Teens try diplomacy at Model U.N. session at SEMO

By 11:30 a.m., delegates had discussed cyberterrorism, genocide in Darfur and the war in Afghanistan, and were moving on to Russia's relationship with Georgia.

"Russia is suggesting peaceful negotiations with separatist movements. It's hypocritical. They used military power and invaded," said Michael Limbaugh, a United Nations delegate representing Libya.

The Cape Girardeau Central High School junior donned a multicolored dashiki, traditional African clothing. Limbaugh's resolution, "against restricting the Internet but for harsh penalties of those convicted of cyberterrorism," had not been brought to the floor yet.

For 17 years, Model U.N. has turned high school students into delegates tasked with fostering world peace and stability. Participants are assigned countries, which they must research to determine positions. Sessions follow actual U.N. procedure, and the simulation is meant to be as authentic as possible.

Each year about 350 students from across Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois attend Model U.N. at Southeast Missouri State University. Local participating schools this year included Central, Scott City and Sikeston high schools.

FRED LYNCH ~ flynch@semissourian.comPatrick Eberle of Pacific High School portrays a Russian Federation delegate in a Model United Nations committee meeting Thursday at the University Center.

Students spent Thursday morning working in committees before reconvening as a General Assembly. The first committee focused on political and international security. The Social, Humanitarian and Cultural committee discussed child labor and the spread of infectious diseases. The situation in Afghanistan and development and disarmament was the topic of the Special Political and Decolonization committee.

"Especially for high school students, when they think of politics they think of U.S. politics. This makes them think beyond the comfortable boundaries of the United States and recognize there are serious issues facing those around the world that we may not face here," said Dr. Debra Holzhauer, faculty adviser of the Model U.N. club at Southeast.

Students serving on General Assembly committees came to the conference prepared with resolutions pertaining to their countries and topics. Those serving on the Security Council, however, were required to think on their feet. After lunch, they were presented with a "crisis situation" and given a short period to develop a response.

Mark Medlin represented the country Burkina Faso along with classmate Brynna Downing. The two came with their Central High School world geography class. Although their resolution calling for U.N. aid in Darfur did not pass -- "our country is really poor so we don't have much power"-- they said they would participate in the event next year.

"It opens your eyes. You think about what's going on in the world more," Medlin said.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

388-3627