March 3, 2004
Peel board students debate environmental issues at annual Model UN
On March 5, students will learn about the Kyoto Protocol at the Peel District School Board's ninth annual Student Model United Nations. The event will feature presentations by The Honourable Gilbert Parent, Canada's ambassador for the environment, and Ann Medina, broadcaster.
The Kyoto Protocol is an international agreement that was reached in 1997 in Kyoto, Japan. It extends the commitments of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. It was the topic chosen by Peel students for this year's Model UN.
"The Model UN is a tremendous educational experience for students. It's an opportunity for them to gain a global perspective on issues facing UN member nations," says Janet McDougald, chair of the board and MC for the event. "The presentations by The Honourable Gilbert Parent and Ann Medina will help the students prepare for the open debate and vote on the resolution."
More than 200 students will come together to debate the following resolution: Be it resolved that all member nations will ratify the Kyoto Protocol by March 5, 2005 and develop a long-term framework to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with it. The framework will give governments and industries a clear mandate to develop sustainable strategies for an energy-efficient and low-carbon future. It must extend beyond the conclusion of the Protocol in 2012. Member nations that do not ratify the Protocol and develop a long-term framework by March 5, 2005 will face a 10 per cent dues increase and UN sanctions.
The students will also have an opportunity to debate alternate resolutions that they have developed with their team members. Students will represent the following 23 UN member nations at the Model UN: Angola, Argentina, Benin, Brazil, Canada, China, Cuba, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Mexico, The Netherlands, Russian Federation, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Spain, United Kingdom and United States.
The Model UN will be held at the HJA Brown Education Centre, 5650 Hurontario St., Mississauga from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Presentations by The Honourable Gilbert Parent and Ann Medina will begin at 9 a.m. The student debate will begin at 2 p.m.
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Media contact: Janet McDougald, Chair, Peel District School Board, 905-890-1010, ext. 2020
Reference: Caroline Cloutier, Special Projects Manager, 905-890-1010, ext. 2098
Note to media: Background information is available on the Peel board website at www.peelschools.org in the "Student Stuff" section.
