Students Participate in Yale University’s Virtual Model UN

Recently, twelve George School students took part in Yale University’s Model UN. This event is typically held in New Haven on Yale’s campus, but was held virtually this year due to the pandemic. 

The Yale Model UN is an opportunity for high school students to meet with peers to discuss the world’s current affairs and challenges. The event is a four-day opportunity for students to simulate international relations through debate and diplomacy.  

Like many other events this year, Yale decided to host the event virtually. Yale’s event website reads, “This year more than ever, YMUN XLVII will strive to provide delegates from around the world with an opportunity to participate in dynamic, educational, and enriching opportunity to hone and showcase their abilities. It is this passion, commitment, and care that make YMUN one of the premier global Model UN conferences, whether it takes place at Yale, or online.” 

Despite the event being virtual, there was a large turnout. Some committees had eighty to one hundred delegates. Students from all over the world discussed topics such as: international and national security, political and economic development, human rights, sustainability, and more.  

“I think Yale’s MUN club did a really good job at replicating the feeling of a typical conference,” said Ryan Bencivengo ’21. “For example, they created a whole virtual platform and map of the conference, with rooms that we could click on, like the assembly hall, rooms for hearing talks, rooms for fun activities, and rooms for each specific committee session. It was all laid out in a neat map that provided a greater sense that we were all actually together.”

“What I enjoyed the most was the feeling of passing your resolution,” said Chris Petrosky ’23. “It makes you feel that you can do anything with the right team.”

Ryan mentioned that George School’s Model UN Club is planning to host its own virtual conference in April.

The following students from George School participated in the Yale Model UN: 

Ryan, Saint Lucia; Sophia Bediako ’22, Jamaica ; Angy Rushford ’22, Thailand ; Silas Kennedy ’22; Iran Tarini Patel ’22, Mexico;  Flora Kim ’24, Bahamas;  Akindele Oladeji ‘21, Slovakia;  Chris Petrosky ’23, Ukraine; Aniketh Phalcomepely ’21, India; Sanjana Bhattacharya ’24, Turkey; Bella Storie ’21, Serbia; Matt Rampe ’23, Rwanda; Megha Phalcomepely’23 , Haiti.