Thirty-eight students from the Bridgewater-Raritan High School Model United Nations team traveled to New York City to compete in the 52nd iteration of the National High School Model United Nations Conference from March 13 to March 16. Held at the Hilton Hotel in Midtown Manhattan, the event brought together thousands of delegates from over 70 countries for one of the most competitive simulations of international diplomacy.
Model United Nations is an academic simulation in which students assume the roles of delegates representing different countries and engage in debates on current social issues. Our delegates dedicated immense time to researching topics, refining speeches and preparing for the conference.
Students departed Bridgewater-Raritan High School at 9 a.m. on Friday, beginning their four-day experience in the city. Upon arrival, students settled into their rooms and prepared for the opening ceremony later that evening.
The opening ceremony featured a live performance by Bad Bunny, who energized the audience with his hit song, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos.” Following the performance, former U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris took the stage for a live questionnaire session. In addition to addressing topics such as women’s rights, the role of future generations, diplomacy and the current political state of the U.S., Harris offered advice to student delegates, earning much applause.
After the ceremony, students transitioned into their first committee session. Delegates engaged in rigorous debate, delivered speeches, formed alliances and collaborated with peers on their resolution papers across all five committee sessions that took place during the weekend. Committees, which focused on varying aspects of world events, challenged students to address complex global issues while representing their assigned countries.
During their second day, delegates spent the morning exploring New York City, dining and visiting landmarks before returning to the conference center for their second committee session. After a dinner break, students reconvened for their third committee session, beginning to develop resolution papers.
On the third day, delegates participated in their final two committee sessions, in which they presented and defended their resolutions. At the conclusion of the final committee session, awards were presented, recognizing exceptional performance. That evening, students attended the delegate dance in the ballroom, celebrating the culmination of their hard work and connecting with delegates from around the world.
On the final day, delegates prepared their rooms for departure before attending the closing ceremony. One delegation from each committee was selected to present. Representing Bridgewater-Raritan were juniors Mahathi Karthik, Meher Dua, Jaden Lee, Jack Lee, Raina Khakharia, and Nathaniel John.
Bridgewater-Raritan achieved a historic milestone at this year’s conference, earning the Award of Distinction as an overall delegation for the first time in school history. This award highlighted the team’s dedication, preparation and success during the conference.
The accomplishments of the team would not have been possible without the support of club advisors Ms. Yanessa Sanitago Duran and Mrs. Eileen Boosmann, whose guidance was critical throughout the conference.
Several students were recognized individually for their excellence. Mahathi Karthik and Meher Dua earned the Award of Distinction and Plenary Speaker honors in the Commission on Population and Development. Ayush Dhar and Kush Dave received the Award of Distinction in the Committee on Peaceful Uses of Outer Space. Inaaya Ashar and Viraaj Marathe were awarded the Award of Distinction in the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee. Shantan Budamakayala and Daksh Bansal earned the Award of Distinction in the Food and Agriculture Organization. Raina Khakharia and Nathaniel John, along with Jack Lee and Jadon Kim, received the Award of Excellence and Plenary Speaker honors in the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization and the Commission on Narcotic Drugs. Additional Awards of Excellence were given to Arshiya Aggarwal in the United Nations-Habitat, as well as Anika Nandi and Vrisaan Raina in the United Nations International Children’s Fund.
Sophomore Arshiya Aggarwal reflected on the conference’s significance.
“This conference was very meaningful because it showed how powerful collaboration and diplomacy can be when addressing global issues. I really enjoyed working with delegates from around the world and celebrating together at the delegate dance after everything we accomplished,” shared Aggarwal.
