De La Salle junior from Clayton honored at Model UN
CLAYTON, CA—De La Salle junior Ben Williamson of Clayton won a distinguished delegate award representing the United States on the Disarmament and International Security Committee at the 30th annual Contra Costa County Model United Nations Conference last month.
About 150 students representing seven high school teams participated in this year’s Contra Costa Model UN including De La Salle and Berean Christian High. Carondelet usually participates in the program but did not for this year only. The program allows students to tackle current world issues and as expected this year’s Model UN was held virtually due to COVID-19.
The academic event is produced and directed by Contra Costa County Office of Education. The day-long event enhances high school students’ understanding of the United Nations and its role in global issues. Participating students (delegates) each represent a nation and negotiate on that country’s behalf.
“We are pleased to see high school students throughout our county, the Bay Area and beyond participate in our Model UN program,” Contra Costa superintendent of schools Lynn Mackey said. “It is certainly admirable that during the challenges of COVID-19 that these students and their advisors found the extra time to learn about the United Nations and world issues.
“When you watch the students in committee sessions, it is evident of the hard work and preparation they have put in, as they successfully discuss, persuade, and work with fellow committee members on real-world problems and complex international relations.”
International issues
During the conference, delegates debated international issues in 10 committees, including Disarmament and International Security Committee, World Health Organization, Security Council, United Nations Environment Program and United Nations Children’s Fund. Topics discussed included the COVID-19 Pandemic, Reducing Pollution of the Oceans, Access to Clean Water, Nuclear Disarmament and Misinformation and Fake News.
Along with learning about the organization and world issues, Model UN is an opportunity for students to display their hard work and preparation as they discuss, persuade and work with fellow committee members on real-world problems and complex international relations.
This academic event also offers students an opportunity to gain substantive knowledge about the cultures and policies of the countries they represent.