From 25^thto 28^thNovember 2017, 13 students of ISIS Malignani participated in the CFMUNESCO 2017 in Cividale del Friuli.  This Model United Nations (MUN) conference brought together 270 students belonging to 26 different schools: half from Italy and half from the rest of the world (Argentina, Australia, Russia, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Croatia). How interesting to be among the brilliant minds at work to debate current political issues proposing solutions to make the world a better place! 

The Malignani delegation included the below mentioned students, who played different roles in different committees and through constructive debates wrote inspiring resolutions, eventually voted at the General Assembly the last day. 

“I’m Daniele Faccoand I was part of theHistorical Committee, a special committee, established to reenact the events that took place over 100 years ago during WW1. The debate was very exciting and productive.  I represented  Woodrow Wilson, the president of the USA, who joined in the war to protect democracy from tyranny. He did not fight for land or money, just for moral reasons. At the end of the war he proposed a council to ensure the collective security and peace of all Europe.”

“I’m Giacomo Ballochand  I was part of the UNODC1 Committee, which is the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.  We seriously discussed crime and its management in suburban areas and the fight against money laundering. Even if this was my first MUN experience it was rewarding. The atmosphere in my committee was really welcoming: even the shy delegates became talkative after the initial silent attitude.” 

“I’m Teresa Gutierrezand I was initially skeptical about this MUN experience. I thought politics would bore me but my English teacher persuaded me to try. I chose Libya as a country and UNESCO as a committee. I learnt how to do specific research on Libya and its view on education, I learnt to write a policy statement and a few operative clauses for a resolution on education, I experienced public speaking as a delegate and how to make and vote amendments to a resolution in progress.” 

“I’m Gloria Bisaroand I delivered the Ambassador’s speechfor Libyaduring the opening ceremony. It was a revelation: I am shy and I had never thought I could speak or read in public. I am proud of my great achievement. MUN helps you overcome your fears and build up your confidence.”

“I’m Alice Levapontiand I love MUN! It is a magic formula: great international contacts, lots of English in action, an injection of self-esteem. This year I was part of the MUN team by chance, next year I will be part of it by profound motivation.”

“I’m Lorenza Sabrijaand I am a new entry. I regard MUN as an amazing opportunity to learn the art of diplomacy and public speaking. I was deeply involved in the question of protecting Freedom of expression in journalism and the question of improving the School Systemto guarantee a widespread access to education worldwide. I belonged to the UNESCO committee.”

“I’m Eleonora Munaroand I worked hard  with my friend Sara Buonincontri  to understand the rules of the MUN simulation. You need time to become competent and talkative during the committee work. I broke the ice and I spoke my mind. I am satisfied of my job and I am determined to repeat the experience next year.” 

“I’m Valentino Zulianiand I recommend the MUN experience to all students. It is a challenging moment: if you are shy, you become extrovert, if you are afraid of speaking in public, you simply learn how to do it. Besides, you make new friends and you communicate in English naturally.”

“I’m Giacomo Lizziand I am enthusiastic about debating in an unusually formal context surrounded by brilliant young minds. The preparation was serious involving data research, writing factsheets and position papers. The committee and general assembly were moments of great fun and concentration. I am now more open to others and to social issues.”

The skillspracticed  in preparation and during  this diplomatic conference were the following: team work, document research through reliable internet sites, cooperative  discussion, public speaking in formal English, diplomatic negotiation, production of  topic factsheets, position paper, resolution. Yet the top reason for living this experience is the new international and national contacts with other teenagers. Socializing and debating  to make a difference in the world!

In conclusion, we really enjoyed this well organized MUN experience and we are now considering future MUNs abroad. We strongly recommend MUN activities to other Malignani students. This is a great educational offer which enhances Malignani’s prestige in Italy and in Europe and enriches the personal CV of all its students.  

By the Malignani Delegation

( the above mentioned students plus Beatriz Copetti, Gianmario di Benedetto, Alessandro Vignato)