Private: North Queensland Conferences

The Cairns Regional Conference gives students in North Queensland a unique educational opportunity to gain insight into the world of the United Nations and international affairs.

At Cairns Conference, students will have the opportunity to explore some of the most pressing issues of international importance.

The first day of the event will explore the conference theme through a range of debates, workshops and problem solving activities. The second day of the conference will consist of a round of the Evatt Trophy Competition – a nation-wide Model United Nations Competition. The winning team will progress directly on to the State Grand Finals in Brisbane.

Cairns Conference is on hold for 2020, but stay tuned for updates about 2021!

If you have any questions, or need further information, don’t hesitate to contact our North Queensland Director, Ella Morton, at ella.morton@unyouth.org.au

The Evatt Competition is Australia’s largest Model United Nations Competition

During the event, delegates will be given the opportunity to participate in the Evatt Trophy Competition, a Model United Nations Competition that places students in the position of the countries on the United Nations Security Council to debate current pressing issues to global peace and security.

Students compete in teams of two from the same school to represent the views and interests of their country on the Security Council. Each session goes for 90 minutes, during which participants engage in discussion, negotiation and debate about a given topic. A draft Security Council resolution is provided in advance, and the goal for each session is to amend the resolution until be approved in the final vote at the end.

We strongly encourage students to find a partner prior to registration. If students cannot find a partner from your school they may still take part in the competition. However, they will be ineligible to progress onto the next round. The winning Cairns team will skip the semi-finals round and have the opportunity to go straight to the Grand Finals, held in Brisbane at the end of term 3. The team will be provided with a bursary to assist with the cost of travel.

Evatt is designed for students with varying interests, experiences and abilities. No previous knowledge of international affairs, or MUN debating, is necessary. The day will be structured in a manner so as to allow new participants to learn the rules of procedure. However, if you wish to prepare beforehand you can find extensive introductory materials on the National Evatt Website.