When a United Nations simulation ended recently in Ottawa, a UNBC
student was named the best delegate among the 650 university students
in attendance, and another UNBC student was named second-best.
UNBC Physics student Theon te Koeti earned the top award after playing
the role of a delegate from Niger during a debate on nuclear
disarmament and ballistic missile defense. Fellow UNBC student, Kyle
Guy, earned “Outstanding Delegate” honours after representing Cuba
during the same session. Both students were in Ottawa for the Model
United Nations simulation, which was presented by the United Nations
Association in Canada and provides students with the opportunity to
experience international diplomacy. In addition to having an interest
in international relations, Theon and Kyle have international
connections: Theon is from New Zealand and Kyle is an international
student from Massachusetts.
“These national Model United Nations events attract students from
Canada and the United States and they’re important venues for educating
students about international relations,” says Caroline Clarke, an
assistant professor in the University’s
International Studies program.
“The competition is serious and of a very high standard. The University
and the broader community should be proud of Theon and Kyle. Their
achievements are significant and delightful for a small and young
university.”
UNBC will be hosting a Model United Nations simulation for regional
high school students later this month to expose them to the operations
of the UN and engage them in topics of international significance. The
UNBC Model UN will be held on campus on April 25 and 26 and involve 40
students from Quesnel, Terrace, Houston, Burns Lake, and Prince George.
The main topic for discussion will be the United Nations Assistance
Mission in Afghanistan, focusing on troop deployment, the transfer of
detainees to Afghan authorities, and the utilization of new
interrogation techniques.
Contact:
Rob van Adrichem, Director of Media and Public Relations, UNBC – 250.960.5622
