History in the Making: Runnymede College hosts its first MUN conference

Runnymede College made history as it hosted its first-ever Model United Nations (MUN) conference on Friday, 26th of September. Classrooms and halls bloomed in bounds of lively conversation, heated debates, and complex resolutions. 

The academic simulation of the United Nations is where students step into the shoes of political representatives and discuss international issues while learning to defend differing perspectives. With a range of committees to choose from, delegates are given the opportunity to passionately defend their allocated countries’ beliefs. 

Out of 8 total committees, topics ranged from Addressing the Rise of Microplastic Food Contamination in Global Food Supply and the Economic Risks of Space Privatisation to Legalizing Euthanasia and Addressing the Use of Sanctions as a Diplomatic Weapon in Economic Warfare. The complexity of each topic certainly made for very rich and interesting debates amongst the delegates. 

Students from other schools and countries in Europe contributed to the international presence, ranging from Mallorca, Barcelona, and even Rome. 

The three-day experience was fascinating and enriching for all; full of insights, reflection, and passionate debates on pressing issues. 

The Opening Ceremony 

Delegates and teachers filled the auditorium, each murmuring about themselves with nerves or confidently practicing their opening speeches as they waited for the Headmaster's arrival. Mr Powell delivered an inspiring speech, drawing the parallel between the current 80th anniversary of the UN to our own conference, and marking the event with significance. By linking our conference with the UN’s legacy, he reminded us how small beginnings can make long-lasting impacts on how today's debates help shape our future leaders. It was a remarkable coincidence that only added to the significance of the topics we debated. 

A UN representative, Alicia Roig, Senior Advisor, Strategy and Risk Management at the COO of UNICEF, came to Runnymede College to open the event alongside Mr Powell. Alicia Roig recounted her personal experiences and background of her work, shedding light on how travel and her involvement in the UN have moulded her perspectives and identity. She emphasised how ‘every step, every debate, every project and every conversation’ would help us grow and left us all encouraged to ‘keep exploring and keep learning.’ 

The Session is now open… 

When the Opening Assembly concluded, chairs led their delegates to their committees and announced that the debates were now open.  To say the least, this experience opened the minds – and hearts – of many people. From winners to tentative first-timers, our delegates poured their all into rounds of lively - and often intense - debates. Despite varying levels of experience, each one proved themselves to be academic individuals and seasoned debaters. Having to communicate with one another and make unilateral resolutions resulted in challenging debates and occasional ‘calls for order’ from the Chairs. Moderated Caucuses were raised by delegates, as well as several Points of Information and Rights of Reply’s. 

It was clear that all delegates had prepared themselves for this event.  Senior History teacher, Mr Baxter, said the event “made me appreciate the complexity, importance and capacity for cooperation and achievement through understanding of different motivations and systems” and seeing the event unfold “pushed my already very high expectations of Runnymede students even further.” Despite the formal and structured sessions, the debate was livened up with rounds of Gossips and Punishments — a very popular MUN tradition. 

Who would’ve thought that something as trivial as using the personal pronoun of ‘I’ could result in a punishment? One of the delegates in my own committee had to go to ESC to sing Frozen’s ‘Love is an Open Door’, which resulted in laughter, fun– and definitely enforcing MUN’s rule of not using Personal Pronouns again. 

Many delegates said they had not expected it to be so fun or so inspiring, and even as the event ended, they couldn’t wait to do it again. Chair of HRC, Claudia Loizaga, found the duality between ‘formal and fun’ unexpectedly pleasant as everything was “very lively and friendly.” 

MUN also serves as a way to put light on very relevant and international issues happening right now, as well as learning to interact with each other respectfully and diligently. 

Behind the scenes 

While this event was fantastic, none of it would have been possible if not for the amazing students and staff involved in its organisation. Y13 students, with the help of the kind staff, ensured seamless transcurrence and organisation. 

From writing topic papers to endless chair and delegate preparation meetings or designing decorative logos and lanyards, this event would not have been possible without them. 

While details like delicious meals and pristine classrooms are usually overlooked, the cleaning and cooking staff helped a grand hand as they ensured the smooth running of events and order. 

Looking towards the future, what's next? 

At the Closing Ceremony, prizes and certificates like Best Delegate and Honourable Mentions were presented to the delighted delegates. Beyond the awards, the event resulted in a wealth of social networking and interaction, taking place between committees and participants. It was clear that as the gavel came down on the closing debate, it marked the start of what may be the start of a new tradition: Runnymede College MUNs. The clear success of RCMUN 2025 has paved the way to a bright, debate-filled future. 

By Ana Kanahuati