Eagle-eyed passengers flying in to Ronaldsway on Friday may have been surprised to see the blue United Nations flag flying from King William's College tower.
The College were hosting the United Nations Model Security Council, an inter-school competition organised each year by the UN Association of the Isle of Man. Sixth-form students from the Island's secondary schools played the part of the 15 nations on the UN Security Council (UNSC). By persuasion, negotiation and diplomacy, they attempted to form a consensus to pass a Resolution by the end of the day. This year the topic under debate was the all-too-real Syrian conflict. Each of the five participating schools represented three countries, reflecting the current make-up of the real UNSC, varying in size and power from permanent veto-carrying members such as the USA to small, two-year members such as Senegal. Each nation was represented by an Ambassador and a Counsellor. The President of the Security Council was His Excellency Sir Richard Gozney, appropriately representing the UK, aided by UNA IoM supporters representing the UN Secretariat.
After briefly outlining their country's position, delegates dispersed into side rooms and corridors to seek alliances and offer compromises. After lunch, various amendments were tabled to the draft resolution, which were voted on one-by-one. Nine votes in favour were required to carry a decision, so long as none of the five Permanent Members (USA, China, Russia, UK and France) exercised their veto. Finally, the amended resolution was passed by 12 votes to 3, calling for an extended ceasefire, humanitarian access and finance, punishment for war crimes, referral to the International Criminal Court, an arms embargo, and resettlement and aid for Syrian refugees.
His Excellency and former Deemster William Cain thanked students for their committed participation and willingness to accept compromise, sometimes sacrificing national interest for the sake of reaching agreement. Trinity Methodist Church were thanked for helping to fund the event, as were KWC for kindly hosting the day and providing lunch. Prizes were awarded by Speaker of the House of Keys Juan Watterson, with Russian ambassador Amber Young of St Ninian's High School receiving the individual prize. The country prize went to China, represented by Daisy Moorcroft and Cameron Byrne from Castle Rushen High school.
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