At this year’s Central Jersey Model UN and Congress conference, delegates throughout the region came to the high school to explore the consequences of conflict through debate. Highland Park students organized and managed this event under Mr. Gold’s guidance, though not without a great deal of dedication and hard work. They brought in homemade multicultural dishes, directed committees, created crisis arcs, and welcomed hundreds of attendees. Several alumni also returned to contribute to this day of debate and intellectual exploration.
Over ten schools participated in the twelve committees, ranging from introductory to advanced and historical to current. Debaters discussed topics like the Ukrainian War and the Yemeni humanitarian crisis with a focus on diplomatic relations and humanizing those caught in the fallout of political disputes. The delegates did not encounter conflict themselves as Highland Park Model UN and Congress club members kept the cogs of the conference running smoothly.
The success of CJMUNC 2023 represented a significant bounce-back of the event since the COVID-19 pandemic. It will fund future trips both nearby and abroad for members of HPMUNC to attend conferences themselves. With these resources, the club plans to attend MIMUN in Mexico City during the following school year. This way, HPMUNC members can foster cross-cultural connections along with debating international issues.
Those interested in politics, debate, research, and public speaking are always encouraged to learn more about HPMUNC. Next fall, all students are welcome to join the weekly Thursday debates after school in Mr. Gold’s room to get a taste of diplomacy for themselves.