“Diplomacy is not merely the art of negotiation but the science of shaping a shared future through collective insight and mutual respect.”

On Saturday, September 7, the Deutsche Schule Durban hosted a Model United Nations Conference that transcended ordinary academic competition.  A remarkable demonstration of leadership and negotiation was facilitated by the active collaboration of ideas and diplomacy among thirteen schools across KwaZulu-Natal, including schools such as Hilton College, Grace College, which secured first place and Crawford La Lucia, which secured third place.  Teams from these schools represented twenty-two nations in their entirety.  The French delegation, led by Nehal Ramgolam and Luqmaan Khan, emerged as one of the best, emanating as second by the significant contributions of Dundee High School’s delegates: Asandile Mdlalose and Nokwazi Nyandeni, the delegates of India, and Muhle Khambule and Shannon Griffiths, the delegates of China.

The conference, which was seven hours in duration, transpired through a meticulously structured process.  With their opening remarks, delegates outlined their perspectives and established the framework for contentious discussions.  A moderated caucus ensued, during which participants had comprehensive discussions addressed, examined numerous points of view, and debated potential solutions.  Then the unmoderated caucus served as a forum for informal discussions and the formation of coalitions, which culminated in the presentation and voting on the solutions.  The procedure was repeated across several committee meetings ranging from “Improving Sustainable Energy Development and Transition”, “The Regulation and Use of Robots, Automation, Drones and AI in Warfare” to “Return of Restitution of Cultural Property to their Countries of Origin” illustrating the intricacy and magnitude of global diplomacy.

A heartfelt thank you is extended to Mr and Mrs Lippke whose support was nothing short of transformative.  Their tireless dedication and expert guidance were the cornerstone of the delegates’ success at the Model United Nations Conference.  For Dundee High School’s representatives, the conference was an unforgettable experience. Nehal Ramgolam and Luqmaan Khan, Asandile Mdlalose and Nokwazi Nyandeni, alongside Muhle Khambule and Shannon Griffiths, displayed remarkable growth in their public speaking, critical thinking, and collaborative skills.  The real triumph of the event was not just the accolades but the invaluable expertise and confidence they acquired.  This experience forged them into adept learners and eloquent communicators, ready to tackle future challenges with a nuanced understanding of global diplomacy.

The Model United Nation Conference illuminated the power of practical learning and the profound impact it has on personal and professional development.  As these young diplomats move forward, they carry with them not just memories of a successful conference but the enduring legacy of their journey towards mastery in the art of diplomacy, ready to influence and inspire on the world stage.