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 

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