British International School’s MUN Delegation at the Ghana Mission in New York
BRITISH INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (BIS) AT THE NHSMUN
NHSMUN (National High School Model United Nations) is a prestigious Model UN conference for secondary school students, established in 1975. It is known for its substantive program, talented attendees, engaging debates, and rigorous material.
The British International School delegation embarked on their Model United Nations journey to New York on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, aboard flight DL 157, scheduled for departure at 10:50 pm. The delegation comprised of 7 learners and two chaperones, involving Ms. Florence Amma Afaribea Owusu, Mr. George Yorke, Yolanda Tamakloe, Lumine’ El Opuni Frimpong, Josephine Messan, Holly Natha-Amadi, Heather Natha-Amadi, Prince Tachie Amoako, and Diyan Abariga.
After a ten-hour and 45-minute journey, our delegation landed at John F Kennedy International Airport at 4:50 am (9:50 am in Ghana). Following a two-hour checkout process, we were transported to the Hilton Hotel in New York City, the venue for the 50th anniversary of the National High School Model United Nations (NHSMUN), where thousands of delegates from various countries convened to participate in over 20 committees.
Upon arrival in New York, we immersed ourselves in the city’s vibrant atmosphere, marveling at its iconic skyscrapers. Later that evening, we took a leisurely stroll from the Hilton Hotel through Broadway to Madame Tussaud’s, engaging with lifelike statues of renowned Hollywood and world celebrities.
The following day, Friday, was marked by the NHSMUN Opening Ceremony at Hilton’s Grand Ballroom, featuring speeches from key figures like Secretary-General Dennis Zhang and Director-General Christian Hernandez. After the Opening Ceremony, we visited the Ghana Mission in New York to gain insights into their representation efforts before engaging in their first committee session.
Committee sessions kicked off that evening, with delegates actively participating in discussions, voting, and delivering speeches across various committees including the Special Political and Decolonisation Committee (SPECPOL), United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-HABITAT), United Nations Convention against Transnational Organised Crime (UNTOC), Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), and Disarmaments & International Security Committee (DISEC), which our 9 delegates registered for. Saturday was dedicated to intensive committee sessions, requiring critical thinking, negotiation, and collaboration to draft resolutions and build alliances.
On Sunday, the committee sessions continued, focusing on finalising resolutions and amendments, culminating in a dance event to celebrate the end of negotiations and long unmoderated caucuses. The conference wrapped up on Monday with closing ceremonies and awards for outstanding delegates.
Before our departure on Wednesday, our delegation further explored the beauty of New York City, enjoying a live performance of the Lion King at the Minskoff Theatre and picking up souvenirs from shopping malls.
Our experience at NHSMUN was productive and enriching.
