The Sultans School was greatly honoured to send four of its outstanding 11th grade students to Switzerland to participate in the prestigious event of the ‘Students’ League of Nations’ (SLN). After a long process of trials, where a willing number of students auditioned, Basma Hussein, Maha Al-Ghafri, Amna Al-Busaidy, and Fatima Zahra Muneer were chosen. Ecstatic with joy, excitement and anticipation, as well as nerves, they prepared their resolutions for submission, so that they could be discussed by the delegates at the SLN. Basma Hussein and Maha Al-Ghafri who were working in a pair, had their resolution picked from more than a hundred other resolutions.

This resolution which they both strongly believed in carried the subject of ‘Unethical Media Emissions’ which was heavily discussed and debated. They gave a seven minute speech as to how media coverage may sometimes be a huge factor in misdirecting youths into the wrong path and influencing them to make bad decisions. They argued that misled youths are a result of the media’s indirect influence on their minds. Hence, the governments of countries shouldn’t just ban illegal substances and activities, and put rules and policies that restrict or prohibit them: such as drugs, smoking and crime but to also create a group or community that spreads awareness of what is to be aired, using the radio, TV or other forms of media, to the world and help youths to distinguish between what is good and what is bad. The resolution basically points out that youths should be given the proper tools to identify the misconceptions that many Medias worldwide might bring about. This resolution obviously gained the liking of the Students’ League of Nations Steering Committee as it was chosen from the many other resolutions submitted and was given the well deserved honour to be presented at the event. The Sultan’s School is extremely proud to announce that this resolution carried the name of two of its own. Amna and Fatima prepared a resolution that did not at the very least lack excellence and show clear hard work and effort. It focused on the subject of the balancing between the aid given to post-war and underdeveloped countries and to countries which are victims of natural disasters. Unfortunately, there is never time in the MUN to discuss everything.

Other resolutions were also presented at the event such as resolutions that were related to prison conditions around the world and the psychological effect of the misuse of the word ‘terrorism’ as well as the growing epidemic of sexual trafficking in and around the world.

When these four students were asked about the relevance of such meetings, they mentioned that in their opinion the MUN creates international understanding of the very serious topics and situations occurring in the World, more so, they believe it leads to the forming of respect and understanding between cultures, which is essential in our world today. Surprisingly, when asked if they also believed the UN would be affected by the decisions and subjects that were debated in the MUN, they disagreed saying that the United Nations just seem to want to know the opinions of the new and younger generation and their perspective in the world. They think that the younger generation don’t truly understand how politics works and therefore they are not able to put forward resolutions that in reality may actually be accepted and considered by the United Nations. Besides this, the four students have all said the MUN has affected their occupational choices and has actually encouraged them to, someday, take up a position in the United Nations.

In conclusion, these students have said that they have gained much from this experience: debating skills, public speaking and courage, as well as their ability to be more understanding and appreciative of other cultures and different personal beliefs of the countless people they meet as well as their political views. They recommend it highly and advise all students to try it; they believe it is a great experience and a real ‘eye opener’ to the world and its different people and cultures. They advise students willing to attend the next MUN to be committed to everything and fully prepared to put in the hard work. They inform future students who will hopefully attend this event to take the emails and contact details of the new people and friends they meet there, which all leads to a much wider knowledge span. They have absolutely no regrets and would definitely do it again, quoting them: “It is unforgettable! A great experience and a superb trip, you would surely feel more in-touch with the outer world! ”.

Humbled by their gratitude, the four students all admit that they owe this great experience to Mr. Tom Vignoles (head of the English department) who introduced the world of the Model United Nations to the Sultan’s School and took these four exceptional students to the Swiss Pioneer. They also are deeply thankful to Ms. Carol and Mrs. Joy Bowker for being an enormous help in writing up their resolutions and were their stamina for fighting off their nerves. Of course, they will never forget the unbelievable support and encouragement from their family and friends.