KES Join the Debate at the 31st Bath International Schools' Model United Nations

At 9am on Saturday 5th March, a bleary-eyed troupe of some 20 KES pupils ranging from Year 10 to Year 13 gathered in the Kingswood quad, ready for two days of determined debating as part of the 31st Bath International Schools’ Model United Nations Conference (BISMUN). Representing Canada, the Philippines, Nigeria, and the USA, the action came thick and fast for KES delegates, with issues debated ranging from the regulation of space to the situation in Yemen to vaccine nationalism. Appropriate time was also rightly reserved for reflection on the unique global circumstances in which the conference took place, with a speech to the General Assembly from a delegate originally from Ukraine pertinently reminding us all of the painfully real consequences that international politics can have.  

For KES delegates, the weekend was not only enjoyable, but highly successful. KES picked up awards in droves when it came to prizegiving on the Sunday afternoon, with commended, highly commended, or best delegates from KES in 4 of 6 committees. To cap it off, the Year 13-heavy USA delegation followed a strong showing in the General Assembly by winning the Best Delegation for the entire conference, making them the second KES delegation in as many years to win this award at BISMUN.  

Personally, being a part of MUN over the past three years has given me invaluable experience of public speaking and political debate, helping me progress from a complete novice to winning individual and collaborative awards. This was my final MUN conference, and I will be sad to leave it behind, but the levels of confidence and interest shown by younger delegates over the course of the weekend left me in no doubt that the future of KESMUN is in safe hands. 

Many thanks go to Kingswood School for putting on such a great weekend, as well as Dr Wainer, Mr Thomas, and Mrs Dias for supporting all of the KES delegations there.  

Joshua Bernald Ross, Year 13