After three days of intense debates, delegates were not only as passionate about global affairs and politics as ever before - they want more
The last day of debates was no less intense that the two days prior.The final day of Hong Kong Model United Nation (HKMUN) challenged delegates to think on their feet.
At the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (Nato), delegates debated on an emergency motion regarding international efforts to protect the world from Isis. Delegates were not informed of the topic beforehand, and were given only 15 minutes to discuss and prepare before discussions began.
Several countries disagreed with sending land troops to control Isis, depite the US' push for military action. Several countries were against the motion, fearing it might provoke Isis to counter with even more terrorist attacks. There were also concerns about the lack of funding to stage a ground attack, and that deploying military efforts may not neccessarily yield success against terrorism.
In the end, delegates decided that Nato should provide humantarian aid to countries affected by Isis, rather than engage in a war.
At the Legislative Council (Legco), delegates playing the roles of lawmakers were surprised by an emergency motion of their own.
Without any prior reseach on laws regarding refugees, the delegates were presented with a report regarding a refugee boat from Sri Lanka. The 156 passengers on board were stuck near Hong Kong waters after travelling on the vessel for 30 days, and running low on food and water.
The delegates had to come up with a decision as to how to deal with the refugees. In the end, they discussed both short-term solutions, such as providing food and shelter, and long-term decisions, such as granting them Hong Kong citizenship.
After rounds of debate, the Legco delegates voted for the motion to provide refugees with food and water immediately, and to send them on to the countries they desired to reach. If the refugees decided to stay in Hong Kong, they would need to go through a screening process.
The delegates reached this decision because they thought it a humane thing to do. However, they were also worried that the city would turn into a top choice for refuge should it prove too easy for refugees to enter the city.
As the day ended, capping off three days of invigorating and inspiring debates, the delegates disbanded and moved on to the banquet, where outstanding speakers are due to be honoured with awards.
Whether the delegates walk away from the banquet ladened with accolades, HKMUN was a rewarding experience in itself.
Sha Tin College's Henry Lui, a delegate in the Modern Security Council and winner of the Best Workshop Report at the 2014 Young Post Junior Reporter Awards, found HKMUN opened his eyes.
"Over the past three days, I acquired a more comprehensive understanding of world politics and foreign policy," Henry told Young Post. "I noticed how easy it was for world powers to create, as well as destroy, peace."
Perhaps not surprisingly, Henry said he would definitely participate in HKMUN again.
"HKMUN was ... quite a nice experience for me despite being a representative for a relatively irrelevant nation," Henry said. "I will continue to take part in MUN in the future as I quite enjoy discussing global politics."
Henry is not alone in his enthusiasm for the HKMUN experience.
"Yes, I will definitely participate in MUN again next year," said Charlotte Chan, a Nato delegate. "It was an amazing experience to be able to collaborate with other delegates, but more importantly, be able to meet and get to know other students who share a common interest in politics, government and world affairs."
Charlotte felt this year's bigger venue and increased number of delegates made the debates more engaging, vivid and stimulating.
"Given just how much HKMUN has developed in only a year, I'm looking forward to being a part of something like this again!"
Good luck to all the delegates at tonight's banquet!