Debates, Negotiations & Resolutions

Suffield Academy participated in the Loomis Chaffee Model United Nations conference, joining students from other schools in a day of structured debate and collaboration. The conference is student-run and designed to simulate the work of the United Nations, with delegates representing countries and working through global issues in committee sessions. It provides a practical way for students to engage with international topics while building research, public speaking, and problem-solving skills.

Throughout the conference, students took part in formal debates, worked with peers to draft resolutions, and responded to evolving scenarios within their committees. The schedule included opening and closing sessions along with extended committee time, giving delegates the opportunity to develop their positions and practice negotiation. Experiences like this reinforce skills that carry well beyond the classroom, particularly in communication and critical thinking.

Suffield Academy was represented by James Steele ’28, Kai Yamada ’29, Max Depelteau ’28, Alex Post ’27, Matias Quesada Gama ’27, Andy Kim ’27, Damien Bond ’27, Arnick Eshtiaghi ’27, Avery Cartun ’27, Sophie Schneider ’28, and Owen Tereso ’27.

The conference offered a range of committees, including General Assembly groups such as the Commission on Narcotic Drugs and SPECPOL, as well as a regional ECOWAS committee. Specialized and crisis committees explored topics ranging from constitutional debates to fictional and historical scenarios. Across these committees, students engaged with issues spanning global security, economic development, governance, and ethics. The keynote speaker was Nancy Walbridge Collins, an attorney and former U.S. diplomat who has worked on international law, human rights, and foreign policy. Her career has included service with the U.S. Department of State and work in global legal and policy initiatives, offering students a real-world perspective on diplomacy and international affairs.

Congratulations to Andy Kim ’27 representing Vietnam for taking home Outstanding Delegate and Max Depelteau ’28 representing Great Britain for winning Best Delegate in the Commission on Narcotics Drugs.