Model UN Team Excels at Ivy League Conference
University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, May 15, 2019. Due to the pandemic, Model UN delegates could not physically attend the annual Ivy League conference hosted by the University of Pennsylvania, however, several Browning members were awarded for their work on online committees representing France, Japan and Vietnam. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke).
While representing countries from around the world at the ILMUNC conference hosted by the University of Pennsylvania, Henry S. ‘22, Nathaniel M. ‘22, and Luca G. ’22 were given recognition as Best and Outstanding delegates in their respective committees.
Gerald Protheroe, Upper School history teacher and faculty advisor of the team for 25 years, was very proud of the delegates’ effort.
“I am happy they won and that the delegation performed well,” Dr. Protheroe said.
In the past, ILMUNC was a four-day conference held at a hotel in late January. Delegates were in committees of over one hundred people, where in-person conversation was the norm.
This year, students from all over the world gathered virtually in a one-day conference to discuss pressing topics about the world at ILMUNC online. Students debated climate change and the implication of displacement, Europe after the EU, and Chinese development on the Mekong River.
Unlike a regular Model UN committee setup, most communication took place using the Zoom chat and breakout room functions. Delegates used this to collaborate with each other and draft resolutions about their individual topics.
Luca G. ’22 used preparation and commitment, exactly what Dr. Protheroe feels are the necessary ingredients to be successful. Luca won Best Delegate in the “Europe After the EU” committee. Every delegation needs preparation and research from their delegates to achieve success. Luca took this to heart and used his research and public speaking skills to his advantage, which resulted in an award.
“I was able to stand my ground and not get intimidated by other delegates, as I was able to bring something to the table that nobody else could,” Luca said. “The fact that nobody besides me was able to address corruption or agricultural policies was instrumental in winning an award. Without proper research and public speaking skills, this wouldn't have been possible.”
The new virtual format was different for all students participating. The in-person committee sessions gave students around the world a chance to interact with each other. This year, students were not able to do this. One of the senior leaders of the Model UN club Fazeel K. ‘21 addressed this major difference.
“Model UN was a completely different experience this year with the new online format. I am used to meeting students around the world in a hectic room full of aspiring high school students.”
These challenges did not stop Fazeel and others from making the most of these unusual circumstances. Fazeel was very impressed with how ILMUNC handled the virtual committees.
“Although I missed the usual interaction with other students, ILMUNC did a great job adjusting,” Fazeel said. “They made great use of the breakout rooms and other features of Zoom such as the raise hand notification.”
To cap off Dr. Protheroe’s last year advising Model UN, he believed the team was in great spirits.
“There was great enthusiasm shown by the Browning boys throughout the day,'' Dr. Protheroe said.