The second annual Shawnigan Lake School Model UN conference wrapped up another successful event this past weekend.

The Shawnigan Model UN conference celebrated its second year with larger participation and a greater variety of committees. In total 8 schools and 65 delegates participated in four committees that focused on issues including the Arab Spring, the admission of Turkey into the E.U., the historical proxy war in Angola and the proposed Enbridge pipeline.

The event opened with a keynote address from local Member of Parliament Ms Jean Crowder, who discussed the role of gender in politics and a variety of issues in international development. Also notable, was the personal letter received from current UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon addressing the Shawnigan Model UN group and praising their interest in current world affairs and politics. "It is often said that youth are the leaders of tomorrow, but I see youth as leaders of today. Young people around the world are already showing initiative and inspiring others."

The Shawnigan conference is the only Model UN hosted by a high school on Vancouver Island and is both student-planned and student-run pooling the energy and commitment from the Shawnigan Model UN team with support from neighboring school Brentwood, whose students moderated the General Assembly.

Shawnigan teacher and Model UN leader, Paul Klassen, was pleased with the growth and adjustments to this year's program. "Although this year's conference saw more students participate than last year, the event was unique in that it offered an intimate committee atmosphere compared to large conferences where students do not have as many opportunities to speak."