SydneyNorg

Perth students win places at Model United Nations

Three West Australian high school students have been chosen to represent Australia at The Hague International Model United Nations – the world's biggest youth conference – to be held in January 2009.

The students were chosen after attending at the United Nations Youth Association's National Youth Conference in Hobart in July.

Year 12 students Christiaan Gerritsen from Scotch College, Julien Blais from Sacred Heart College and Year 10 Shenton College student Isabel Hughes were three of about 100 students from across Australia who attended the conference in Hobart.

Australia's delegation will represent a United Nations member state next January in simulations of United Nations bodies, including the General Assembly and the Security Council.

As well as attending the conference, the Australian delegation will meet Australian Ambassadors to discuss issues important to young Australians.

Mr Gerritsen said the trip was a rare opportunity to represent his state and nation and to have an enjoyable time while doing it.

The group hopes to pass innovative resolutions, and possibly shake hands with UN Secretary-General Ban-Ki Moon.

All three students are seeking sponsors to help meet the cost of the trip.

Fourteen-year-old Isabel is one of the youngest delegates ever chosen to represent Australia at the international conference, which has been running for 41 years.

"I'm incredibly honoured and excited to be chosen to attend and to be able to represent Australia overseas," Ms Hughes said.

"We've already learnt a huge amount about world affairs at the state and national conferences - but no doubt we will be really tested at the international level."