High school students in Stratford unite for historic United Nations simulation

Students showed focus and determination during the breakout session deliberation

In a first-of-its-kind event, students from all three Stratford high schools, Stratford District Secondary School (SDSS), St. Michael Catholic Secondary School and Nancy Campbell Academy, gathered to participate in a collaborative United Nations simulation, aimed at fostering global thinking, diplomatic skills and leadership among youth.

The full-day session on May 30, chaired by Courtney Pearce, a Grade 12 student at St. Mike’s, brought together student delegates representing 19 countries. Discussions focused on pressing global issues, most notably the potential of universal basic income (UBI) as a response to increasing automation, rising income inequality and poverty.

“This is the first time all Stratford high schools have come together under one model UN (MUN) simulation,” said Mark Boersen, organizer and teacher at St. Mike’s in his opening remarks. “It’s not just about representing countries — it is about understanding perspectives, resolving conflict, promoting global cooperation and promoting human rights.”

The meeting began with a roll call of nations, confirming the presence of the required two-thirds majority (12 nations) to proceed with voting and resolution-building. Participants were reminded of the UN’s guiding principles and the importance of respectful, constructive debate.

Throughout the morning, delegates engaged in moderated and unmoderated caucuses, with a further 25-minute unmoderated session dedicated to refining and finalizing draft resolutions. Dossiers were provided for UBI research and support, and additional materials were made available upon request.

A powerful moment came during a breakout session when a female delegate stood to address a noticeable gender imbalance in the discussion group.

“All of the girls here noticed that it was just men at the table,” said Ameilya Shuglo, a St. Mike’s student. “We were all talking about it on our own, and I just wanted to bring it up to everybody. I wanted women at that table. I wanted to stand up on behalf of everybody and be brave and ask for a seat.”

Her statement was met with four male peers removing themselves and allowing four of the female students to have a seat and voice their opinions. This was just one of the many highlights of the one of the many teachable moments—not only about international affairs, but also about equality, inclusion and the courage to speak up.

UBI, the theme of the day, was explored in depth. Draft Resolution 1-1, submitted before the 1:50 p.m. deadline, aimed to address economic instability. The resolution proposed the creation of a UN UBI research and policy platform, the formation of regional working groups, and the implementation of joint pilot programs in partnership with willing member states.

Although the resolution passed with 13 votes in favour and five against, it was not without critique. The U.K. delegation voiced concern about the cost-effectiveness of UBI, calling for more robust data on funding mechanisms and long-term sustainability.

Mayor Martin Ritsma, honourary co-chair for the afternoon session, made a few stops in to speak to students during the day and also addressed the student assembly, offering his congratulations to participants and organizers.

“Engaging youth in local democracy is so important, but you took it one step further by taking it to a global level,” said Ritsma. “In these times where we see a lot of siloing of nations, your involvement is incredibly important. I compliment you for thinking beyond yourselves, beyond your community — you’re thinking globally, and that’s invaluable.”

Throughout the session, delegates were reminded that this was more than just an academic exercise.

“Diplomacy still remains critically important today, because it is the primary tool for managing international relations, resolving conflicts, fostering cooperation on global issues and promoting human rights,” Boersen told the group.

“You are not just students in the simulation. You are the voices of the future — learning to listen, to lead and to build bridges where there may be walls. I encourage you to participate fully in collaborative, respectful and constructive debate to help this UN committee determine bold decisions to better the lives of the people you represent.

“Your ideas matter. Your voice matters. Your participation today sets the foundation for the leaders you are becoming.”

By 2:30 p.m., the delegates had voted, passed a resolution and adjourned — a full day of diplomacy and deliberation in the books.

As the meeting concluded, many students lingered in discussion, energized by the experience and the knowledge that they had taken part in something new, meaningful and global.

Boersen and other teaching staff who attended are hopeful that this marks the beginning of an annual tradition in Stratford, where the next generation of leaders will continue to think critically, speak bravely and lead with empathy — on the world stage and beyond.