Local students represent the world at NII Model UN Summit

6 hours ago

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Unique opportunity for students to participate in a Model UN close to home

Students in a lecture hall raise questions at a Model UN event; large text reads Local students step into global diplomacy.

At the 2026 Nuclear Innovation Institute Model UN last Friday, students from across the region gathered to tackle the COP28 goal of working towards tripling global nuclear energy capacity by 2050. Stepping into the role of global climate action representatives, local students tackled the same big questions about energy, land use and emissions reductions as those being debated on the global stage.

Working in small committees, students balanced the urgency of climate action with the unique interests of their assigned nations. They debated real climate and energy directives, sharpened their skills in collaboration and diplomacy, and aimed for the same shared goal the world is pursuing: keeping global temperature rise under two degrees.

Said Pal Patel, a grade 12 student from Saugeen District Senior School: “I think this is a great opportunity for high school students because it teaches them to consider diverse perspectives while working towards a shared agreement.”

Students discussed global energy systems, the world’s use of land, and how future changes can reduce environmental impacts. For many, this event was a rare chance to participate in a Model UN close to home.

Grade 11 student Aria Thomas from Saugeen District Senior School described, “It’s great to meet new people from all over the region and talk with them about the future, about different ideas on how we can fix things.”

This year’s first place winners were Addy Stein, Madelaine Pothier, Brooke Maxwell and Cassidee Wolfe from Grey Highlands Secondary School, taking home a $500 cheque from this year's event sponsor Accenture to participate in a future Model UN event.

Winners of the 2026 NII Model UN, from Grey Highlands Secondary School.
Students vote on and discuss resolutions brought forth by their peers at the NII Model UN.
Students share their country's opinions on global energy topics.

“Congratulations to all of our participants at this year’s Model UN,” said Phillip Craig, NII’s Director of Education and Outreach. “Understanding energy issues is essential for this generation, and I was so proud of how well students represented countries around the world, approaching complex topics with confidence and care.”

Learn more about all of NII’s work at nii.ca.