High school students from across the state travelled to UF this weekend to debate global issues while acting in two new committees.
UF’s Model United Nations hosted its 13th annual GatorMUN, a conference that brings high school model UN clubs to UF for a weekend, said Jonathan Muñoz, the event’s secretary general. About 730 students, each representing a different country, were split into 21 committees.
They debated topics such as climate change, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and poverty. One new committee, GRIMM: Department of the Crown, had students use fairy tales to act out mock political situations, such as “Frozen’s” Elsa destroying the people of Arendelle.
Muñoz, a UF economics and international studies junior, said the conference is the largest in the southeastern U.S. This year, more students attended than ever before.
The 20-year-old said the conference, which is entirely run by UF students, helps participants develop speaking and conflict resolution skills.
“The most important thing is learning how to cooperate with people who have different ideas than you,” he said.
Students at the conference also participated in the Press Corps committee for the first time.
“They’re all so much smarter than me,” said Caitie Switalski, the Press Corps director. “I never expected the level of quality they’re throwing out at us.”
Emilio Arias, a high school senior from Miami Palmetto Senior High School, said the conference gave him the opportunity to hear other students’ ideas.
“I like how you get to interact with different people,” the 18-year-old said.
