Katie debates problems of world
A ROMILEY teenager was among an eight-strong team tackling challenging topics including cyber crime, election fraud and child refugees.
Katie O’Brien, 18, a pupil at Manchester High School for Girls Sixth Form was among 300 students to take part in the Model United Nations (MUNHigh2017) conference.
She said: “Many of us have been actively involved in Model United Nations since Year 9, and through the programme we have been developing a good understanding of global issues.
“We are all affected by decisions made by world leaders and it is therefore crucial that young people have an awareness of the challenges that we all face, especially in the changing political climate.
“Although I have been a little bit alarmed by recent global politics, I think we should all make conscious attempts to remain openminded and outward looking, and not judge the choices others make.”
Replicating a typical UN meeting, the sixth form students debated some of the world’s greatest problems, from cyber terrorism to human rights.
Lily Lewis, from Manchester High’s Class of 2011, opened the conference with students from 23 schools in attendance.
Lily now works as a senior researcher and policy adviser at the House of Commons for Jack Dromey MP, Shadow Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Minister.
She said: “It was great to be back in Manchester to speak to students taking part in Model United Nations.
“It was brilliant to see so many young people learning important skills such as public speaking.”