We are fast approaching the start of the first-ever Model United Nations Conference at Marlborough College (MCMUN) on Friday 20th June, an event which will welcome a total of 320 pupils from 25 schools.

The attending pupils will assume the role of delegates representing a range of countries in a mock simulation of the UN. Prior to the conference, each school in attendance will be meeting with an ambassador from the countries they will be representing so that their pupils can better mirror their opinions while debating.

There will be nine Committees for the MCMUN: Modern Slavery, Displacement, Nuclear Weapons, Women’s Rights, Universal Healthcare, Indigenous Representation, Sports Tournaments, Pandemics and the Russia Ukraine Crisis.

The 27 Lower Sixth pupils who will be forming the Marlborough team at the event, will be playing a leading role on the Committee groups, including as Committee Chairs. In support of this role, the team have decided to raise money for nine charities whose causes align with the Committee topics. Their fundraising began in half-term, with activities ranging from climbing Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) to a team marathon. The Chairs of each Committee met with their corresponding charity on Monday 12^th May enabling them to understand the real-world application of the issues being discussed.

The charities they are supporting are:

ActionAid UK: Places women and children at the centre of their goal. They provide education, clean water and healthcare to children struggling with poverty in 45 countries as well as working to empower women who have experienced violence and discrimination.

Atlas Foundation: An international children’s charity that aims to improve the lives of children by using sport to mobilise health, education and inclusion for children on a global scale.

BASIC (British American Security Information Council): A think tank working to counter nuclear risks and security threats. It aims to build trust to form a global security consensus using dialogue to overcome political hostility.

Children with Cancer UK: The leading childhood cancer charity in the UK helping fund life-saving research, raise awareness and also support children and families through the difficult journey they face.

POLG Foundation: A genetic disorder leading to a mutation in the Polymerase Gamma gene preventing cells from producing energy. There are currently no effective treatments. The Foundation funds research, raises awareness and supports affected families.

Salvation Army: A Christian Church and charity working to help people in need. Placing an emphasis on their work with Modern Slavery, the Salvation Army helps survivors escape situation and build and new life.

Street Child: Aims to ensure children can remain safe and in education working in over 20 of the world’s poorest and most disaster-affected countries. It addresses the barrier and root causes preventing children from being educated, building schools, training teachers, providing emergency aid and re-uniting families.

Survival International: They aim to protect tribes and other indigenous communities, stopping loggers and miners from destroying their land as well as raising awareness and lobbying for their rights, giving them a platform to voice their opinions completely a-governmental

Women’s Aid: They work to end domestic abuse, providing shelter and life-saving services to survivors, supporting the sector through increased training and education, campaigning for change and raising awareness as well as working to end violence against women and children

The funds raised will be split equally between the charities and the donation page can be found at Marlborough College MUN Fundraiser – GiveWheel

If you would like to see more regularly updated coverage of everything the pupils are doing to prepare for the conference, please look at our Instagram page: mcol_mun