[img_inline align=”right” src=”http://padnws01.mcmaster.ca/images/UN model.jpg” caption=”McMaster delegates visited the Canadian War Monument while participating in the Model UN in Ottawa. Front row: Sarah Burrell, Azeezah Kanji, Siva Vijenthira and Hannah Bolen. Back row: Joe McDonald, Chris Leite, Ivo Coimbra, Brian MacDonald and Jonathan Borrelli. Photo by Danielle Johnston.”]McMaster delegates joined more than 500 university students and proved their diplomatic abilities at the Canadian Model United Nations (CANIMUN), winning a total of five awards. CANIMUN, the nation's largest UN simulation, welcomed delegates from all over Canada and the world for intense debate at the Government Conference Centre in Ottawa from March 7 to March 10.

Samantha Millar, a fourth-year political science student and McMaster's head delegate to CANIMUN, praised McMaster's delegation and their strong showing

“Their preparation over the past three months really paid off and I'm honoured to lead such a successful team,” she said.

During the four-day conference, McMaster delegates represented the United Kingdom and negotiated current issues that are part of the UN's immediate and future concerns, ranging from conflict diamonds to the enforcement of the Ottawa Treaty.

“It is at forums such as CANIMUN that students can truly apply what they have learned in the classroom,” said Hannah Bolen, who received the Outstanding Delegate Award for her work on the World Health Organization. “After CANIMUN, I have a totally different perspective on international relations.”

Ivo Coimbra also received the Outstanding Delegate Award as the U.K. representative on UNESCO.

Jonathan Borrelli represented the U.K. on the UNAIDS committee and received the Honourable Delegate Award.

“My CANIMUN experience was one of the most rewarding of my university career,” said Borrelli. “It really tested my abilities to think on my toes — in both official languages. Plus, I learned first-hand about the way the UN works and argued with students from across Canada. There's no better way to get involved and educate yourself about international issues like HIV/AIDS than Model UN.”

Azeezah Kanji (General Assembly Special Session on the UN Mandate in Lebanon) and Siva Vijenthira (General Assembly: Legal Committee) also received Honourable Delegate Awards.

The conference began with opening ceremonies at the Canadian War Museum. The keynote speech was delivered by Lieutenant-General Andrew Leslie, Chief of the Land Staff of the Canadian Forces Special.

In addition, delegates were moved by impassioned speeches by Sook-Yin Lee, host of CBC Radio's Definitely Not the Opera and Hannah Simone, host of MuchMusic's MuchNews and The NewMusic.

The conference gave delegates the opportunity to meet with representatives from diplomatic missions and non-governmental organizations, including the British High Commission where McMaster students were invited to meet with diplomats and discuss the U.K.'s efforts.

McMaster delegates remained vocal about maintaining government funding for CANIMUN, which has been identified by the federal government as a potential area for budget cuts. CBC Ottawa's Krista Erickson interviewed Millar and the McMaster delegation about the funding situation.

“The CANIMUN experience is rewarding on so many levels for hundreds of students,” said Millar. “It has grown exponentially over the past five years since its inception, and I hope the government reconsiders its proposal. It's an experience that just gets you motivated to do more.”

The McMaster delegation would like to thank the Department of Political Science for its guidance and support of CANIMUN 2007.