A Decade of Champions: Rotary Barbados and the UN Celebrate Partnership in 11th Session of Model United Nations

The gavel fell at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Barbados, marking a momentous occasion. Not just the start of another Rotary Clubs of Barbados Model United Nations (RCOB MUN) session, but a decade of collaboration between the RCB and the United Nations (UN). This year, the energy crackled as passionate young minds from across the island tackled the critical issue of children's rights.

A Decade of Building Future Leaders

For ten years, the Rotary Clubs of Barbados Model UN has been a launchpad for future leaders. 

View the full photo album here 🎞️.

As President Ermine Darroux-Francis of the Rotary Clubs of Barbados pointed out, "Partnerships amplify our impact and help us collectively make a more substantial and positive difference in our community." 

This sentiment echoed throughout the ceremony, highlighting the decade-long collaboration between the RCB, the UN in Barbados and Eastern Caribbean, and the three Rotary Clubs in Barbados.

Champions for Child Rights:

This year's theme focused on the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, with sub-themes delving into critical issues like children in armed conflict, trafficking, access to education and healthcare, and family support services. The diverse perspectives of UN member nations were central to the discussions.

Senator the Honourable Lisa R. Cummins, Minister of Energy and Business Development, Hon Rotarian, Past President and facilitator captured the essence of the event. 

She stated, "I'm super proud of these future leaders for doing their research and taking on the 'country brief' of their nation. This is what international diplomacy is about. You understand the assignment from your capital and you stand and deliver. It's not a personal perspective – you carry your brief on behalf of your nation and defend it vigorously." 

Senator Cummins' pride resonated as all the students embodied this ideal.

A Global Commitment to Children

The UN's unwavering commitment to children's rights was reaffirmed. Kenroy Roach, Head of the Resident Coordinator's Office, delivered remarks on behalf of UN Resident Coordinator Didier Trebucq. Mr. Roach emphasized the importance of the issue, stating, "It serves as a cornerstone of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)." He elaborated on the interconnectedness of the SDGs, aiming for a world "where every child can thrive." However, he acknowledged the threats children face and urged the students to become advocates.

View the full photo album here 🎞️.

Beyond the Gavel: A Call to Action

The RCOB MUN is more than just a simulation; it's a springboard for action. Mr. Roach's message resonated with the closing remarks. He highlighted the agency of the students, stating, "The fight for a brighter future for all children begins with each of you." The UN and the Rotary Clubs of Barbados echoed this sentiment, urging the delegates to become relentless advocates for child protection. They challenged them to be a voice in their schools, champions in their communities, and agents of positive change for a brighter future.

Nurturing Future Diplomats

Ambassador Matthew Wilson, Barbados' representative to the UN, World Trade Organization and other international organizations in Geneva, also addressed the gathering. 

He commended the students' development, observing, "You have been hard at work gaining the necessary skills in the fields of diplomacy, in government, in civil advocacy and international relations. I see commitment, I see independent thinking, modesty, collaboration, confidence and the understanding of perspectives of others." 

Ambassador Wilson's recognition underscored the valuable skills honed by the delegates during the RCOB MUN.

This year's Model United Nations, with its focus on child rights and its decade-long legacy, serves as a beacon of hope. It showcases the power of collaboration in empowering young people to become champions for a more just and equitable world. The future is indeed bright, thanks to this dedicated group of future leaders, who leave the RCOB MUN equipped with the skills and passion to make a difference, as Ambassador Wilson noted, demonstrating "commitment, independent thinking, collaboration, confidence and the understanding of perspectives of others." Senator Cummins' observations about their embodiment of true diplomacy add another layer to their impressive accomplishment.