Model United Nations (MUN) is a global community of people who educate participants about pressing world issues and understanding how the United Nations debate and resolve these issues through diplomacy and cooperation.
The Davis College Model United Nations (DCMUN) is one of the most popular extra-curricular activities that the school has to offer. The week-long conference, overseen by Deputy Principal José Horta, is held in Cork City Hall every year. This year was no different, but unfortunately the conference could only proceed for three days, due to precautions regarding Covid-19.
Each year, the conference is run by the students of Davis College. Students apply for different positions, such as Chief Staff who run each individual conference, Admin Staff who set up and help delegates and chaperones, and finally Delegates who debate different topics.
Students begin preparing months before the conference, such as picking issues to be debated, and much more goes on behind the scenes. On Monday, 2nd May, a bus full of students drove to City Hall to prepare for the days ahead by setting up.
Tuesday, 3rd May, was the first official day of DCMUN 2022. Students come from every corner of the country, and even abroad, to attend. Proceedings are formally opened by Secretary-General Peter Holland, followed by speeches from Principal of Davis College Stephen Gilbert, director of Cork ETB Pat McKelvy, Minister Simon Coveney and a performance from the Davis College Choir, led by Ukranian student Artur Kolomiiets. Lobbying is announced in session, and delegates have to convince other delegates to sign their resolutions.
Wednesday, 4th May, was when debating officially started. Delegates discussed many issues and tried to resolve them together in the General Assembly, Special Conference and Security Council.
The General Assembly in the Concert Hall discussed the agendas of:
1. The question of the development of a common strategy to tackle novel viruses and global pandemics.
2. The question of eliminating all forms of domestic violence and sexual harassment.
3. The question of the regulation of political advertisements, propaganda and disinformation on social media.
Special Conference in the Millenium Hall discussed:
1. The question of the rights and integration of indigenous peoples and native communities.
2. The question of the sustainable development goal #12 and the rights of animals in food production and consumption.
3. The question of the criminalisation of LGBTQA+ hate speech and all forms of homophobia.
Finally, Security Council in the Council Chambers addressed the issues of:
1. The question of the impact of Brexit in Northern Ireland and the recent escalation of sectarian violence.
2. The question of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Resolutions were proposed, amendments were made and finally voted on. Students enjoy this experience and learn many life skills.
Thursday, 5th May, was the final day of the conference. Once the last resolution had been debated, the closing procedure began with another performance by the Davis College Choir. Awards were given out, such as the Junior Delegate Awards, the Highly Distinguished Delegate Awards, and the Best Delegate Awards, by the Chief Staff. Procedures were finally closed by the Secretary-General, with the parting words “DCMUN 2022 is finally over. It was, without a doubt, the best MUN experience of my life”.