IN an unprecedented victory, Hillcrest High School (HHS) learners competing in the Edufleek DHS Model United Nations Conference secured the unanimous vote of other contestants to adopt the joint resolution argument proposed by the team representing ‘China’, led by Leon Markwell (HHS), who was also awarded Gold for Best Delegate, and the team representing ‘South Africa’.

“We are incredibly proud of the achievements of our learners,” said Denise Knight, HHS principal. “Not only did Leon Markwell earn gold, Lubanzi Maluleka and Sinenhloso Shozi, representing team ‘Kenya’, were awarded silver for Best Delegation. Furthermore, the presiding judge at the MUN conference noted that this was the first time she had witnessed a unanimous decision taken to adopt a joint resolution.”

HHS learners competed against 12 other delegations from schools from across the country. Maluleka and Shozi represented ‘Kenya’ and Markwell, Luke Watson and Preston Pepper represented ‘China’ in the debate centering around the complex, and timely, issue of “Digital Surveillance versus National Security”.

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Educator-in-Charge of the HHS delegation, Tarryn Papé, said that the caucus evolved into a memorable event when delegates became increasingly intrigued by the proposal put forward by team ‘China’.
“The draft resolution introduced a flagging system designed to detect and monitor cyber-terrorism and other cyber threats – an issue that affects more than 70% of countries worldwide,” Papé said. “What resulted was intensified discussions and team ‘South Africa’ joining forces with team ‘China’ to establish a joint resolution, demonstrating the essence of diplomacy: co-operation in pursuit of a common goal.”

Challenging their critical thinking, public speaking, negotiation and diplomacy skills, the event showcased the maturity and innovative thinking of the learners. During the closing remarks representatives from the signatory countries reflected on the importance of collective problem-solving, agreeing that finding solutions that benefit everyone is far more valuable than division and opposition – the ideals that underscore the foundational principals of the United Nations.

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