister, made a brief visit to MUNA.                                                                                                                                    
 
Guest speaker DR Paul Buchanan, who specialises in international and comparative politics, made a major impact on delegates with his assertive comments, well received by the attendees.
 
All Rotarians had been invited to visit MUNA at some time over the two days, and many first timers were amazed and impressed at the scope and complexity of the event.
 
The Goals of MUNA are:
 
                                         -To develop in students an awareness of the United Nations and the  
                                           International situation of countries in the world                                                                                                                                                                       
                                          -To enable students to improve their public speaking and debating skills
                                         -To encourage students to make informed comments on world affairs
                                        - To encourage students to share their opinions and friendship with students                    
                                           From other schools
 
These goals were well and truly achieved, while the wider Rotarian community will be better aware of MUNA, following the social media, photographs and general discussion that followed MUNA 2017.
 
A major opportunity now exists for Rotary clubs to capitalise on the exposure that these 320 young leaders have had to Rotary.
 
Presenting their attendance certificates at a Rotary meeting or school assembly helps strengthen our youth ties, as very soon, these young people can be Rotaractors, Rotarians, or in a Friends of Rotary group.
 
This will not happen by itself. Clubs need to act now to be ready for next year.
 
Ian Willetts,
MUNA Co-ordinator,
District 9910/9920.
29 May 2017