KES Students Represent School at Prestigious Model UN Conference in Toronto - Issue 33

Six students from King’s-Edgehill School recently travelled to Toronto to participate in the prestigious Southern Ontario Model United Nations Assembly (SOMA), one of North America’s leading Model UN conferences. Founded in 1972, SOMA brings together more than 650 student delegates from around the world to debate pressing global issues while developing skills in diplomacy, negotiation, and public speaking.

Representing KES at the conference were Anthony ’27, Rowan ’27, Georgia ’27, Mira ’28, Isabelle ’28, and Ruari ’29. Over the course of the conference, students participated in full-day council sessions alongside 15 to 30 delegates in each committee, simulating the work of the United Nations and other international bodies. Delegates were tasked with representing the political and economic positions of their assigned countries while debating current global challenges and working toward collaborative resolutions.

Committees at SOMA explored a wide range of international issues, including global pandemic response and vaccine equity in the World Health Organization, international peace and security in the UN Security Council, sustainable tourism, global trade inequities, and international responses to organized crime and cybercrime. Students also had the opportunity to hear from keynote speaker Ms. Chrystia Freeland, who spoke about diplomacy, governance, and international cooperation, celebrating the youth who attended as tomorrow’s leaders.

Beyond the conference halls, the trip offered students the chance to experience the energy and diversity of Toronto itself. The group explored the fresh food vendors and atmosphere of St. Lawrence Market, spent time vintage shopping through Kensington Market, and took in panoramic views from the CN Tower. Students also enjoyed dugout-side seats for a matchup between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Cleveland Guardians, along with an evening performance of the high-energy musical & Juliet.

The experience struck a balance between intellectual challenge, cultural exploration, and memorable shared experiences. Through debate, dialogue, and diplomacy, KES students strengthened their understanding of global citizenship while representing their school with professionalism, curiosity, and enthusiasm.

Jenna Pennington