The second COBIS Model United Nations Conference was hosted by the International British School of Bucharest, 22-25 March 2018.
Eight schools travelled from The Netherlands, Greece, Romania, Bahrain, Nigeria and Spain to join host school IBSB for four days of speeches, research, debate, and friendship. More than 100 students had the chance to step into the shoes of a United Nations delegate and experience the world of international diplomacy and negotiation.
Even before the conference began, the attending students had already put in a lot of hard work - drafting position papers and resolutions, and researching their designated countries' foreign policies. This did not slow down as upon arriving in Bucharest, they quickly began debating topics as wide-reaching as 'high tech trash and human health', 'universal access to medicines', 'technologies against terrorism', and 'the observance of human rights on the internet'. The theme for the conference was Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Development and delegates were truly committed to finding solutions that were both innovative and sustainable within each committee.
Whilst the intellectual aspect of the conference was evidently at the forefront, the organising team at IBSB also ensured that delegates enjoyed a rich social programme that allowed them not only to make new friends from around the COBIS network but also to experience the traditional culture of their host country, Romania. The conference began with an official Opening Ceremony in the Central University Library of Bucharest 'Carol I', a beautiful 19th century building not normally open to the public. This was followed by a Diplomatic Dinner where delegates were joined by the Nigerian and Indian Ambassadors to Romania, as well as diplomats from the British, Belgian and Canadian Embassies. A Romanian traditional dance was also presented, welcoming delegates to the country of Romania. Over the course of the conference, the delegates also enjoyed a traditional Romanian meal in Bucharest's Old Town, and a 1980s themed party.
A student press team was onsite at the conference, covering the events of the committees and keeping everyone in the loop. Click below to read their daily newsletters.
COBIS is grateful to the team at IBSB for their hard work in making this event such a fantastic experience for all the students involved, as well as their supervisors! We are also grateful to PwC for investing in the leaders of tomorrow through their sponsorship of this event.