By: Carla Haces and Paula Demassi

Welcome to the SAMUN XVIII General Assembly!

The atmosphere was excitingly tense while we waited for the Opening Ceremony to begin. As the band played a welcome to this year’s SAMUN congregation, the anxious delegates made their way to their seats.

After some minor technical difficulties, this year’s General Assembly (GA) president, Deborah Van Roy, introduced the Ambassador of Chile, Mr. Rolando Drago. Mr. Drago discussed the ever growing issue of peace building and peace keeping.

Following Mr. Drago’s introductory speech, Dr. Alan Benson, Superintendent of the Colegio Internacional de Caracas, welcomed everyone to this year’s conference. When speaking about the history of the SAMUN, addressing his audience of secondary school delegates, he said, “Most of you weren’t even born when SAMUN began” as he made reference to SAMUN’s eighteen year-old history.

Dr. Benson introduced this year’s Secretary-General, Ms. Rachel Callender who reminded all delegates that they their main job at SAMUN is to promote peace. Later on she presented an award of recognition to Mexican diplomat Mr. Nicolas Escalante for his participation in previous SAMUN conferences.

Student VIP’s of this year’s SAMUN, Victor Lopez and Diego Redosado, concluded the ceremony by welcoming all delegates.

For the finale of the General Assembly, the CIC Chorus sang “Seasons of Love,” a song the lyrics of which inspires all participants to use every moment of their lives in the service of others, to make a difference, to “remember the love.”