As a Senior Lecturer in International Relations at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), I had the distinct pleasure of supporting our Model United Nations Society students in organising an exceptional event that has carved a niche as the first Model United Nations Conference for A-Level pupils in the North of England. On the 15th of November, we welcomed over 100 A-Level students from four local colleges to step into the shoes of world diplomats and debate pressing global issues, right here at UCLan. My involvement in the UCLan Model United Nations Conference was an immensely rewarding journey, one that allowed me to contribute to shaping the intellect and character of our future leaders. It is a role I cherish and one that reinforces my commitment to education and its potential to transform lives.
This conference was a pioneering endeavour not just for our university but for the entire Northwest region, as it provided a vibrant platform for young individuals to engage in the same format of discussion and negotiation found in a real United Nations Conference. The participants, representing various nations, deliberated on a range of crucial topics including the ethical implications of autonomous weapons in warfare, the urgency of international cooperation in transitioning to green energy, and the pursuit of racial justice within law enforcement. The involvement of our own UCLan Model United Nations club members, who took on the roles of committee chairs, was pivotal. They not only facilitated the debates but also exemplified the kind of leadership and organisational prowess that we strive to instil in our students.
Witnessing the enthusiasm and the political acumen of these young minds was profoundly inspiring. Students like Connor McPhale and Maisie Tune demonstrated just how impactful such a platform can be for those who are already fervently passionate about politics and international affairs. It was heartening to see students like Maisie, who aspires to work at the United Nations, passionately advocating for issues close to their hearts. The conference was formally inaugurated by our Vice-Chancellor Professor Graham Baldwin and was drawn to a close by Preston Mayor Councillor Yakub Patel, thereby reinforcing the event's significance.
My role in mentoring and guiding the students in organising this conference was deeply fulfilling, transcending the conventional boundaries of an academic's responsibilities. As an educator, the opportunity to facilitate such a formative experience for young individuals was both a privilege and a profound professional joy. From the inception of the conference, I had the pleasure of witnessing the transformation of theoretical knowledge into practical, diplomatic skills. It resonates with UCLan’s commitment to nurturing proactive, informed, and engaged leaders who are equipped to handle complex international challenges. This event was not just an academic exercise; it was a celebration of the democratic values that underpin our institution and, indeed, the fabric of British society itself.
My fulfilment also stemmed from the realisation that these students were not just learning about international diplomacy; they were practicing it. They were not merely discussing global issues; they were embodying the roles of those who have the power to enact change. The conference, thus, was not an end but a means to foster a generation of informed, empathetic, and proactive citizens ready to take on the world's challenges.
I am so excited to see what these future leaders acheive as they begin their journy into the working world.
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