Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen, recently joined the Model United Nations (MUN) Inter-School Summit, an event that brought together students and teachers from various high schools. The summit aims to educate and engage young people in global affairs and the workings of the United Nations, providing an invaluable opportunity to develop negotiation, and communication skills, and a deeper understanding of international relations.
In his remarks, Sir Patrick addressed the distinguished attendees, including Ms. Denise Antonio, interim United Nations Resident Coordinator in Jamaica, Mrs. Juliet Holness, Member of Parliament and Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, and representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the United Nations Association of Jamaica, and Hillel Academy. He also extended a warm welcome to the fifteen other schools present at the event.
Sir Patrick shared his belief in the power of providing young people with the tools and opportunities to succeed, which in turn, creates a brighter future for all. He spoke passionately about the importance of service to humanity and how it serves as a core principle of the United Nations and the theme of the summit. He encouraged the students to embrace the values that define Jamaicans – resilience, strength, compassion, and unity – and embody these qualities as ambassadors of their country.
Drawing from his own experiences, Sir Patrick shared the story of ‘I Believe’ Ambassador Angelica Baker, who joined the ‘I Believe’ Initiative’s Summer of Service program and eventually became a medical doctor. He emphasized the importance of selflessness in service and how it can be rewarding in various ways.
Charging the students with great responsibility, Sir Patrick urged them to represent their country and culture on a global stage when they attend the “Change the World Model United Nations Summit” in New York later this month (March 24-26, 2023). He challenged them to be ambassadors of goodwill, spreading the message of hope, love, and unity to everyone they encounter.
In his closing remarks, Sir Patrick commended the teachers for their commitment to the development of their students and the pursuit of global citizenship. He encouraged them to continue fostering creativity, ideas, and vision in their students, contributing to the actualization of the Sustainable Development Goals, and making Jamaica an ideal place to live, work, raise families, and do business.
The inspirational words of Sir Patrick at the MUN Inter-School Summit will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the students and teachers present. With young leaders like these, Jamaica’s future is in good hands.
