Bronxville High School recently marked an exciting milestone as its Model United Nations club hosted its first-ever student-led Model UN Conference on Feb. 7.
Model UN has been an active and valued club at Bronxville High School for many years. Under the leadership of its current adviser, Martin Patmos, the club continues to provide students with meaningful opportunities to explore global issues through research, debate and collaboration.
As part of the club, students deepen their understanding of the United Nations while working within committee formats to discuss and debate issues of international concern from the perspective of assigned countries or stakeholders. In addition to regular school simulations, members attend conferences throughout the year, including the four-day Princeton Model UN Conference earlier this fall.
This year, students expanded their impact by organizing and hosting a conference of their own. The idea was first introduced in spring 2025, and club members immediately embraced the challenge. Over the summer and into the school year, students worked collaboratively to build a conference website, write and design committee scenarios, delegate responsibilities and coordinate logistics for welcoming visiting schools.
Their efforts culminated in a full-day conference that welcomed students from Haldane High School, Hendrick Hudson High School, Croton-Harmon High School, Xavier High School and the British International School of New York City.
The day began with a keynote address from Dr. Peride Blind, chief of country business strategies at the United Nations Development Coordination Office. Dr. Blind’s remarks set an inspiring tone for the conference before students transitioned into committee sessions.
Throughout the day, delegates engaged in thoughtful and rigorous discussions on topics including Illicit Firearms Trade within the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Reforming International Space Law in the Disarmament and International Security
Committee, German Reunification and the Conclave of 1492. Students demonstrated strong preparation, diplomacy and collaboration as they navigated complex global issues.
Bringing the conference from concept to reality required significant planning, leadership and dedication. Students who played a central role in organizing the event included Margaret Stein, Iris Donovan, Rishaan Brainch, Sean Ahn, Emerson Dennis, Charlotte Dorr, Matthew Bici, Reese Beldotti, Camille Gautier, Vaughn Young, Thomas Fonseca, Grey Gaston, Sebastian Jew, Mustafa Khizar, Cooper Caruso, Julia Everett, Lucy Kohtio, Agnes Olwel and Athina Lekovic.
The success of Bronxville’s inaugural Model UN Conference reflects the initiative and commitment of its student leaders. Through research, debate and collaboration, these students exemplify the district’s dedication to academic excellence, global awareness and student-driven leadership opportunities.