By Alexandra Varemaki (Grade 9)
Kaohsiung American School began its first-ever Model United Nations conference, KMUN I, on Saturday, welcoming student delegates and officers for a weekend of debate, diplomacy, and collaboration.
Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational simulation in which students represent country delegates and debate global issues such as climate change, human rights, and international security. Students may also participate as student officers, known as Chairs, who guide debate and ensure orderly and respectful discussion. Through research, speeches, negotiation, and resolution writing, MUN helps students develop public speaking, critical thinking, and diplomatic skills.
This year’s conference is organized by a student Secretariat made up of KAS 11th graders Gavin Lo, Daniel Chen, Jonathan Chen, Alexandra Chuang, and Charles Chung, along with numerous other student officers. Delegates from KAS and other international schools are participating.
KMUN I features six committees composed of middle and high school students, each working to debate issues and draft effective resolutions.
“By embracing the diversity within this conference, we strengthen our ability to work collectively toward solutions that reflect inclusivity, empathy, and global understanding,” said Secretary-General Gavin Lo (Grade 11). “I look forward to thoughtful diplomacy and leadership over the coming days.”
“MUN isn’t about perfection or competition; it’s about learning, sharing perspectives, and finding confidence in expressing your ideas,” added Deputy Secretary-General Daniel Chen (Grade 11).
Many participants are attending MUN for the first time, while others bring prior experience, all navigating formal procedures and debates to develop practical solutions to pressing global issues.
“This year’s theme, ‘Unity in Diversity,’ reminds us that unity does not mean being the same or agreeing on everything,” said Deputy Secretary-General Alexandra Chuang (Grade 11). “It means coming together through our differences to create stronger, more inclusive solutions.”
By hosting KMUN I, KAS aims to promote global awareness and encourage students to engage thoughtfully with international affairs. The conference is not only an academic exercise, but also an opportunity for students to grow as informed, confident, and responsible global citizens.
Deputy Secretary-General Jonathan Chen (Grade 11) said he is eager to see the conference unfold. “MUN offers valuable lessons, from improving public speaking skills to expanding knowledge of global affairs and inspiring students to broaden their worldview,” he said.
