Students imitate the United Nations: “I like thinking about world problems”

During Haarlem Model United Nations (HMUN), students from the Netherlands and abroad assume the role of the United Nations. The countries try to solve worldly problems, just like the real UN, in the Haarlem council chamber as well as in the provincial hall and in the classrooms of the Municipal Gymnasium.

In the council chamber of the town hall, two students sit behind a sign with the country they represent. “Every country is represented by a student,” says Julian van Halteren, chairman of the meeting. “So they all talk from their own policy [beleid, red.] and how that country views the matter.”

All over the world

These conferences are organized not only in Haarlem, but also in The Hague, America and Turkey. In Haarlem the organization is in the hands of the Stedelijk Gymnasium, this year for the 25th time, says teacher Arne of the Stedelijk Gymnasium.

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In addition to the delegates and the Secretary-Generals, who ensure that everything runs smoothly, the students also act out an international court of justice where judges rule on international issues. There is also a press room where a newspaper is produced every day. During these three days, the students who come from far will be accommodated with host families of students of the Stedelijk.

worldly affairs

In the council chamber of the town hall, chairman Julian van Halteren draws attention to the following point: an open debate about the current issue between Israel and the Palestinians. Everything he says is in fluent English.

“I would very much like to become a diplomat. I would then like to learn Farsi and then work in Iran, for example. But I also like being a member of the European Parliament. Just thinking about world problems, that’s what I like to do.”