Posted by Alice Taylor, Westlake Girls High
In what seems a testing time in global history, MUNA (Model United Nations Assembly) once again welcomed vigorous debate focused on the most pressing issues of our day. Organised by Rotary Auckland East with Auckland Girls Gramar School, this event saw high school students sacrificing personal viewpoints and instead adopting those of their delegated country, with alliances comprised and looks exchanged in only minutes of an early start on Friday. Delegates represented their countries not only through speech but through costume; in a crowd of abundant colour, one could spot an Abba inspired Sweden, latex and all, and even a human size Kiwi amongst his Lord of the Rings companions.
 
The event was predominately separated into block meetings and five remit presentations, where a number of one memorable one liners were to be spoken by the likes of Russia and Mexico. The first bloc meetings entailed countries rallying and voting for a representative leader. These meetings saw certain blocks, like Western Europe, opt for the smaller yet neutral voice of Cyprus, whereas Eastern Europe unified together in the hopes than any country other than Russia would represent them. Given Croatia seemed to present the most animosity, they were voted in almost unanimously. Nigeria successfully argued through identifying common issues in a concise manner.
 
Argentina won over Latin America with a creative method of sherbet bribery, and Yemen was voted in the Asia Pacific Bloc as the most compelling opposition to North Korea. The Asia Pacific focus was predominately upon peace, stability and monitoring aggressors, but even their debate got aggressive with China refusing to give up nuclear weaponry, and North Korea ceasing to speak at all. All criticism turned to Russia in the Eastern Block issue regarding the prevention of authoritarian regimes. Africa recognised their holistic problems in water infrastructure, political instability, Chinese influence, and their relationship with the Eastern Block, though disputes occurred due to differing morality. Discussion in the Western Block focussed on Britain’s exit from the European Union and methods in combating the refugee crisis.
 
Whilst delegates presented in remit debates other countries were restlessly exchanging notes of challenge and proposition. The delegates utilised a fusion of humour and intellect to tackle prevalent topics in a perspective driven manner, and were often faced with testing ‘point of information’. Some remits, like that of improving water and sanitation, resulted in an unanimous voice vote, whereas others, like the remit regarding the free movement of asylum seekers and refugees, triggered numerous lengthy discord and thus ultimately called for a card vote.
 
Amendments formulated during the debate were also voted upon, ultimately creating a dichotomy between at times compromise, and at others an unwavering political stance. These remits, and the others regarding the protection of indigenous rights, examining renewable energy sources and free vaccinations in less developed countries were carried. An impromptu debate regarding the poor treatment of Chechen homosexual men however was not. Political scientist Dr. Paul Buchanan spoke on Saturday and alluded a prevalent idea on media exposure felling terrorism.
 
Delegates who often had the most lasting influence presented simplistic messages, yet were able to rebut through sound historical knowledge and an awareness of global current affairs beyond their own boundaries. Many entered with the preliminary perspective that the main influencers would be Russia, America, and China, yet countries like Israel, Azerbaijan, Papua New Guinea and Cyrus had paramount influence in block and remit debates. Deputy Prime Minister and guest speaker Paula Bennet truly encapsulated such an idea in saying, “No matter how big or small your country is, your voice can be heard”.
 
Written by Alice Taylor
Member of the Westlake Girls Press Team

For an explanation as to what MUNA is and information for clubs go to http://www.rotarydistrict9920.org/Stories/world-politics-from-students-perspective-at-muna