Unique global experience for Year 11 students

Eleven Northern Beaches Christian School students were amongst the small number of global student delegates fortunate to attend the 50^th UNIS-UN student conference in New York in March.

The UNIS-UN conference is organised and led by students of the United Nations School. Since 2018, NBCS has been the only Australian school invited to send student delegates to the conference.

“Numbers are limited, so our students had to apply for their positions and give a speech about the UN’s sustainable development goals,” NBCS teacher Samantha Archer explained.

The conference theme, ‘The Price of Progress: Rethinking the Next 50 Years of Global Economy’ made for a challenging program, with students first participating in workshops, and then spending two days in the United Nations General Assembly Hall engaging with debates, interactive simulations, and peer presentations.

Student Felicity Brewster was amongst three NBCS students invited to ask a question to the entire assembly and be seen on the big screen. “It was an incredible opportunity to step into a space like the United Nations General Assembly Room, and engage with global issues in the wider world,” she said.

NBCS Deputy Principal Craig Linfoot says stepping into the UN General Assembly for the first time is a thrilling moment. “It’s a place so steeped in history, where world leaders and historically significant people have made big and important decisions. That’s not lost on the students,” he said.

Mr Linfoot believes that taking part in the UNIS-UN conference not only grows students’ confidence, compassion and gratitude, but also gives them a vision for a broader future while challenging them to take leadership and achievement even more seriously.

“It opens their eyes to how high they can aim,” he said. “It’s not surprising that every year that we’ve run this trip, at least one of the participating students was elected a school captain the following year.”

An added bonus of the conference is the opportunity to make friends with students from all over the world, as well as see the amazing sights of New York.

“This was truly the most valuable experience,” Felicity Brewster said. “We’ve made memories and friendships that will last a lifetime, and we are so fortunate to have been given this incredible opportunity!