O'Neal Participates in the Model UN Conference at UVA

There were 21 committees, ranging from historical committees, crises, specialized agencies, and general assemblies, that focused on current and past global events. These committees were very diverse in theme, varying from a crisis about Taylor Swift to a general assembly about the protection of journalists. Before the conference, the team also had the opportunity to take a tour of Monticello and explore the grounds. They got to witness an impersonation of Thomas Jefferson, which taught them the unique aspects of his life. The Model UN team was also greeted by former alumni Stephanie Dücker, Class of 2022.

O’Neal students brought a variety of experience and knowledge, while also bringing many first-time members who were very remarkable. All delegates developed presentational and debate skills while cooperating with other delegates from other schools; this requires the ability to multitask, which makes Model UN exceptionally challenging but worthwhile. Ava Sounia and Caitlyn Blocklinger represented Chile in the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee a general assembly focusing on Title 49 and journalist protection. In another general assembly, Hudson Harless and Harper Hairston represented Egypt in the World Health Organization committee which focused on child mortality and mental health. Caroline Acker and Audrey Kim represented Nigeria in the Security Council focusing on the ethics and risks of Artificial 

Intelligence and Disinformation. Nathan Reifenstahl represented Marshal Yabovsky, the Deputy Minister of Defense in the Joint Crisis about the space race from the perspective of the Soviet Union. In another crisis, Carson Pusser represented Aperel, a vizier, in the Egyptian Armana Revolution focusing on the new changes to religion and government in Egypt. Ami Batterjee represented Hojo Masako, an advisor with lots of influence on the emperor, in the Rise of the Shogunate committee. Katherine Fensterle represented August Folk, a fictional director of Taylor Swift Productions, in the Taylor Swift Management committee. Lastly, the Model UN team is excited to congratulate Rachel Wolff and John Shepherd for winning an Honorable Mention for their role as Ukraine in the Disarmament and International Security Committee which focused on nuclear proliferation and cybersecurity. 

This event was the first major conference for the MUN team for the 23-24 school year. The team will continue to meet throughout the year while holding thoughtful discussions surrounding current global issues and preparing for the upcoming AmeriMUNC conference at American University in Washington D.C. in February.