We at UISG Model the UN: PACKMUN III | 联结世界，共舞于外交舞台

In a world that can often feel chaotic, how do we discover and uphold the values that unite us? This question was at the heart of UISG’s third Model United Nations conference, PACKMUN III, which carried the theme “Confirming Values Amidst Conflict.”

This year’s student-led conference saw important growth. For the first time, the event spanned three full days and was held at our excellent ULC facility, which offers a beautiful view of Golden Lake. It was also the first time we welcomed students from outside our campus – a group of delegates and chairs from UISZ joined the conference, adding a valuable outside perspective.

MUN is a popular extracurricular activity in many international schools. Students take on the role of a country and then must defend its stance on a given issue, much like they would do at a real United Nations Assembly. Each student, or “delegate,” is in a committee where a given topic is discussed. “Chairs” then moderate and oversee these sessions, ensuring they match the rules of “parliamentary procedure.” They then must band together with other delegates and pass a resolution that would attempt to solve the problem discussed in their respective committees. Students last weekend discussed a wide range of global issues, including recent United States tariff policies and the destruction of cultural heritage sites in conflict zones – an issue that affects many nations.

The conference opened on the 29th with inspiring speeches from MUN Director Dr. Roy and Head of Secondary Mr. Grist. They encouraged students to practice diplomacy and seek mutual benefit in their interactions. Mr. Grist compared MUN debate to a dance rather than a battle. He explained that, unlike a military conflict where there is a clear victor, debate at UISG should be like a coordinated dance – partners working together with grace and respect, guided by shared values of inclusivity and global-mindedness.

After the opening, students began presenting their speeches. MUN helps students improve public speaking through short but powerful presentations. It also requires them to see the world from another country’s point of view, helping them develop empathy for cultures they may not be familiar with.

Once the initial nervousness faded, the next two days were filled with writing resolutions, proposing amendments, and lively debate. Students worked together with allies to draft resolutions aimed at solving global problems. They learned to create detailed policy documents like those used in professional settings and experienced what it is like to advise countries on complex international issues.

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Between formal sessions, students enjoyed breaks where they snacked, chatted, and relaxed – showing their cheerful youthful spirit. Many first-time participants showed great courage and clear personal growth. They dared to speak up even when unsure and left the conference more confident and willing to take risks – a key goal of IB education. More experienced delegates also strengthened their skills, gaining deeper MUN experience that will help them succeed in more competitive conferences later this year.

After the debates, amendments, and final votes, the conference ended with smiles, handshakes, and the traditional signing of placards. Although not an official part of the simulation, this activity captures the true spirit of MUN:building connections with classmates and new friends through a diplomatic role-playing game. Representing a country encourages students to interact with kindness and respect.

By Sunday evening, students were tired but happy. The memories made will stay with them, and the skills they gained will serve them well in the future. If the world could learn from the spirit of an MUN conference, it would surely become a more compassionate place.

在一个时常充满纷扰的世界里，我们如何发现并坚守那些将我们凝聚在一起的价值观？这个问题正是UISG第三届模拟联合国会议PACKMUN III的核心主题——“在冲突中确认价值”。

今年的学生主导会议实现了重要突破：首次为期三天，并在我们优秀的ULC场馆举行，那里可俯瞰金湖的美丽景色。这也是我们第一次迎来校外学生的参与——来自UISZ的代表团及主席团成员加入会议，为讨论注入了宝贵的外部视角。

模拟联合国是许多国际学校中广受欢迎的课外活动。学生们扮演某一国家的角色，并须就特定议题捍卫其立场，正如在真正的联合国大会上所做的那样。每位学生（即“代表”）加入一个委员会，就特定主题进行讨论。“主席”则负责主持会议并监督流程，确保符合“议事规则”的要求。代表们需与其他代表协作，通过一份决议案，以尝试解决各自委员会中讨论的问题。上个周末，学生们探讨了众多全球性议题，包括近期美国的关税政策、冲突地区文化遗产的破坏——这些议题影响着许多国家。

会议于29日开幕，模拟联合国指导老师Roy博士和中学部校长Grist先生发表了鼓舞人心的演讲。他们鼓励学生们在互动中实践外交、寻求互利。Grist先生将模拟联合国辩论比作一场舞蹈而非战斗。他解释道，与军事冲突中存在明确胜者不同，UISG的辩论应如协调的舞蹈——舞伴以优雅和尊重相伴，在包容性与全球视野的共同价值观指引下共舞。

开幕后，学生们开始进行演讲。模拟联合国通过简短而有力的展示帮助学生提升公众演讲能力，同时也要求他们从其他国家的视角看世界，从而对可能陌生的文化产生共情。

最初的紧张消退后，接下来的两天充满了起草决议、提出修正案和热烈的辩论。学生们与盟友合作撰写旨在解决全球问题的决议案。他们学习撰写如专业环境中使用的详细政策文件，并体验了就复杂的国际问题为国家提供建议的过程。

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在正式会议间隙，学生们享受休息时间，品尝零食、聊天放松，展现出欢快的青春活力。许多首次参与的学生表现出巨大的勇气和明显的个人成长。他们即使不确定也敢于发言，并在会议结束后更加自信、更愿意冒险——这也是IB教育的一个重要目标。更有经验的代表则进一步提升了技能，积累了更深厚的模联经验，这将帮助他们在今年后续更具竞争力的会议中取得成功。