This past weekend, delegates from B-CC’s Model United Nations (MUN) club attended the prestigious Columbia Model United Nations Conference and Exposition (CMUNCE) in New York City, marking a memorable experience for the team. The 24th iteration of the conference, held at Columbia University, brought together over 1,500 delegates worldwide for a weekend of diplomacy and cultural exchange.
“I was representing Sudan in UNCSW, which is the United Nations Commission of the Status of Women,” said sophomore Lily Blackman, one of the Model UN club presidents. “We also had B-CC delegates in WHO, the United States Senate, UNESCO, the Election of 1992, and a Money Heist-inspired committee.” The B-CC team’s goal extended beyond winning awards— they aimed to grow as individuals, collaborate with others, and fully embrace the MUN experience. “It was about growth and development for our team,” Blackman added, “We wanted to experience the full scope of the event, meet new people, and dive into the challenges of debate.”
Throughout the weekend, B-CC delegates worked alongside peers from schools worldwide, debating critical global issues. Lily, representing Sudan in the UNCSW committee, collaborated with 70 other delegates to draft and pass a resolution titled “FEMALE.” Despite fierce competition, her dedication earned her a Verbal Commendation, recognizing her diplomacy and contributions. “It was incredible to be part of such a meaningful process,” Blackman said. “Being recognized in a committee of this size was an honor, and I’m proud of our team’s collective efforts.”
The weekend also featured seminars with diplomats and Columbia University students, offering valuable insights into international relations. One of the highlights for the B-CC team was meeting Austria’s delegates to the United Nations, where they gained firsthand knowledge about the inner workings of global diplomacy. The conference concluded with FunMUN, a lighthearted event celebrating the committees’ achievements.
A special thanks goes to the team’s sponsor and advisor, Mrs. Pasquale, whose unwavering support and dedication played a crucial role in the team’s success. “Her guidance has been invaluable, and we’re incredibly grateful for everything she’s done to make this experience possible,” Blackman said.
After more than 15 hours of rigorous debate, the B-CC delegates returned home enriched with new knowledge and skills, eager to tackle future challenges and further develop as leaders in diplomacy.