Young People Speak Out!

Deputy Lord Mayor’s Blog 30

This weekend I have had the opportunity to take part in two inspiring events involving young students. The first was at Joseph Chamberlain College who had organised a Model United Nations Conference. This major initiative involved over 300 sixth form students from all over the country and was the first such event of its kind in the UK. There was a formal opening session, students having been allocated to countries. They would take up issues related to those countries, frame resolutions and gather support from other 'countries' both in committees and as a General Assembly. The picture shows some of the flags of the 'participating' nations.

The model United Nations programme provides an inspiring opportunity for young people - and other age groups! - to understand the complexities of global politics in a non-threatening way. The United Nations is an organisation of ideals - although admittedly at times it is not an ideal organisation - but then, what is? And it is assuredly a vitally important one in a world facing so many major challenges. And, as its basis, to quote from the charter: "...to reaffirm faith in fundamental human rights, in the dignity and worth of the human person, in the equal rights of men and women and of nations large and small..."

The second event was the regional final of the English Speaking Union's public speaking competition which was held at the Council House where teams from schools all over the Midlands compete - in a very demanding format involving speaking to a topic, questioning other speakers and chairing sessions. The standard was extremely high - up to national standard in fact - and the winners now go on to the national finals.

The event was won by Cheltenham Ladies College but the teams were so very closely matched that any one of them would have been a worthy winner. The judges, including Professor David Roberts, Head of English at Birmingham City University, had a real headache and kept us all in suspense for quite a while.

Vivienne and I were Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress on the occasion of the re-launch of the branch when we donated the Birmingham Cup to be presented to the winners of the English Speaking Union's Birmingham Branch final. So we were delighted to welcome to this event King Edward's School as the inaugural winners of the Birmingham Cup - and the school came very close in this regional contest.

Two events then that pay tribute both to young people and to the initiative and commitment of the organisations - Joseph Chamberlain Sixth Form College and the English Speaking Union. Very well done to both and to all who took part.