Students try to resolve global conflicts in UN simulation in SP

For this year's school holidays, no rest. A group of young Brazilians will take on decision-making positions and simulate the resolution of global conflicts along the lines of the UN (United Nations).

At the event taking place in São Paulo, students will symbolically assume the seats of the United Nations Security Council, which discusses the resolution of international crises and the debate on geopolitics and human rights. The XIV SPMUN event brings together young people to simulate meetings, veto resolutions, negotiate sanctions and decide which international crises are on the armed conflict agenda.

To this end, each student takes up a seat on the Council as a representative of a country (so-called delegations). This year's proposal is to analyze the international scenario, marked by the war in Ukraine and by conflicts and persistent instability in the Middle East, and the diplomatic impasses between the great powers.

The event began on Tuesday (29) and runs until Saturday (4), at the Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing, in São Paulo. The spokesperson for XIV SPMUN - she herself joined as a student - states that the opportunity is a way for young people to reflect on the impact of global conflicts and society's collective efforts towards peace.

"The simulations help to show that the work of the UN is not just about the General Assembly and what you see on television. It is an opportunity to show more of the organization's work and to replicate efforts outside of it as well", says Rafaella Cerqueira, who serves as Administrative Secretary-General.

The spokesperson also echoes the criticism that the UN has faced in recent years for alleged poor performance in the face of the various international conflicts taking place around the world.

"The UN cannot directly interfere in the sovereignty of any country. It issues determinations and suggestions, but it is the responsibility of the countries that are part of the Committee to follow the Council's decisions. But the UN needs to change in several ways", he states. "Through these simulations, it is possible to build a youth that is more aware of the challenges of where they want to go."

Young people get involved with the hope of change in the future
One of the "delegates" at the event says that he exchanged the beginning of school holidays for the exchange of ideas because he sees democracy in crisis and dialogue being left aside.

"Violence is being used as the main weapon. Simulation is a sign that the debate is not dying. It is important to train people who know how to argue, negotiate and listen", says Lorenzo Krause.

Another factor in which the 16-year-old student, in the 2nd year of high school at Colégio Imperatriz Leopoldina, felt a difference was his shyness when speaking in public and his understanding of how a conflict in the Middle East could impact the price of morning bread.

"It's about understanding the dynamics of how the world works today. Well, it's not who speaks, it's who listens and who puts these desires on paper, taking the other person into consideration."

He compares the event's method, which requires consensus among delegations, to a pizza night with friends: "You're going to order a flavor that pleases everyone. It may not be the best pizza, but it's the pizza that everyone will eat and be satisfied with. And I think that this also helps us develop as people. It gives us freedom, because everyone has their voice heard and can take a stand."

Larissa Barros, 17, a 3rd year high school student at the Godofredo Furtado State School, became more interested in politics after starting in simulations, upon understanding the existence of a "global power chain".

"Everything that happens will affect me, but I can also make a decision, even if hypothetical, and propose a solution from a different perspective, and in a way that nations are not prioritizing", she said.

Service:

When: June 29th to July 4th, 2026.

Location: Escola Superior de Propaganda e Marketing (ESPM) - Rua Dr. Álvaro Alvim, 123 - Vila Mariana, São Paulo

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Source: CNN