CAIMUN, CAI-FUN, CAI-DONE, CAI-WON

3 June 2013Sarah M, Alex ‘14

Early last Friday morning, a specialized task force of six Brentwood Model UN students set forth for Vancouver to participate in the prestigious Canadian International Model United Nations Conference. Having diligently prepared for weeks including a comprehensive understanding of issues ranging from the legalization and regulation of recreational drugs around the world to the rehabilitation of rape victims to creating a balance of power in Europe directly following the Napoleonic wars in 1814, to being randomly selected to present on a topic at the difficult Ad Hoc, the Models were well prepared to initiate and influence conversation on their respective committees. A thrilling yet strenuous twist to the Model UN experience at CAIMUN was the midnight crisis session. After having toured Vancouver, explored vibrant night markets, and sprinted around the Skytrain terminal for a bathroom, exhausted delegates returned at 12:00am set to face a joint crisis. Whether this meant suppressing or negotiating with revolutionaries and anarchists in 19th century Europe, or fighting radical Mexican drug cartels, delegates’ patience, diplomacy and problem-solving skills were put to the challenge. While some Brentwood delegates may have been particularly unlucky (ahem, Prussia!) having been inflicted mercilessly with damage, defeat and disorder, all was recovered the following morning with the passing of several effective resolution papers. Our delegates represented Brentwood outstandingly and fashionably – the refined Kevin D was voted most stylish, and who could forget Fischer W’s avant-garde pairing of men’s UGG boots with a suit? – in the last Model UN conference of the year. Many thanks to Mr. Bryant and Dr. Blaikie for chaperoning the educational yet fatiguing weekend, and to our loyal captain, Jonathan H, for his intense dedication all year round. Congratulations to Fischer W. for winning an Honourable Mention as the outspoken, opinionated and controversial delegate from Iran on the UNODC, and Sarah M for winning Best Delegate as Prussia on the Congress of Vienna. We could not have asked for a better Model UN year or a more dedicated and talented group, and we can ensure next year will be just as thrilling! Sarah M, Alex ‘14

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