This year Mougins British International School and the International School of Nice had the privilege to host the Globeducate Model United Nations of 2026. The event took place at the Golden Tulip in Sofia Antipolis and welcomed over 140 students (ages 16 to 18) across 18 Globeducate schools. Within this event our learners participated in an academic simulation of the United Nations, with students representing different countries from around the world to debate and discuss current global affairs.

Our own Annie Achilli has been organising our schools role in this event and on top of this has been consistently leading a MUN THRIVE programme for students to practice their debating skills and confidence in team settings. 
Annie Achilli describes her MUN THRIVE as a space in which students “ learn how to write a policy statement for their country assigned to them, on a problem presented to them by their committee. They go on to learn how to prepare and present a resolution to the problem. Debating skills are also practiced as well as public speaking.”

In the opening ceremony, James Wellings, the Head of Mougins School, kicked things off by sharing a striking statistic. He noted that only 0.15% of high school students globally participate in MUN. “You are part of a privileged group,” he told the delegates, “demonstrating the true motivation required to lead.”
We were honored to welcome a special guest speaker, Mr Youssed Halauoa, the director of the Science Po Menton Campus. With a background in the French embassy in Libya and in the consulting field before gaining the title of associate project manager for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic games bid, he offered three pillars of advice: 

• The Art of Listening: "We learn how to talk, but we must learn how to listen. It is the key to resolution."
• Courage and Resilience: He warned that a career in diplomacy is not easy. "Have the courage to stand for the truth when you are challenged."
• The Gift of Perspective: He encouraged students to use their privilege to see the world through the eyes of others.

Over the course of the MUN event students gain valuable skills in communication, public speaking, critical thinking and their individual political understanding. Globeducate themselves describe the event's core aim as “to prepare students to be global citizens who can shape the world.” After further introduction from the MUN committee leaders those participating ended their evening in Antibes enjoying the sunset and riveting discussion. 

The focus crisis of MUN was launched on the second day and was followed with the first round of debate.The proposed crisis was a leak by Iranian hackers involving top-secret documents from Vietnam which exposed political bribes and military coups.  All delegates had to act quickly on their feet, utilise their debate skills and work as a team in order to have a successful debate in which their designated countries interests are prioritised. Toby from Mougins School said "You can practice all you want, but you don't really 'get it' until you're in the heat of the moment. It’s incredibly rewarding to pitch an idea and use your persuasion skills to make it stick." however perhaps the favourite part of the second day was the end of it. Mougins School held a Gala dinner and dance where delegates could unwind from the high stakes situation and get to know each other, creating valuable bonds. 

The third day involved the closing ceremony and awards presentation in which students were honoured and credited for their hard work and sound skills in decision making and team collaboration.

Best Delegate Awards: 

• Zoe S. delegate of Brazil from Agora Portals International School
• Emma P. delegate of Maldives from ICS Milan
• Marta S. delegate of Germany from Cambridge House British International School
• Emilia C. delegate of Russian Federation from Mougins British International School
• Victoria G. delegate of Italy from ISN Nice 

Best Resolution Awards:

• Ludovico L. delegate of Canada from Agora Portals International School
• Elisabeth A. delegate of Australia from Cambridge House British International  School
• Tobias B. delegate of Canada from Mougins British International School 
• Isla V. delegate of Philippines from Cambridge House British International School
• Danylo K. delegate of Norway from PASCAL Private Secondary School Lemesos

Best Improved Delegate Awards: 

• Ahmadou L. delegate of Malaysia from EIB Étoile
• Isabella T. delegate of Fiji from EIB Étoile
• Clara G. delegate of Israel from Agora Portals International School
• Luca F. delegate of Burkina Faso from Cambridge House British International School
• Yiannis I. delegate of Pakistan from PASCAL Private Secondary School Lemesos
• Petru G. delegate of Germany from O Castro British International School

Overall, Mougins British International School and International School of Nice can consider their hosting of this year's Globeducate United Nations an undisputed success. Both staff and students should consider themselves proud of their contribution to this year's event. A huge thank you to Ruth Jiggins for running the MUN logistics so smoothly. Students in particular are recognised for their rapid problem solving skills, team collaboration and public speaking proficiency. We look forward to the next Globeducate MUN in order to foster our students' capacity for political and diplomatic interests and related abilities. 

Gisele E.
Sixth Form Student