One of the characteristics of the RSHM educational network is that it always seeks to promote new ways for its members to connect through different academic, spiritual and sports activities.
As part of this objective on this occasion, Marymount Mexico had the privilege of hosting a special event: MaryMUN XIV. Students from Marymount Cuernavaca, Barranquilla, and New York, as well as students from local schools, met on April 25th and 26th to participate and collaborate in this unique United Nations Model.
The MaryMUN XIV staff organized this event with great enthusiasm so that everyone could learn and enjoy their experience. Around 150 students actively participated as board members of each committee, delegates, and/or staff. They all worked on six different panels: the General Assembly, Security Council, World Bank, UN Women, Historic General Assembly, and the Mexico House of Representatives. The discussion topics were diverse, from the deportation of illegal migrants to peace and security in Africa, global trade development, women and girls in Gaza, the Korean War, and the ethical use of AI, among others.
A moment worth highlighting from MaryMUN XIV was when Sister Veronica Brand, RSHM, gave a message to the model participants. She was kind enough to record a video that was transmitted during the opening ceremony. Sister Veronica stressed that the model would give the students an important experience of being a global citizen. She pointed out that our world needs a transformation that can only be possible through education. For her, an essential part of this process is students participating in UN models. Sister Veronica asserted that today we are experiencing an interconnected global crisis that must be resolved to ensure a decent and better life for people in the future. “We must listen to the cry of our world and the cry of our people,” Sister Veronica insisted.
She affirmed that the current global crisis requires multilateral solutions. She referred to the words of the current Secretary General, António Guteres, when he spoke about a UN 2.0, and the fact that 21st century challenges should be addressed by 21st-century organizations and resolutions. She emphasized that this UN 2.0 requires the creativity, commitment, and courage of all young people. Finally, Sister Veronica encouraged our students to hope and believe that a better world is possible; a world where all may have life and have it to the fullest.
MaryMUN XIV was the perfect opportunity for our students to develop an awareness of some of the most critical world issues that must be resolved promptly. Also, they were able to recognize the continuous hard work that the United Nations does to maintain peace in the world. It is well known that students who participate in United Nations models develop vital skills that will serve their entire lives. In addition, they also developed lifelong friendships and connections among their peers from Colombia, the United States, and Mexico. We hope this international RSHM event is repeated in more of our sister schools so that the true beneficiaries are our students.