SLAS Model United Nations: A Year of Growth and Global Engagement
SLAS Model United Nations has had an exciting and productive year so far. During the fall semester, the team hosted two in-house practice conferences designed to introduce new delegates to Model UN procedures, debate formats, and conference expectations. These sessions gave both new and returning students valuable experience and confidence as they prepared for larger events.
In late November, a group of 14 high school students traveled to Seoul, South Korea to participate in YALEMUN, a large and prestigious Model United Nations conference that promotes global citizenship and challenges delegates to engage with pressing international issues. The student delegation included Julie Yi Chen Liu, Drishti Darshini Pattnaik, Siyul Park, Mirei Yo, Narin Choi, Rosabel Bealeigh, Patris-Daciana Corduneanu, Zi Ao (Max) Yeo, Hee Chul (Henry) Kim, Octave Touroul, Harsh Thukral, Hyeon (Jaden) Kang, Yeongchan (Nick) Kim, and Shubhodeep Sinha.
With generous support from parents, the PTA, and our Administration, the five-day trip was highly successful. Students experienced a conference format that differed from our usual procedures, requiring them to adapt quickly while working alongside experienced delegates from around the world. We are proud to share that delegate Drishti Pattnaik earned an Honorable Mention, representing Australia on the Commission on Population and Development. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Rupali Singh, Ji Yeon Lim, and Tae Hong Kim, who generously served as trip organizers, chaperones, and city tour guides throughout the visit.
Junior Shubhodeep Sinha, Co-Secretary-General of SLAS MUN, reflects on the experience:
“I would like to thank Ms. Faustina, the PTA—especially Ms. Rupali and Mrs. Kim—and our club sponsors, Ms. Lynn and Ms. Jonalyn, for their enormous contributions and continuous support in making this trip possible. None of this would have happened without their help. As a proponent of the trip, I was overjoyed to see how months of preparation, planning, and anticipation finally came together in such a meaningful and memorable experience.
The trip to YaleMUN Korea was filled with learning, laughter, and shared experiences from the very beginning. From arriving in Seoul to exploring landmarks such as Namsan Tower, Myeongdong Street, Gyeongbokgung Palace, and Bukchon Hanok Village, students bonded through daily activities, walking tours, and shared meals. Despite long conference days, the group continued to support one another and enjoy the city together.
While the YaleMUN format proved challenging, delegates benefited greatly from interacting with students from different countries and schools. They strengthened their debate and teamwork skills, supported one another through demanding sessions, gained insight into global realities, and built lasting relationships. The memories and growth gained through the experience were ultimately more valuable than an award.”
Following the winter holiday break, SLAS MUN students returned to campus and quickly re-engaged in conference preparation. A delegation of high school students participated in CISSMUN at Concordia International School Shanghai, continuing to develop their diplomatic skills and collaborative confidence. Special recognition goes to Mirei Yo, for earning Best Delegate representing China on the UN International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) and to Hee Chul Kim for serving as Deputy President of the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Looking ahead, the team will continue its work by attending SHASMUN at Shanghai American School, Puxi, and Wellington MUN, which will mark the first large-scale conference experience for our middle school Model UN students. We are excited to support these younger delegates as they take their first steps into international diplomacy and debate.
