From the UK to the Philippines: SOMA XLV

SOMA is a three-day international relations simulation for high school students held annually in downtown Toronto. At SOMA, our students have the opportunity to interact with over 550 student delegates from across Ontario as they explore a wide range of international issues.

Greenwood’s delegates worked hard to prepare for the simulation and were well-prepared to represent several very different nations, including Bolivia, the Philippines, Tonga and the United Kingdom. Here’s what two Grade 12 students have to say about their experience.

"SOMA was an amazing experience for each of the four years I've had the pleasure to attend. It’s a great chance to discuss real-world topics, to learn and to share opinions with the delegates you get to work with."

“When I first came to SOMA in Grade 11, I was a fresh delegate in the United Nation Environmental Programme. This experience was beneficial for me because it allowed me to perfect my public speaking skills and prepare for this year’s SOMA, where I was Bolivia in the United Nations Security Council. This small council of 15 people was an intimate setting and it allowed me to be engaged and speak often.

“Topics such as border walls around the world and the growing threat of cyberterrorism and cybersecurity were prominent topics in this year’s assembly. Something that really surprised me was when the delegate from Egypt motioned to censor the delegate from the United States after she didn’t follow the Trump administration’s foreign policy. The motion, undoubtedly, was not in order.”