ISSP - Report from the Secretariat

On Friday the 17th of November, LEH had the privilege of hosting three local schools for a taster session of what a Model United Nations conference would look like, under the ISSP programme. As this was all of the students' first conference, we began with an introduction of terminology used at conferences, and the general running order of debate sessions and lobbying typically used. Despite their initial nerves, the students quickly picked up on debate structure and the particular nature of Points of Information, something even the most seasoned of attendants sometimes get confused with. In one of the two committees, we discussed the intricacies of Capital Punishment, and whether its abolition should have certain exceptions for crimes such as mass murder and terrorism. After much well-researched and convincing debate, the resolution for its abolition was passed, alongside an amendment which stated an exception would be made in cases of terrorism. In the Health committee, there were reports of heated debate and intelligent Points of Informations raised by opposing delegations. To alleviate some of the pressure, each of the delegations from both committees were made up of two students; one from LEH and the other from a visiting school. This not only improved public speaking skills, but also communication and teamwork between the delegates. All delegates spoke with confidence and conviction and demonstrated diplomacy throughout the conference. On behalf of the secretariat, we hope that this conference was merely the first step on these students’ long Model United Nations journey, and that the students enjoyed this opportunity as much as the Chair’s did.

The Secretariat