Members of Taft’s Honors Model UN class traveled to Boston recently for the sixty-third session of Harvard’s Model United Nations (HMUN), a four-day international relations simulation. HMUN 2016 attracted more than 3,000 high school delegates from over 35 countries, with Taft’s delegates rising to the top field.
“I am a very proud teacher of a scholarly, hard-working group of students,” said Jamella Lee, Taft’s Dean of Global and Diversity Education. “They performed exceptionally well negotiating, debating, and collaborating on some of the most pressing issues facing our world.”
HMUN delegates assume the roles of UN representatives and members of other international bodies and national cabinets. This year, Taft students represented Uzbekistan. The simulation encourages an in-depth examination and resolution of critical world issues, while emphasizing process over product. Students must balance national interests with the needs of the international community, while managing the powers and limitations of international negotiation. Moderators guide debates in accordance with the formal rules of parliamentary procedure.
Leon Vortmeyer ’16 was named Best Delegate, a first place award, for his work with the Special Summit on Biotechnology committee. His work included position papers on genetic testing and privacy, and on international standards for research ethics and access.
“Leon led a fierce committee in negotiating resolutions on the topics in front of his committee,” notes Lee. “His diplomacy, poise, self-confidence, scholarly acumen, political astuteness, emotional intelligence, mastery of the rules of procedure, mental toughness, and negotiating skills were second to none—impeccable to say the least.”
Tawanda Mulalu ’16 garnered verbal commendations for his work on the HMUN General Assembly’s World Health Organization committee. Tawanda wrote position papers considering research on human subjects, and healthcare in penal institutions. Tawanda and Zygimantas Jievaltas ’17 were also among the top 10 finalists in the Harvard Impact Initiative Essay Contest.
Honors Model UN students, who received additional coaching from Headmaster Willy MacMullen’78 and attorney Nancy Kinsella, will travel to Ithaca, NY in April for Cornell University’s Model UN event.