Year 13 and 11 students attended this year's Model United Nations conference at Richard Hale School in Hertford on Saturday 4 November, representing The United Arab Emirates and Norway in two delegations.

Students attending came from schools in London, Norfolk, Oxfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire as well as Essex.

After an opening ceremony and speech on the role of the United Nations and the conference theme of unity at times of political challenge and crisis, delegates worked in their individual committees debating a number of resolutions throughout the morning. Committees included Human Rights, Environment and Disarmament, and delegates forged alliances through written debates, proposed amendments and argued for their countries' respective positions on each issue before voting. The afternoon focused on the General Assembly, with all delegates attending, and it was very pleasing to see the stand-off between the UAE and Norway in the afternoon debate on renewable energy!

Well done to all the delegates involved, some of whom are becoming experienced MUN-ers and some of whom were first timers at the conference. Particular congratulations must go to Katy Finch who was awarded the 'Angel Award' for her contributions. This recognised her willingness to take difficult but ethical decisions. The conference was challenging and stimulating for all involved.