Model UN Explores the Roots of Democracy in Greece

Earlier this week, the Sun Devil Model UN team returned from a whirlwind 5-day trip to Athens in which they explored ancient sites and attended the PSMUN conference, hosted by the Platon School. Kent Denver was one of 36 schools in attendance from all over the world, including Austria, Turkey, North Macedonia, Israel, Cyprus, Zimbabwe, the U.S. and, of course, Greece. At the opening ceremonies, students heard from a former UN dignitary, a current UN delegate, and an Amnesty International representative, who spoke on the conference theme of “Confronting State Apathy.”

Outside of the conference, the team enjoyed visiting the ancient sites of Athens and learning about the roots of democracy. Highlights included climbing the Acropolis, touring the city with a professional archeologist and philosophy teacher, hiking up Lycabettus Hill to watch the sunset over Athens and enjoying a team dinner with traditional music and dancers.

 “Throughout the year, our Model UN program encourages students to sharpen their academic skills and explore diverse international perspectives while researching, discussing and negotiating solutions to pressing global concerns,” said the program director Lucas Carmichael. “International trips provide a deeply impactful and truly unique opportunity to engage in these activities with students from all over the world. Our students return with life-long memories, new friends, and a deeper appreciation of our increasingly diverse and interconnected world. We also have a lot of fun along the way! These types of experiences are at the heart of Kent Denver’s mission to transform the lives of students and our community through extraordinary educational experiences.”