Model United Nations Summit On Global Terrorism

A Level Politics students partnered with students at Argo Community High School  near Chicago for a second Model United Nations Summit.  The three hour Summit on Global Terrorism took place on-line during the afternoon in England, whilst due to the time change it was morning in the USA.  Students were asked to write position papers on their chosen country’s stance on terrorism to submit before the chairwomen.  They further crafted opening statements to the Model UN in order to attract other countries into their break-out groups.  Once the break-out groups were joined, students used the time to discuss possible solutions to global terrorism that can be agreed upon and that are in line with their own country’s policies.  At the end of the deliberation time, students jointly wrote a resolution paper to advocate their ideas and to present them to the Model UN as a whole.  After the presentations of the resolutions, each resolution was voted upon.  In this case, all of the resolutions passed so the students were really happy and felt accomplished. 

Ms Markatos and her brother, Bobby Markatos, organised this opportunity for the students because they are both Social Studies teachers and wanted to foster international cooperation and positive relationships between the students.  As well as the social aspect, this event was a success because it developed the students’ confidence in public speaking, understanding of global political procedures, conducting academic research, critical thinking, persuasive writing, working within a group, being respectful of differing opinions, and adhering to strict deadlines.  There are plenty of life skills being honed here, but also the Catholic Social Teaching of Human Dignity.  Overall, the students in both countries really enjoyed this experience and are hoping to be able to do it at least once more before the summer.