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The spirit of diplomacy and global collaboration came alive at Agora Madrid International School as it hosted the Globeducate Model United Nations (MUN) event from March 19th to 22nd, 2024. With 163 students from 23 schools spanning eight countries across three continents, this gathering embodied the spirit of international engagement and intellectual exchange, connecting young minds and spirits for a global perspective.

Students debated and negotiated over hot topics in the world such as the influence of Artificial Intelligence and the future of renewable energy and nucelar power. In Globeducate we talk a lot about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which we use as a blueprint for everything we do, to educate our students to be a force for good for our planet and people.

Which SDGs featured in the 10th Globeducate Model United Nations?

No. 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy

No. 9 - Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure

No. 13 - Climate Action

Luis Madrid, Executive Director of Agora Madrid International School, captured the essence of the event, stating:

Without a doubt, this year's edition of the MUN has been an example of globality, teamwork, and critical spirit. Our young students have debated for three days on the present and future of Artificial Intelligence. Congratulations to all of them for their commitment and preparation that ensure us a generation committed to a better, more peaceful, and sustainable world.

After weeks of excitement building up to this event, participants met at an inaugural ceremony at the Auditorio de Teresa Berganza in Villaviciosa de Odón (Madrid), featuring esteemed guests, including the Mayor of Villaviciosa de Odón. Subsequent sessions took place at Universidad Europea, providing participants with a conducive academic environment for the exchange of ideas and the crafting of consensus-driven resolutions.

Globeducate MUN, in its tenth year, served as a platform for students to develop critical debate, negotiation, and leadership skills while fostering intercultural understanding and international cooperation. In an increasingly interconnected world, events like these play a crucial role in shaping the leaders of tomorrow and promoting a shared vision of a better, more sustainable future.

Cayetana del Val Franco, a student participant, shared how the MUN experience helped shy delegates gain confidence: "On the first day, many were hesitant to speak, but after encouragement, they bravely shared their opinions. By the second day, even more delegates were eager to participate, showing how MUN boosts public speaking skills and self-assurance."

The significance of the event was further emphasised by Ged Blenkharn a Business Studies teacher from Cambridge House British International School, who remarked:

What an awesome experience for our MUN Valencia delegates and MUN directors. The opportunity to meet Globeducate students from around the world was an unbelievable experience that will stay in the hearts and minds for eternity for our Cambridge House BIS students.

The chance to pursue solutions to current global issues that affect every citizen on the planet was reflected in the passion and humility displayed by the Globeducate students. Congratulations to every delegate. You are wiser, more mature, and more invested in the future happiness of societies as a result of your participation in Globeducate MUN 2024.

Daniel Jones, Chief Education Officer of Globeducate, made a speech in the closing ceremony, acknowledging that this was one of the largest and diverse Model United Nations events we have ever had.

"Through negotiation and diplomacy, students developed a deeper understanding of some of our most pressing global issues. They had to work together to find innovative and sustainable solutions and I am sure that a great many of our participants will need to use such skills in their future careers as they go out into the world, hopefully to make a positive difference. This is what we believe in at Globeducate - that students will develop the interest and desire, as well as the skills, to shape the world. Some of our students attending this event will no doubt go on to be future leaders, policymakers, innovators and global citizens.

"This is event goes beyond organising a simulatino of the UN assembly. It gives us the chance to bring our students together as one extended Globeducate community from around the world, to meet fellow students from different cultures and countries. It is also a chance for our teachers to build relationships and connections. Thank you to all of those who made this event possible, including our host families who welcomed students into their homes."

As we say goodbye to this year's MUN event, we eagerly await the next opportunity for collaboration and dialogue among young leaders and we look forward to the 2025 Globeducate MUN which will be hosted by Cambridge House British International School, Valencia.