Budding diplomats from Abbey College Manchester battled it out in a high-pressure United Nations summit recently, to win the much-coveted Geographical Association debate trophy.
Intelligent students at the city-centre based college, went head to head with teams from other top schools in the North West to debate the topic of ‘Sustainable Energy for All’.
Abbey College Manchester’s Victorious Model UN Team
The debaters replicated the environment of a UN General Assembly, organised by the Geographical Association of Manchester. Based on the United Nations initiative, challengers were set the objective to develop a global framework to improve the quality of life for the one billion people with no access to electricity, without exacerbating climate change.
The event, hosted by the college and held at the Unitarian Chapel on Cross Street, saw the students representing the views and interests of countries from around the world including China and Nigeria, with the Abbey Manchester team assuming the role of Germany. The dedicated groups researched the matter for several weeks before enthusiastically debating their solutions for the topical subject, reflecting their countries national interests, rather than personal opinions.
CK Ma (17) – a member of Abbey College Manchester’s winning team
The winning Abbey College Manchester team, Hooda Taguri, CK Ma (17) and Ali Al-Saffar (19), were awarded the highly sought-after debate trophy. Each member additionally received a prize of £15 each in vouchers in recognition of their strength of argument, organisation of information, teamwork and public speaking ability.
Head of geography, Mike Johnson, said: “It is always an honour to host the Model UN. The initiative is a great way to develop the student’s leadership and communication skills, while engaging them in important global issues. All participants did incredibly well.
“We are delighted that the event has seen another successful year at the college and are extremely proud of our Abbey team who shone with their meticulously researched preparation, strength of argument and public speaking ability.”
Abbey College is a leading independent college in the heart of Manchester, with a fast-growing and vibrant community.
There are around 210 students at the college, comprising a mix of students from the local area and other countries. The college offers A-Level, GCSE, Combined Studies and International Foundation Programmes.
For more information on Abbey College visit www.abbeymanchester.co.uk, or call 0161 817 2700.
