Scotch College

Best speaker in Canberra

On the 27 and 28 May this year, Samuel Kastelan and I were selected to attend a state Model United Nations Assembly, or MUNA, which is an Annual event organised by Rotary.

From here, I was awarded best speaker and was fortunate enough to be selected along with three others to attend the National MUNA. I was also fortunate enough to be allocated the position of US Ambassador to the UN.

The National MUNA was held in Canberra from the 18 to the 20 August. We departed Melbourne on the Friday morning, arriving in Canberra that evening. Then, the opening address was held. Following that, a representative of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Australian Military Advisor to the UN addressed the delegates.

As the sun dawned on the nation's capital, the aspiring politicians and diplomats were eating breakfast, dressed in diplomatic attire - suits and skirts. We were then transported to our debating venue - the Senate Chamber of Old Parliament House.

The opening address for the day's proceedings was given by the Hon. Senator Margaret Reid, President of the Senate.

After many heated debates on a nuclear free Pacific, human rights, weapons of mass destruction and land mines, we were taken to Government House, the residence of the Governor General, His Excellency Sir William Deane. There we had a tour of the ground floor, and after a speech from the Governor General, we were able to talk with Sir William and Lady Deane.

After dinner, the teams and alliances began planning for the final day of debates. It was a truly unforgettable day. A day that saw the US exercise its power of veto three times, and almost declare war. A day where an alliance was formed between the US, UK, Australia and China.

It was not only an entertaining, enjoyable and unforgettable experience, but one where many new friends were made with people spread all over Australia.

Nicholas Demiris Year 11