The 11th Annual Quinte and District Model United Nations will take place Thursday, November 1 and Friday, November 2 at Moira Secondary School. The event exposes students to real-world situations which they research, present their findings, debate their country’s positions and negotiate alternative resolutions. This year’s event involves approximately 70 students representing the Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board and the Algonquin and Lakeshore Catholic District School Board.

The topic of global warming
Few people would argue that climate change and global warming, in particular, has become the number one environmental issue in the world today. Many national governments, including Canada’s, have made the warming of our planet their top environmental priority and basis for environmental policies. Also, many international conferences, including ones under the United Nations banner and the G8 Summits, have tried to formulate international standards and action in examining the causes and effects of global warming, and in trying to come up with solutions. This Model UN will attempt to do the same.

Description of the Model United Nations event
Students are appointed a United Nations country to represent. Preparation packages are distributed and students are supported by school staff members in the process of embarking on this international affair. Following the development of a position paper presentation, students, on behalf of the countries they represent, participate in clarification questioning and forming of alliances. The delegates then attempt the complicated process of forming resolutions on the topic of international migration. Resolutions are voted on following the presentations.

The Model United Nations program helps students develop skills which contribute to their understanding of the inter-connectedness of communities, cultures and the importance of building caring relationships.

Media representatives are invited to attend the Model United Nations event on Thursday, November 1 or Friday, November 2 between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at Moira Secondary School.

The Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board serves approximately 17,100 students each day at 46 elementary and 8 secondary schools. Supporting student achievement is the goal of approximately 1,800 teaching and support staff who, in addition to the contributions of caring volunteers and community partners, share their passion for teaching and learning. The district covers a wide geographical area of 7,221 square kilometres bordered by Maynooth to the north, Deseronto to the east, Prince Edward County to the south and Quinte West to the west.

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For more information, contact:
• Kerry Donnell, Communications Officer, (613) 966-1170 or 1 800 267-4350, extension 2354