Teens discuss peace at model U.N. conference

High school students solved the world's problems and created a lasting peace last weekend. At least in theory, anyway. The University's 11th annual Ivy League Model United Nations Conference drew more than 1,000 students from 52 high schools around the country. They met to discuss possible solutions to the problems facing society -- from nuclear proliferation to the conflict in Chechnya. The participating schools were assigned to research countries around the world, and each student assumed the role of ambassador. Opening ceremonies were held last Thursday night, beginning with keynote speaker Eviatar Manor, the consul general of Israel. Manor spoke of the problems facing Israel in the aftermath of the Cold War and Persian Gulf conflict, and his hope for eventual Israeli-Palestinian peace. Manor charged the students to "turn the world into a safer place, not one of conflict or death." College junior Nadav Shelef, the secretary-general of ILMUNC, and Engineering sophomore and Conference Affairs Director Rajeev Shah also spoke at the conference. They, along with 150 students at the convention, are active in the International Affairs Association, the University organization hosting the conference. Following the opening ceremonies, the "ambassadors" went directly into committee meetings. These meetings, modeled after actual U.N. committees, encouraged students to debate with one another using parliamentary procedure. Students drafted and voted upon proposals at special plenary sessions. In addition, students attended regional summits, where they attempted to settle disputes with neighboring countries. The ambassadors took a break from the work on Saturday night to attend a variety show and a performance by Without a Net, a campus improvisational comedy group. A "Delegate Dance" was held on Sunday. As part of the "Penn Program," about 60 high school students also visited the University campus and took tours conducted by Kite and Key. Admissions Regional Director William McCumber was available to answer questions. In order to aid those schools that could not afford the conference fees, the IAA distributed money to a number of schools, mostly in the Philadelphia area. According to Shelef, the goal of the conference was to show the high school students that "peace [can be] maintained, strengthened and expanded." Shah also said the conference worked to improve communication skills. "Our goal is to promote negotiation and consensus- building skills among the students who participate in our conference," he said. Many students said they found the convention fascinating. "I had a basic interest in what went on [at the conference]," said Fritz Porter, a student from Lawrenceville High School in New Jersey and a Chilean delegate. "I got a feel for what goes on [at the U.N.]." The weekend culminated in an award presentation for the best delegation and the most effective members of each committee. The overall award went to the Czech Republic role, played by Richland Northeast High School of Columbia, South Carolina. The ILMUNC, which is the largest model U.N. conference for high school students in the nation, was held at the Wyndham-Franklin Plaza Hotel in Center City.

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