Earlier this month, the Fayetteville-Manlius United Nations Club hosted the 40th Annual Central New York Model United Nations (CNYMUN) Conference at Syracuse University, bringing together over 600 students and more than 25 school districts state-wide.
CNYMUN is one of the largest Model United Nations conferences run by a public high school in the country. During the event, students pose as United Nations delegates and debate a variety of global issues.
This year’s debates centered around how the global community could utilize resources to create more equitable and sustainable opportunities for people in a variety of circumstances.
In addition to the debates, Colgate University professor and academic director of the office of undergraduate studies, John D. Palmer, delivered a speech at opening ceremonies on the promotion of global education equity. Palmer has taught courses on diversity, equity, and social justice and has experience in the nonprofit sector for the Syracuse community.
Each year, CNYMUN sponsors a global charity and raises several thousand dollars. In alignment with this year’s theme of Promoting Global Equity, CNYMUN will raise money for Childhood Education International.
Advised by F-M High School social studies teacher Mrs. Katherine Gross, the F-M club is geared toward students interested in global affairs, international careers, or careers in politics and government. In addition to preparing for the annual MUN conference, club members participate in mock sessions of the United Nations and serve as delegates of member nations.