Doha, December 22 (QNA) - Fourteen students from Qatar Academy Al Khor (QAK), part of Qatar Foundation's Pre-University Education, have taken part in the Change the World Model United Nations (CWMUN) Conference in Paris, representing Qatar alongside students from around the world.

A Qatar Foundation statement said that its students engaged in debates on major global issues, including digital colonialism, education financing, climate change, human rights and international security.

Organisers said the students demonstrated strong preparation and an ability to present viewpoints, negotiate solutions and work collaboratively with international peers.

Over the week-long event, the QAK delegation showed skills in diplomacy, leadership and creative problem-solving, as well as effective communication and teamwork.

Commenting on the experience, Courtney Whiting, teacher of Individuals and Societies and Director of Model United Nations (MUN) at Qatar Academy Al Khor, said: "Participating in the CWMUN Conference reflects QAK's strong commitment to global engagement and provides our students with a valuable opportunity to represent their school and their country on an international stage."

Whiting said students were well prepared for the conference through prior training and experience. "Our students have participated in many local and international conferences throughout their time at school, which has made them well versed in how such forums operate. As a school, we guide students through the Model United Nations process and ensure they are fully prepared to engage confidently and effectively," she said.

She added that the conference helped students develop a wide range of skills. "This international experience helped students strengthen key skills such as communication, diplomacy, collaboration, and critical thinking. At the same time, it supported their personal growth by building confidence, resilience, and intercultural awareness," she said.

Whiting said participation in international conferences aligns with the school's mission to promote global citizenship. "The conference immerses students in real-world global issues, encouraging empathy, cultural understanding, and responsible decision-making. These elements are central to our vision of global citizenship and to preparing students to engage thoughtfully with the world around them," she said.

She expressed hope that the experience would encourage students to take on leadership roles in the future. "We hope this opportunity inspires our students to take on leadership roles, pursue international opportunities, and apply the skills they gained as they progress through the International Baccalaureate programme and into their future university studies," she said.

She concluded: "This experience demonstrates our dedication to equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to become responsible global leaders, ready to navigate future challenges and contribute positively to their communities and the wider world." (QNA)