Photos: Somersfield Students At Model UN In NY
Twenty-one students from Somersfield Academy recently travelled to New York City to participate in the Global Classrooms International Model United Nations Conference.
A spokesperson said, “Twenty-one students from Somersfield Academy’s M4 and DP1 cohorts travelled to New York City to participate in the 2025 Global Classrooms International Model United Nations [GCIMUN] Conference, hosted by the Lebanese American University [LAU] in collaboration with the United Nations Association of the United States of America [UNA-USA] on April 25-27, 2025.
“Accompanied by IB educators Ms. Lauren MacNeil and Mr. Russell Peters, along with parent chaperone Ms. Syrine Rajeh, the students represented the nations of Palau, Turkey, and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland across a range of complex committee topics. These included the impact of Central Bank Digital Currencies [CBDCs] on financial stability; restructuring international debt through trade deals; protecting intellectual property in the era of 3D printing and biotechnology; and the security challenges of artificial intelligence in counter-terrorism efforts.
“Four students — David Sainsbury, Marc Rajeh, Zarah Siddiqi, and Rose Paulos — returned to the conference for a second time, having first participated in 2022. Given that Model UN is only offered to M4 and DP1 students at Somersfield, their decision to return speaks volumes about the strength of the experience and the opportunities it provides.”
“Our students have been preparing for the MUN conference since the fall. The focus is on students deepening their understanding of their country’s foreign policy and stance on the relevant agenda topics. They have to research and write effective position papers which have to be accepted by the organisers prior to the conference. Students learn public speaking, debate skills, formal proceedings, rules of procedure and how to respond to points of order and inquiry,” said Ms. Lauren MacNeil. “Their poise, collaboration, and respect throughout the weekend truly reflected the values of Somersfield Academy.”
The spokesperson said, “The GCIMUN Conference brings together high school and middle school students from around the world to simulate UN proceedings. Delegates engaged in moderated and unmoderated caucuses, debating global issues, building alliances, and drafting solutions in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
“Outside the conference sessions, Somersfield students took time to explore the city of New York, visiting Times Square, Bryant Park, and other local landmarks, while walking up to 20 kilometres each day.
“The delegates for each nation were:
Palau
- Annabel Olutiola
- Alyssa Andrews
- Julianna Tothong
- Axel Wideman
- Hayden Smith
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
- Mackenzie Kowalski
- Kate Allington
- Marc Rajeh
- Matthew Troake
- David Sainsbury
- Masaki Kitade
- Hayleigh Cherry
- Sydney Troake
Turkey
- Lola Reape
- April Cherry
- Zarah Siddiqi
- Rose Paulos
- Christina Lee
- Yemaya Iris
- Kiara-Ma’Lie Weeks-George
- Samantha Binega-Northcott
“The impact of GCIMUN is best captured in the words of the students themselves. Several students reflect on what the experience meant to them:”
“Model UN opens your eyes to other students’ opinions and how they view the world and its problems. It allows for new experiences and new interactions with people from all over the world. The people I have met and the memories I have made through the conference will stay with me for the rest of my life and help me see the world through different lenses.” – Kiara-Ma’Lie Weeks-George ‘26
“I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend trip to New York. It was both educational and fun and the chaperones clearly put in a ton of effort to make it great for us. It was very fun to connect with the teachers outside of a school environment, which I think can help a lot with classroom relations. Overall, it was a very successful trip.” – Christina Lee ‘28
“The Model United Nations conference is a great experience and can help set the foundation for future opportunities. During the conference, you will meet students just like you from places across the globe. The conference allows you to discuss real-life global topics and issues and come to resolutions with other delegates. The trip overall is a good opportunity to travel and visit the city.” – Rose Paulos ‘26
“Model UN was such a great experience for me! I think one of the highlights of the trip for me was entering the UN Building for the first time. It was intimidating at first but was a great once-in-a lifetime opportunity. Meeting delegates all around the world and making friends was so rewarding after the conferences, and everyone was so kind! Overall MUN was a great trip and is something I will carry with me forever.” – Julianna Tothong ‘28
The spokesperson said, “Somersfield Academy is proud of its students for embracing this opportunity to grow as independent thinkers, effective communicators, and compassionate global citizens.”
