For immediate release
October 23, 2001

Issue of world hunger debated by Model UN
 
        Sixty students from twelve area secondary schools will meet at Sir James Whitney School for the Deaf on October 26 and 27 to debate the issue of world hunger. The Quinte and District Branch of the United Nations Association in Canada organizes the Model United Nations together with the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board.
        Schools send two or more teams of two senior students to present, discuss and debate the position of their assigned country. The two day event includes the presentation of country position papers and debate on the topic. The reason for the conference on world hunger is to discuss and share ideas about ending hunger and undernourishment.
        "The Model UN is a valuable learning experience," says Gillian McCurdy, Human Resources Officer with the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board. "It provides conference delegates with an opportunity to debate issues, draft and discuss restrictions, caucus with students role-playing other countries and work together to solve problems facing the world."
        Students are required to prepare a one page position paper on their country. This information is presented and Model UN delegates then ask questions. Following the presentation, delegates break-off into groups in an attempt to form allies and work towards a resolution using the knowledge gained from their research. The group of delegates reconvene into the General Assembly and discuss the proposed resolutions. Positions are challenged and finally, resolutions are put to a vote.
        Following the two days of presentations and debates, the event is summarized by the officiator, Bill Walker, former president of the branch, following which, each student is presented with a certificate of participation.
 

For information contact:
Gillian McCurdy, Human Resources Officer, 966-1170 ext. 2265