DBB present at NICMUN VII in Veracruz

Dear all, good morning

A week ago (November 12-15), we had the pleasure of attending the 7th edition of the Noordwijk International College Model United Nations (NICMUN VII 2024) in the beautiful and very hospitable city of Veracruz, Mexico. It was very heartening to see and feel both the school's high level of commitment to this key activity for the development of essential skills in young people young people, as well as that of the incredible community of students and parents who participated and supported enthusiastically and decisively. This was evident from the very opening of the event, which had to be held in the city's Marantha Auditorium to accommodate the large number of members of the Noordwijk community who gathered to celebrate this great achievement, so well planned, directed, and coordinated with the joint efforts of the school authorities, academic coordination, the NICMUN VII secretariat, and the enthusiastic delegates who prepared, researched, represented, and debated to propose solutions to sensitive issues of global and current interest. They did so from a wide variety of different angles and with a clear awareness of the obstacles and natural resistance to cultural diversity, change, and the reality of the country each represented.

Eleven committees moderated in English provided the space in which, under the dedicated and titanic coordination of Miss Edith Monroy, together with Valentín and Jessy as Secretary and Deputy Secretary General and an incredible staff of high school students characterized by leadership, talent, and dedication, more than 200 middle and high school delegates participated, had fun, communicated, defended their positions, formed alliances, and agreed to propose meaningful solutions to sensitive issues. They did so with the right balance of healthy competition within a much larger space of broad and honest collaboration.

From a slightly broader perspective, this is nothing more than spontaneously and naturally bringing to each young person's experience the ability to understand internally that collaboration, open and tolerant dialogue, together with intelligent, analytical, and empathetic negotiation, is one of the most coherent and sensible ways to solve problems, even when they occur in the personal sphere.

It has been just two years since we began our collaboration with the school, and at DBB we are deeply grateful both for the trust and the national and international experiences we have shared, and for the appreciation we share on an institutional and personal level. These few words are simply to express our recognition and admiration for Noordwijk as a model of regional leadership and a source of inspiration to continue educating by example.

Congratulations to everyone and thank you for opening your doors to us and letting us be part of this great community. You made us feel at home, and the only thing that was difficult was saying goodbye, but that's what “Hasta Pronto” is for!

As always, it has been a pleasure.

Robert.

Until next time…