The Storm King School Model UN Team traveled to Boston, Massachusetts recently to participate in the 69th Annual Harvard United Nations (HMUN) Conference. The event took place on January 26-29, 2023, at the Sheraton Boston Hotel. SKS delegates included Kaitlin B. ’23, Minchae K. ’25, Vincent I. ’24, Daniel Z. ’25, Hyeonjin L. ’23, Hongwei C. ’26, and Christine S. ’25.

HMUN is one of the oldest model UN conferences in the United States where more than 4,000 students from high schools around the globe converge to discuss real-world problems and share unique perspectives on international affairs.  During the conference, delegates gain insight into the workings of the United Nations and the dynamics of international relations by assuming the roles of world leaders and international decision makers. This year, the event had the theme of ‘Bridging Divides.’

“Most of the SKS team represented France while one represented Liberia,” explained sophomore Christine S. “In my committee, the Economic and Financial Committee (ECOFIN), we discussed resolutions that involved the reform of sanctions. This put us in a tough spot sometimes as France’s stance was against making reforms while the majority of the room was in favor of reforms. We prepared for the conference by creating a France fact sheet together and researching our own respective topics. Using this work, we prepared our position papers which stated the problem in question, as well as our position as a delegation of our assigned country.”

While practicing valuable skills such as effective negotiating, public speaking, critical thinking, and teamwork during the event, the delegates also had the chance to tour the Harvard University campus, join a Cultural Extravaganza, and attend a Delegate Dance on their final evening where they socialized with fellow high school delegates from over 50 nations.

“It was a great conference for gaining experience and confidence, and it was a lot of fun. The most difficult part was having to deal with being in a room of about 200 delegates who were all trying to have their countries’ voices be heard. It was overwhelming sometimes, but that made it all the more valuable of an experience for me,” continued Christine. “We also really enjoyed Boston and the Harvard campus! Its beautiful architecture combined with the amount of history on the campus mesmerized me. It reinvigorated my desire to get into an Ivy League college!”