Model United Nations delegates representing over 32 high schools from across the country flooded into Gordon Parks Arts Hall for the Lab Model United Nations Conference the morning of Dec. 7. Hosted for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, the conference made a triumphant return, bringing together 600 delegates to debate and collaborate on pressing global issues.
Rather than participating as delegates, U-High Model UN students played key roles as chairs, ensuring that sessions ran efficiently.
The day began with an opening ceremony in the Ken Griffin Assembly Hall, where U-High’s secretaries-general Helen Kraemer and Alexander Saratovsky welcomed delegates. Alongside Helen and Alexander, keynote speaker Henry Bienen, Northwestern University president emeritus, gave a speech on the value of diplomacy and public service, setting an inspiring tone for the day.
Delegates then left for committee sessions held across U-High and Gordon Parks Arts Hall. Topics ranged from climate change to international security, challenging student’s leadership, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
For Helen, a four-year team member, the conference represented the time and energy spent planning.
Helen said, “As a secretary-general you’re always trying to leave your mark in a way, and I think bringing back LABMUNC for the team in such a substantial way is kind of how Alexander and I are really doing that.”
U-High faculty adviser Isaac Berrueta emphasized the significance of teamwork in organizing such a large event. Mr. Berrueta hopes the conference serves as a precedent for future events, strengthening Lab’s reputation within the Model UN community.
“For the last year and a half, I have been purposefully building team dynamics. Everything I’ve done has been about team dynamics, team building, teamwork, cooperation, collaboration — team, team, team,” Mr. Berrueta said.
Mr. Berrueta hopes that serving as chairs will teach U-High students more about leadership to benefit the team in future conferences.
“Serving as a chair, you have the responsibility of leading a committee and having to be objective and subjective while deciding who the winner is and whatnot,” Mr. Berrueta said, “so I think it really builds off that: a lot of leadership and team building.”
The day concluded with closing ceremonies in the assembly hall, where awards were given to outstanding delegates. Helen found the conference to be a large success, hoping that it cements U-High’s legacy.
“Overall, the event went really well, especially for the first LABMUNC hosted in five years,” Helen said. “I think the conference and its success laid the foundation for future LABMUNCs to come.”
