Preparing Pupils for an Uncertain World: Model United Nations at George Watson’s College 

What does it mean to 'prepare our pupils for anything' in 2026?

Just a few weeks into the year, the world our young people see on their screens is anything but settled. NATO’s power is threatened, the future of the United Nations is being debated openly, the world grapples with the actions of global superpowers, and international cooperation is tested daily. For pupils trying to make sense of this uncertainty, global affairs are not just abstract concepts confined to textbooks – they are immediate, complex and deeply relevant.

At George Watson’s College, our aim is simple but ambitious: we do everything so our pupils are ready for anything. Model United Nations (MUN) is one expression of that ambition. Through debate, diplomacy and critical engagement with world events, MUN gives pupils the tools to understand the world they are inheriting – and the confidence to play an active role within it.

Meeting weekly, the GWC MUN Secretariat brings together up to 70 pupils from S1 to S6, creating a space for curiosity and challenge. Discussions are rooted firmly in current affairs, asking pupils not just what is happening in the world, but why it matters and how it might be resolved. Our pupils learn to think critically under pressure, listen carefully to opposing view, resolve points of difference and communicate with clarity and purpose.

Hosting our own conference in September reinforced this ethos. Welcoming schools from across Scotland, we led discussions on pressing global challenges ranging from health and human rights to security and crisis response. Participation in local and national conferences throughout the year, also included discussions on highly relevant topics including AI, NATO, media freedoms and global disarmament.

The highlight of the MUN year so far has undoubtably been the MUNISH conference (Model UN at the International School of The Hague), where, as one of only four Scottish schools to attend, Watson’s pupils joined over a thousand delegates from around the world. Debating issues including the weaponisation of outer space, Arctic mining and regional conflict, pupils found themselves part of an international conversation that focused on fostering a global outlook and cross border cooperation. 

While all our pupils took something valuable from their experience at the Hague, a standout achievement was Ben (S5) being named Best Delegate and Sofia (S6) and Emilia (S6) securing a place on the International Court of Justice Committee at the event. 

What makes Model United Nations so powerful is not only the conferences attended or the awards won, but the outcomes of taking part. Pupils leave with a stronger understanding of the world’s complexities, a willingness to engage with uncertainty, and the skills to navigate disagreement constructively. In a time when global instability can feel daunting, MUN can help give pupils a way to navigate.

As we look ahead, Model United Nations at George Watson’s College will continue to do what it does best: preparing young people not just for exams or careers, but for citizenship in an unpredictable world.