Wellsboro High School Students Gain Insight into International Negotiations

Students Engage in Debates on Global Issues, from Plastic Pollution to Weaponized Drones

The second High School Model United Nations Conference was organized by Commonwealth University-Mansfield, gathering 130 students from 10 different high schools. After the opening ceremony, Director Sean Stout introduced the university, and the keynote speaker, Dr. Linda Kennedy, an associate professor, presented a speech on "The Balkanization of the United Kingdom," offering insights from her Scottish heritage on the devolution of power to England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.

Students participated in their respective simulations, led by CU-Mansfield students, and prepared in advance by researching assigned countries and topics. Dallas Schultz, a political science major from Wellsboro, chaired the UN General Assembly simulation, with Ryan O’Connor, a secondary education major from Canton, serving as the rapporteur. Communications major Jaydan Montgomery from Southfield, Michigan, assisted them. The UN Security Council simulation, featuring 15 delegations, focused on weaponized drones and a mock crisis in the South China Sea involving China and the Philippines. Eli Kaufman, a political science major from Nelson, chaired the session, with Allyson Lewis from North Monmouth, Maine, serving as rapporteur. Dr. Jonathan C. Rothermel, the event's organizer, expressed satisfaction with the turnout, emphasizing the valuable opportunity for local high school students to collaborate and address complex global issues.

More than 100 students representing 52 country delegations debated issues such as plastic pollution in oceans and rivers, along with the lack of international regulations on armed drones and killer robots. They proposed resolutions to ban single-use plastics globally, outlaw fully autonomous weapons, and limit the use of weaponized drones. Participating high schools included Addison, Cowanesque Valley, Horseheads, New Covenant Academy, North Penn-Liberty, North Penn-Mansfield, Sayre, Towanda, Troy, and Wellsboro.

A teacher from Wellsboro High School attended the conference with 20 students, who through the session gained a deeper understanding of international negotiations and the importance of considering diverse perspectives. Awards were also presented to the top delegations at the conference with the Best Delegation Award for the UN General Assembly going to the United Kingdom, represented by Trevor King and Quinn Kane from Horseheads High School. Canada, with Luke Rothermel and Liam Elkin from Wellsboro High School, secured the First Runner Up position, while Israel, represented by Roland Smith and Nicholas Cotton from Troy High School, took Second Runner Up. The Third Runner Up was the Netherlands, with Alex Lantz and Allison Edsell from Towanda High School.

In the UN Security Council, Ecuador won the Best Delegation Award, with Karter Campbell and Jude Cuneo also from Wellsboro High School. France, represented by Brooke Romig and Kelsey Denico from Sayre High School, were named the Runner Up and the award for Best Position Paper went to China, presented by Morgan Hickey and Kate Riley, from Sayre. Honorable Mentions for Best Position Paper were awarded to France and Mozambique, represented by Brooke Romig and Kelsey Denico, and Sophia Hyatt and Logan Richman, respectively, both from Sayre High School.

Editor's Note:
The second High School Model United Nations Conference at Commonwealth University-Mansfield brought together 130 students from 10 local high schools for an engaging day of diplomacy and debate. With a focus on pressing global issues, participants had the opportunity to enhance their understanding of international relations and collaborate with peers. The event showcased the talents of aspiring young leaders and highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives in global discussions. Students from various nations engaged in debates on critical topics such as plastic pollution, armed drones, and killer robots. Their involvement in these discussions fostered the development of innovative solutions. 

Skoobuzz commends the efforts made in organizing the conference and facilitating this important dialogue.