South Ontario Model United Nations Assembly
Chloe Ilagan, Staff Reporter
The University of Toronto
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From April 9 through 11, 26 students proudly represented St Robert for the annual Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly. The students participated in the three day event downtown at the University of Toronto with students from across the province and the country.
SOMA is an international relations simulation for high school students, where they take on the role of a United Nation representative or a representative of other international bodies. From these debates, the students gain an understanding of the work and dynamics of the United Nations. SOMA gives students the chance to debate pressing issues of utmost importance, such as the Arab Spring, LGBT rights, sustainable development and children in armed conflict. From this, the students develop their teamwork and problem-solving skills as they draft resolutions that work to tackle and resolve such issues. The first day a number of students attended the Opening Ceremonies, where they listened to keynote speakers and were introduced to the rules and procedures of SOMA. This was followed by two days of engaging and spirited debates. After came the Closing Ceremonies and a gala at the Sony Center for the Performing Arts. Aliza M said, “It was a great event! We got to meet so many people and learn so many different things; it was an amazing opportunity that I was proud to be a part of.” |
The SOMA delegates from St Robert