Passing resolutions in middle school Model UN to make the world a better place

In a conference room filled with middle school students from across Middle Tennessee, Harpeth Hall students confidently present the results of weeks of research, teamwork, and diplomacy. Through resolutions modeled after those in actual global diplomacy initiatives, the girls offer solutions to address issues from healthcare to environmental challenges at the 2024 student Model United Nations (Model UN) conference.

Model UN is an academic simulation of the United Nations where students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real-world issues from the perspective of their assigned country. Using weeks of research to understand their country’s physical, cultural, political, and economic geography, students identify a topic to be addressed and write policy that offers possible solutions. Those resolutions are then presented to their peers at a daylong conference for students from schools throughout the Nashville area. At the 2024 conference, students presented a dozen resolutions, including bills to improve healthcare for women and children dealing with the effects of malaria, to reduce trash along the Mediterranean coast, to improve healthcare access in Bulgaria, and to reduce violence against women in Cote d'Ivoire.

At Harpeth Hall, the Model UN program began in 2008 when an 8th grade student lobbied for the program's creation. In 2024, Harpeth Hall sent 46 students representing 12 resolutions — incredible growth for the program.

For faculty sponsor Cécile Lainé, Model UN “supports so many aspects of our students' journey at our school.” Through the program, she explained, girls have to work in groups to research and create a realistic solution, write convincing arguments, learn time management, practice public speaking, gain confidence through defending their resolution, and demonstrate leadership in debating and supporting other resolutions, and forming alliances with other delegates.

“I enjoyed participating in Model UN because it lets you debate global issues, improve speaking skills, and work with others, while also helping you grow personally through teamwork,” Aadhya Gattu, an 8th grade student and a winner of an Outstanding Delegate award, said. “It also teaches you a lot about different countries by exploring the major challenges they face and gaining new insights into global issues.” During the conference, Aadhya and her team secured enough votes to pass their resolution to address the dwindling population in Eastern European countries and won an award for Outstanding Resolution.

They were not the only team from Harpeth Hall to receive this honor. Of the 10 resolutions that earned enough votes to pass in the General Assembly, four were awarded the Outstanding Resolution award, and five students earned Outstanding Delegate awards.

Model UN provides students with the opportunity to put Harpeth Hall’s strategic priorities into action by amplifying their sense of purpose in a real-world setting. Standing on a simulated global stage, girls discovered the power of their voices, ideas, and convictions. Through this experience, they bring to life the school’s goal to “broaden global perspectives that empower our students to navigate their communities and the world with well-researched opinions and a sense of social responsibility.”

“Through their participation in the program, students deepen their understanding of global issues and enhance their ability to think critically about the world around them,” faculty sponsor Cathy Richarde said. “They sharpen their research, public speaking, and problem-solving skills as they advocate for meaningful change, and they gain practical experience in analyzing policy proposals and responding to criticism.

“In essence, the Model UN program equips girls with the knowledge, confidence, and skills necessary to become informed, active citizens who can make a positive impact in a democratic society.”

Of the 10 resolutions that earned enough votes to pass in the General Assembly, four were awarded the Outstanding Resolution award, and five students earned Outstanding Delegate awards.

2024 Outstanding Delegates
Annika Abramson, 8th grade
Taylor Bighem, 7th grade
Aadhya Gattu, 8th grade
Helen Jane Thompson, 8th grade
Fia Valentine, 8th grade