YOUR VOICE, OUR WORLD
In a world increasingly defined by divides, on the 21st-23rd of February 2025, the East West Model United Nations took the first step, as delegates from four schools including East West convened to tackle the myriad of pressing issues we face today, their dialogue promising to reshape the future of international relations – one resolution at a time.
The conference convened with delegates of Abundant Life International School, American Pacific International School, Western International School, and our own—bringing together delegates across four diverse committees: the Security Council (SC), Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), Human Rights Council (HRC), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Among these committees, the Security Council stood out as one of the most compelling, featuring fruitful debates among 15 delegates tasked to grapple with the multifaceted crises in Myanmar and the escalating antagonisms resulting from Israel's bombing campaigns in Lebanon. Such weighty topics fueled intense discussions, with delegates fully embracing their roles and elevating the discourse to new heights. Notably, the delegates representing Russia and France found themselves temporarily sidelined, ultimately losing their veto power due to their impassioned exchanges.
Meanwhile, DISEC proved equally riveting, as resolutions advocating military action against North Korea morphed into what can only be described as a mock wedding ceremony between delegates from the United States and North Korea. The establishment of "HomiesLuv" emerged as a memorable resolution, destined to be enshrined in the annals of this conference. It served as a heartfelt reminder for delegates to cultivate friendships and embrace diplomacy, even amidst their differences.
In the Human Rights Council (HRC), 25 delegates embraced the roles of advocates, championing the fundamental right to free speech while simultaneously addressing the pressing issue of human trafficking—two topics that, while seemingly contrasting, are intricately connected. Delegates engaged in vigorous discussions on the need for limitations on free speech, particularly regarding incitements of hatred, while highlighting the plight of human trafficking victims who often remain voiceless and marginalized. As the debate surrounding a resolution on Freedom of Speech concluded, a dramatic turn unfolded when a group named "GIRLS" (Guarding Individuals' Rights to Labour and Sexual Exploitation) stormed the committee, "kidnapping" the main submitter from Russia and delivering a passionate impromptu speech advocating for their cause.
As for the World Health Organization (WHO), delegates tackled two contentious topics: Access to Abortion and The Health Crisis in the Horn of Africa. The delegate from the United States passionately articulated their position but was quickly interrupted by the delegate from Skibidiland, whose interjections sparked a lively and dynamic exchange among the 20 delegates present. This spirited debate, while chaotic, ultimately enriched the discussions, allowing for a diverse array of perspectives on critical global health issues.
On the evening of the second day, delegates took a moment to commend their efforts and unwind during the game night, where they were divided into teams to tackle a series of fun challenges such as Gonggi, Ddakji, Keep the Balloon Up, and many more. Laughter and excitement filled the hall as three teams emerged victorious. The night continued with lively music and engaging discussions, fostering deeper connections among participants. The conference eventually came to a close on the 23rd of February, closing a chapter, a milestone in East-West history, the inaugural external conference. While achieving success is undoubtedly vital, the lessons learned from failure are equally important. Fixing complex global issues cannot be accomplished in just three days, nor can one expect overnight success. Remember, success is not final, and failure isn't fatal; what truly matters is our courage to persevere. This conference was a resounding success, with messages of congratulations immediately pouring in from other schools and delegates, all praising East West for hosting an engaging event and sharing how much fun they had. The Secretary General emphasized, “This conference would not have been what it is without everyone who contributed to making it happen, from the dedicated executive committee to the admins tirelessly running up and down seven flights of stairs. These accolades are for you.”
Most importantly, the EWISMUN would not have been possible without the delegates who dared to step up to the challenge that most could not comprehend. Throughout the conference, the Secretary General hoped that delegates would be reminded that “Our world is confronted with a myriad of pressing issues, but even then, we must remember that we have a voice. A voice that has the ability to advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Your voices are not just instruments of expression; they are a catalyst for action.”, delegates were undoubtedly able to fulfil this task.