John Banks & Steven Joyce’s Former Youth MPs Head to the United Nations.

By Winona D’Costa

Summer. The only time in the year where students can indulge in countless hours of zero productivity. Not if you’re the small group of students selected to participate in the annual The Hague International Model United Nations (“THIMUN”). Among the 22 students selected to attend the THIMUN are Ellie Bishop former Youth MP for John Banks and Steven Joyce’s former Youth MP Cameron Haworth.

For Ellie Bishop, former youth MP for Epsom and John Banks, THIMUN is a dress rehearsal for the real thing: a future career with the UN. “I would love to work at the UN after I finish my degree” says Ellie. Like Ellie, Steven Joyce’s former youth MP Cameron Haworth also credits his career ambitions to his experience with the Model UN. “I hope to work in growing New Zealand’s science and innovation sectors when I graduate – a pathway I’ve wanted since being on the Science and Innovation committee at UN Youth’s Youth Declaration 2013 conference.”

The appeal of the UN for some lies in the few bureaucratic problems associated with it according to Cameron. “The UN is an organisation which acts for the good of humanity, with less surprisingly bureaucratic problems as most national governments. I see a lot of things that appeal to me from such an altruistic organisation.” The allure of world issues, in particular humanitarian and equality issues is what attracted Ellie to the Model UN. “The people I have met have also attracted me to the Model UN. They are genuine, smart, like minded young people. Many of them have become my lifelong friends.”

So what is The Hague Model United Nations?

It is a three-week study tour that gives the delegates and insider’s guide to the United Nations: its various locations, activities and work. “We are visiting so many historical and locations and important places” Cameron tells me. Visits to diplomatic missions and heritage sights in Amsterdam, New York, Berlin, Geneva and Brussels make up the itinerary. When asked what would be the highlight of the trip Cameron replied “the UN headquarters in NYC.”

Students wishing to be part of the New Zealand delegation to The Hague Model United Nations should get involved with the Auckland Model UN. “I got involved beginning of last year attended every event possible since and gained experience. I decided to apply for the THIMUN this year” says Ellie. Cameron echoes Ellie’s advice. “I kept up an interest in Model UN and always attended every event I could. I learned more and more every time I got up to speak.”

Fancy yourself a delegate at The Hague Model United Nations? Emulate Ellie and Cameron. Get involved with the Auckland Model UN. Attend every meeting. Gain experience. This time next year you could be packing for the THMUN.
We wish Ellie Bishop and Cameron Haworth the best for The Hague Model United Nations.

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