MODEL STUDENTS
MORE than 100 students from schools across Townsville came together recently at the 2021 instalment of Model United Nations North Queensland.
This student-run event, originally created by Kirwan State High and Pimlico State High students, brings local kids together to discuss real-world issues and solutions.
This year’s event was hosted at JCU and saw the students debating topics such as the South Sea crisis, Israel-palestine conflict and landmine clearing.
MUNNQ is a strong platform for young people in Townsville to consider perspectives on rigorous and meaningful worldwide issues, develop diplomacy and skills of negotiation, and strengthen their capacity to be leaders and global citizens.
Kirwan High’s head of global education Joanne Thomson said the event was unique because it was led by students.
“MUNNQ 2021 developed as a result of state high school students from Heatley, Kirwan, Pimlico and William Ross wanting to bring the model UN experience to Townsville and its regional high schools,” she said.
“MUNNQ not only enabled these students to demonstrate their outstanding leadership capacity, but reflected their desire to make the world a better place for all.
“The theme for the conference was ‘One Planet, One People’, which embraced the idea of collective responsibility for our world, and empowered young people to believe that as leaders and global citizens that they can advocate for change together when it is needed.”