Programs
Global Goals 2018
Hundreds convene for ShawMUN North
On Oct. 23, Shawnigan hosted nine partner schools, totaling 425 participants, for the Model UN Global Goals Conference 2018. This conference has at its heart 17 sustainable development goals, agreed upon by all 193 member states of the UN in 2015, that have the power to end poverty, fight inequality and stop climate change.
"I invite you to practice and develop skills today essential for community building," Headmaster Larry Lamont told delegates during the morning's opening ceremony. Mr. Lamont encouraged all students to be brave and confident in their contributions. "Today's MUN gives you the opportunity to be relevant, purposeful, and of service in our changing world."
The event's keynote speaker was Grade 12 Shawnigan humanitarian scholar Junu D., who spoke about her experience growing up in Nepal and the free education, healthcare, and shelter she received at the Shree Mangal Dvip (SMD) Boarding School. "Can you imagine being four years old and not knowing what it's like to have fun?" she asked her peers in a powerful speech. "Can you imagine being four years old, and instead of going to school, you're preparing to go to work?" Describing how her sponsorship and enrollment at SMD and Shawnigan have taken her from poverty without opportunity to a bright and promising future, Junu showed how change can begin with one person or donation and snowball to a broader trend of compassion and progress. "I hope that today while you debate the global goals, that you will realize that you have the power to change someone's life."
Following the Opening Ceremony, the delegates broke out into the first of three sessions of the day, during which committees delved into debate and cemented resolutions relating to eight of the 17 global goals. Seven Shawnigan students (Isaac L., Imran K., Aaryan K., Alli M., Ava S., Malcolm S., and Uma T.) and three Brentwood students acted as committee directors, making the conference an exciting cooperative venture for both schools.
Marking the end of the day, the closing ceremony included the confirmation of the day's motions and the presentation of outstanding delegate awards.
We acknowledge with respect the Coast Salish Peoples on whose traditional lands and waterways we live, learn and play. We are grateful for the opportunity to share in this beautiful region, and we aspire to healthy and respectful relationships with those who have lived on and cared for these lands for millennia.
Shawnigan Lake School is an independent co-educational boarding school for ages 13 –18 on Canada’s beautiful West Coast. Our diverse, interdisciplinary and innovative programming helps shape the next generation of global leaders.
