Bay View Academy Model United Nations club arms members with the skills to work towards global nuclear disarmament
Left to right: Marisa Lee (Providence), Amelia Larson (Cumberland), Kailey Williams (East Providence), Jalynne Ovalles-Cardany (East Providence), and Sarah Finnerty (Bristol) Photo Credit: Laura Laurence
East Providence, RI ??? Armed with research and diplomacy skills, six Bay View Academy Upper School students convened on November 17th to discuss the issue of nuclear proliferation and how it pertains to developed, developing and underdeveloped nations. These students are members of Bay View???s Model United Nations club, and they represented the countries of Russia, USA, France, China, North Korea, and Pakistan. This “mini-conference” was a simulation of a meeting of the International Atomic Energy Agency.????
After an hour and a half of heated discussion, the delegates worked together to draft a solution. The resolution included statements such as, “The United Nations supports a 3000 nuclear weapon limit to be reached within 20 years of constant reduction by nations in violation of said limit,” and, “Following this twenty year period all nations will reduce their stockpiles by 10% per annum.” Next, the committee moved into voting procedure, and with a close vote of two in favor and three opposed, the resolution failed. Regardless, the students were able to practice their public speaking skills, debate a topic that is critical in today’s world and bring their passion for foreign policy outside of the classroom.
St. Mary Academy – Bay View is an independent Catholic School for girls open to all faiths, Pre-kindergarten through Grade 12, located in East Providence, Rhode Island and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy. In existence since 1874, Bay View endeavors to provide a quality education preparing girls and young women for the challenges of the global community. St. Mary Academy – Bay View is a college preparatory school accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.