This November, St. Stephen’s students attended the prestigious Berlin Model United Nations conference, which challenges young minds to grapple with some of the world’s most pressing political dilemmas.
Written by Grade 12 IB Student, Ilona P.
The theme: Building a Rules-Based Order to Withstand Authoritarianism. This felt particularly resonant in a world where democratic principles are becoming ever more vulnerable. Our students represented the delegations of Hungary and Eswatini across various committees, engaging in complex debates and negotiating resolutions with the utmost diplomatic integrity. In this manner, the students explored how nations can and must uphold systems grounded in fairness, accountability, and cooperation.
Besides the overwhelming debate that took place on this trip, St. Stephen’s students also found themselves exploring the heart of Berlin and immersing themselves in the historical significance of the city. The main destinations visited were the remains of the Berlin Wall found at Checkpoint Charlie, Brandenburg Gate, and the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe. Berlin was in ruins after World War II, hit by 67,607 tonnes of TNT over five years of relentless bombing. Its subsequent reconstruction, therefore, is a testament to a collective determination to learn from the past rather than repeat it. For many students, this emerged as one of the most meaningful insights they carried home to Rome.
The dynamic atmosphere of the BERMUN conference, paired with Mr. Boccuni’s thoughtful history lectures woven into walks through the city offered more than just academic enrichment; they helped shape a deeper understanding of global affairs, the delicate practice of diplomacy, and the ongoing human responsibility to uphold a fair, rules-based international order.
For more news about exciting activities our students are involved in, continue reading here.
