Canterbury Model UN Shines at GatorMUN XXII, Earning Top Honors

Congratulations to the following:

Olivia T. ’25 represented the Republic of Ethiopia at the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), tackling the global crisis of Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Demonstrating exceptional leadership as a sponsor, she spearheaded discussions and created the resolution HOPE-Line (Healing, Outreach, Protection, and Empowerment), which evolved into HOPE-Line NERF (Hope for No Fights, Equal Rights) after uniting key proposals. As a leader in the merger process, Olivia ensured diverse perspectives shaped a cohesive resolution. Her expertise shone on the Q&A panel, where she confidently advocated for leveraging technology to address GBV. The resolution passed with overwhelming support, and Olivia’s diplomacy and vision earned her the Outstanding Delegate Award. Congratulations, Olivia!

Azriela C. ’27 represented the United States in the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). In ITU, Azriela debated six different topics, ranging from satellite regulation to access to technology for least-developed countries. She led a resolution covering all six topics named CONNECT. Specifically, she advocated for an oversight board, education for students in least-developed countries, and proper funding of least-developed countries. After Azriela represented the CONNECT paper in Q&A, she merged with the other two blocs to create one paper for the whole committee. When merging, Azriela split the entire committee into six topics to create the most comprehensive paper (she led the education portion). She was on Q&A for the merged paper. Azriela received the Outstanding Delegate award for her efforts. Amazing work, Azriela!

Mehereen C. ’25 and Natalia R. ’27 represented the United States of America in the World Health Organization. During the session, the USA delegation played an active and collaborative role in addressing the global issue of human trafficking. Recognizing the complexity of the problem, the delegation worked closely with multiple member states including France, Croatia, Austria, Italy, and Norway to create a comprehensive resolution aimed at combating human trafficking worldwide. The collaboration led to the formulation of the Empower Plan, a multifaceted approach that focuses on strengthening international cooperation, improving victim support systems, and enhancing law enforcement frameworks. The Empower Plan emphasizes the importance of cross-border cooperation, as well as the need for improved education and awareness campaigns to prevent trafficking, especially targeting vulnerable populations. The USA worked tirelessly to ensure the inclusion of a human rights-based approach in the resolution, ensuring that the dignity and safety of trafficking victims remained at the forefront of the plan. Through strategic alliances and thoughtful negotiation, the USA delegation helped secure wide support for the Empower Plan, pushing the committee closer to a unified solution. The success of this initiative was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the committee and the USA’s commitment to combating human trafficking on the global stage. They were rewarded with Honorable Delegate for their efforts! Well done, Mehereen and Natalia!

Kyle F. ’25 represented the CEO of Coca-Cola and proceeded to embezzle $266 billion, emptying all of Coca-Cola’s funds while also putting the old formula back into place. While this was happening he also created a protein bar leading to fights between people in the streets and ending in an invasion of the Coke HQ. Kyle received a verbal commendation for his efforts. Outstanding work, Kyle!

Lauren T. ’26 represented Tituba in the Salem Witch Trials Committee. All delegates were in tense conflict with each other as no one knew who was a witch and who wasn’t. In the end, an all-out war between magicians and the government broke out all across Salem with no end in sight. Lauren received a verbal commendation for her work. Amazing job, Lauren!

Ari M. ’28 represented Al Teller, the former CEO of CBS Records in the “Byte Me” committee at GatorMUN. He debated the illegal sharing of MP3 music using sites like Napster and Limewire, in this committee set in the year 2000. Highlights of this committee were when Al Teller was sued by Snoop Dogg in a civil court case and when he was executed by a unanimous vote of the committee members. After he was sentenced to death, he took on the role of Marshall Mathers also known as Eminem. As Eminem, he performed in a concert alongside Radiohead, Metallica, Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, and more. Ari earned a verbal commendation for his role in this committee. Congratulations, Ari!

Rachell S. ’25 took on the role of Peggy Burnman in the Pink Pony Committee, where she delivered a compelling speech that secured her reelection as president of the community. Amid the apocalypse, Peggy demonstrated exceptional resourcefulness and survival skills, producing 100 gallons of gasoline, which she later used to fuel her dramatic escape by airplane. To further ensure her survival against the relentless zombie threat, she employed a doppelgänger and various tactical defenses, successfully evading infection and solidifying her status as a formidable leader in a world overrun by chaos.

Phoebe M. ’26 represented Martin Margiela in the Stitching Sustainably: The Future of High Fashion committee. She helped sponsor and pass directives to promote sustainable practices in the fashion industry, expose unfair labor practices in fast fashion companies, and create new lines of clothing for her label.

Zoe M. ’26 represented the United States of America, playing a key role in discussions on gender-based violence and security. She was a sponsor and a member of the authors’ panel for the HOPE Line block (Healing, Outreach, Protection, Empowerment—Crisis Response Line) and contributed to its merger with the No Fights Equal Rights (NERF) block. Zoe was chosen to present the merged resolution paper to the rest of the committee. Her unique insights, particularly on improving access to education and healthcare for victims of gender-based violence in conflict zones, were vital, solidifying her position as an influential voice in the proceedings.

Norbert H. ’26 portrayed a military general in the crisis, known for his ability to foster strong alliances and strategic coordination. When Kira arrived to evaluate the strength and quality of their clan, Norbert took proactive measures by deploying his troops to gather resources and presenting gifts as a diplomatic gesture. Simultaneously, he directed his forces to collect lumber and frogs, using them to craft poison arrows in preparation for potential conflict. Tensions escalated when Kira made a remark that deeply offended the clan leader, leading to his arrest and imprisonment in the capital. In response, Norbert and his allies devised a plan to rescue their leader, but Kira intercepted their strategy and retaliated by sending 15,000 samurai to crush the resistance. Amidst the chaos of battle, Norbert sought reinforcements, negotiating with Blackbeard to construct a militarized ship and rallying opposition clans that also harbored resentment toward Kira. Expanding his influence beyond Japan, Norbert extended the Asano clan’s reach to Africa, where he established and led the Asatoki clan, securing its legacy on a global scale.

Vivianne S. ’26 played a pivotal role in her committee’s power struggle against Cleopatra and Mark Antony, working to orchestrate their overthrow. Through strategic maneuvering and calculated alliances, she successfully seized control of Egypt, ascending to the throne as Pharaoh. However, her reign was short-lived, as betrayal loomed within her ranks. She was ultimately assassinated, but her legacy did not end there. Following her death, she transcended into divine status, becoming an Egyptian god, forever immortalized in the annals of history.

Anayah C. ’27 and Olivia R. ’27 worked closely within the Internal Offices in the Environmental Affairs Committee to address a range of critical global issues. Olivia, acting as Agent Smith, took on the responsibility of gathering intelligence from other General Assembly rooms, providing key insights into various global challenges such as refugee rights, nuclear warfare, and issues related to global health concerns. Meanwhile, Anayah debated in the Environmental Affairs room, leveraging the information Olivia gathered to shape arguments and proposals. Their combined efforts led to the creation of Plan Drake, a comprehensive strategy that aimed to address the intersection of environmental sustainability and humanitarian issues. The plan not only focused on the protection of refugees but also tackled the consequences of nuclear conflict and the global health implications of certain pharmaceutical advancements. Anayah was honored to serve as a sponsor for a significant paper that addressed these urgent topics. In addition, Anayah played a key role as a block leader, helping to build consensus among delegates and ensuring the inclusion of these complex issues in the committee’s final recommendations. Throughout the debate, Anayah’s leadership and negotiation skills shone through as she worked with fellow delegates to craft a resolution that took into account the many facets of these global issues. Olivia’s intelligence-gathering and Anayah’s strategic vision ensured that Plan Drake received widespread support in the committee. Their collaborative work was instrumental in shaping the outcomes of the session, with their contributions underscoring the importance of cross-delegate cooperation and the integration of both environmental and humanitarian considerations in international policy.

Niki P. ’27 represented the United States of America at the United Nations Human Rights Council. She successfully passed her working paper S.E.C.U.R.E and resolution paper S.E.C.U.R.E C.H.I.L.D, which focused on addressing violence against children in conflict zones. Throughout the session, Niki actively collaborated with fellow delegates, contributing innovative ideas to tackle pressing global issues. As a sponsor of her paper, she also participated in both the presentation and Q&A.