Bridgewater-Raritan High School’s Model United Nations was the host to  its much anticipated New Member Mock Conference on November 15 and November 22, marking a pivotal moment for new members of the club. For most participants, it was their first experience with any Model UN conference, making it a notable milestone.

Club officers; Harsha Ahmed, Isabel Lu, Lily Xu and many more; acted as both chairs and judges, lending their expertise to ensure the event mirrored the structure of larger, more prestigious conferences.

The conference’s central theme revolved around human trafficking and its global implications, a topic that challenged students to think critically and creatively. This involved topics that included illicit drug trafficking, migrant worker mistreatment and how private sectors and a lack of government regulation affected the issue. New members had to propose solutions to these problems, while citing past evidence and historical background, forming a stance for their nation.

Weeks prior, new members were assigned delegations and tasked with crafting position papers that outlined their suggested solutions to this pressing issue. They were also placed into one of two rooms, where they would be for the conference. As the event approached, participants diligently refined their papers, preparing to present and debate their stances.

To support their preparation, new delegates were paired with mentors: experienced club officers who provided guidance for the conference. These mentors worked closely with the new members, offering strategic advice and practical tips to help navigate the nuances of debate and diplomacy. Through their mentorship, they not only instilled confidence but also fostered a deeper understanding of the procedures and expectations of a Model UN conference.

Delegates who stood out also received awards: Best Position Paper, Honorable Mention, Outstanding Delegate and Best Delegate. The results were as follows:

• In Room 1, the Best Position Paper Award was given to Krishna Arul.
• In Room 1, the Honorable Mention Award was given to Daksh Bansal.
• In Room 1, the Outstanding Delegate Award was given to Angie Yang.
• In Room 1, the Best Delegate Award was given to Rithvik Krish.
• In Room 2, the Best Position Paper Award was given to Aahana Anupam.
• In Room 2, the Honorable Mention Award was given to Titshika Atre.
• In Room 2, the Outstanding Delegate Award was given to Anika Nandi.
• In Room 2, the Best Delegate Award was given to Anshuman Roy.