On the 12th and 13th of May, 9 members of the Varsity College United Nations Club participated in the Bond University High School United Nations (BUHMUN) as delegates and journalists. BUHMUN is a two-day function held at Bond University that simulates real United Nation conferences. Created in 2017 as the Australia’s first university-run Model UN for high school students, it now accommodates over 300 students from nearly 40 schools across Australia, offering an opportunity for students to develop their diplomacy and innovation skills. This year marked the 10 year anniversary of the event and we are proud to note that Varsity has participated every year!
The focus this year was on Quality Education and Sustainable Communities, discussing how technology and AI strategies can be utilised in ways to either strengthen or weaken global development and cooperation in these areas. Undertaking the role as national delegates from Spain, Portugal, Morrocco and Thailand, Varsity students engaged in debates and collaborated with other delegates in simulated diplomatic scenarios. Some students also participated as journalists, using filming equipment including microphones and professional cameras to interview delegates as well as record the action and diplomatic drama first-hand.
Our UN club Chair Tahani Sawar, Co-Chair Ameila Witkowski and Secretary Lilly Slattery also attended BUHMUN’s 10th Anniversary Gala, providing an opportunity to network with like-minded delegates, staff, distinguished guests and previous alumni. This was also an amazing chance to reconnect with previous Varsity College students and UN Holly Pallin and Faith Cash, who now study International Relations at Bond University. Tahani Sarwar was also honoured with the best Position Paper for the UNSECO committee. This marks the first time globally that the UNSECO committee has been included in a Model UN and this award has been presented to anyone.
Overall, the BUHMUN conference was an inspiring celebration of diplomacy and sustainability, where delegates and journalists contributed to meaningful discussions on global issues and cooperation. Thankyou to Mr Sultmann and Ms De Britt for organising this experience and we eagerly look forward to next year’s conference!
– Mhylee Galvin and Rutva Shah
