On Tuesday 29 July, our class had the exciting opportunity to participate in a Model United Nations conference, conducted entirely in Italian, with a focus on ocean protection and sustainability. Held in North Melbourne, the event brought together students from different schools to step into the roles of UN country delegates and discuss one of the most pressing issues facing our planet: the health of our oceans.

Our class represented Panama, a country with a rich maritime history and a strong connection to marine ecosystems. In preparation, we researched Panama’s environmental policies, its stance on ocean conservation, and its involvement in international environmental agreements. This allowed us to advocate effectively for stronger global cooperation in protecting ocean biodiversity and combating issues like overfishing, plastic pollution, and climate change.

Throughout the conference, we engaged in debates, drafted resolutions, and collaborated with delegates from other countries, all while practicing our Italian language skills in a real-world setting. It was both a challenging and rewarding experience that pushed us to think critically, communicate clearly, and negotiate diplomatically, in Italian.

One of the most eye-opening aspects of the event was hearing different countries’ perspectives—how their geography, economies, and cultures influence their environmental priorities. It made us realize how complex global cooperation can be, but also how important it is for countries to work together for a sustainable future.

Participating in the Model UN gave us a deeper understanding of international diplomacy, environmental issues, and the power of student voices in global conversations. It was an unforgettable experience that combined language learning with real-world relevance, and we returned inspired to stay engaged with both international affairs and ocean conservation.

Year 12 Students Joshua Papaluca L02  and Gabriel Pilone T01