Aston University’s Global Diplomacy Challenge

With students facing an increasingly nasty and brutish international environment, it was great that Aston University gave some HGS year 12 students the chance to have a go at finding common ground and a negotiated settlement to the Strait of Hormuz crisis in the Middle East currently. I was tremendously impressed at all representatives from our school for their fidelity to their country’s interests and negotiating position as well as the way they threw themselves into the diplomatic endeavours of the day. I hope that the day spurs them to consider a career in the corridors of power as they showed real tact, communicated with clarity and purpose and bags of enthusiasm.

 

Please read below for a few words from Year 12 participant Balraj Nijjar. 

9 students were invited to attend and participate in the Global Diplomacy Challenge hosted by Aston University, which involved 15 countries represented by different delegations from three different schools: Cadbury College, KEVI HGS and KEVI Lordswood School for Girls.

Students from our school were split into either representing Oman or Russia as part of a United Nations debate, focusing on access to the Strait of Hormuz alongside the destruction of critical undersea internet cables. The aim was to evaluate a draft resolution proposed by a debate previously and making negotiations in agreements with other countries. It was a great opportunity to develop our communication skills, and teamwork. Reflecting on the event afterwards it was clear the event really helped with our confidence, and the idea of compromises.

Towards the end, research and negotiations that put forward to the security council or proposed as a second draft. This was finally debated upon to see whether any countries disagreed or agreed with amendments made to the resolution. There was also a chance at the end of the session awards to handed out for the best negotiators, and the most authentic arguments.

We thank Aston University and all other participants for such an amazing invitation and opportunity for this incredible experience.