and Zimbabwe in an international conference.

Nathan Samuels, Kenneth Caesar, Calli-Ann Arrindell, Ayesha Peets, Sabrina Famous and Michael Fisher are currently in Cambridge, England to take part in the eighth annual Harvard World Model United Nations Conference.

Because Bermuda is not represented in the actual United Nations, local club president Nathan Samuels said the group was allowed to instead choose member nation Zimbabwe.

As a result, the 18- to 21-year-olds will have to debate a variety of political, cultural and social issues from the southern African country's perspective.

The World MUN operates as a simulation of multilateral diplomacy which brings together students and diplomats from around the world to debate current global issues.

Hundreds of university students gather in a different city each year for a five-day conference and participate in one of ten different committees.

But Mr. Samuels pointed out the group had to do extensive research and complete written works before even boarding the plane.

"You have to do a position paper before you actually speak just to make sure that you have done research and that you have an opinion about your research,'' he explained.

This year is just the second time the College has sent a delegation to the prestigious event. Last year a local group traveled to Budapest for the gathering.

Harvard students first formed the World MUN in 1991 to provide a forum for young people interested in global affairs to debate pressing international concerns.

Since then, meetings have also been held in Poland, Prague, Luxembourg, Geneva, Amsterdam, and Budapest.

This year's conference was scheduled to begin today and the various topics for the model General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, and Specialised Agencies included debates on disarmament and international security, decolonisation, human rights, and African unity.

Mr. Samuels said the experience would give the students international exposure to different cultures and the opportunity to develop leadership, debating, and writing skills.

They will be accompanied and advised by Bermuda College faculty member Jeremiah Faries.

And Mr. Samuels thanked the Bermuda College, XL Insurance, the Bermuda Industrial Union, Conyers, Dill and Pearman, Hunter and Co. Scott, Arthur Andersen and Co., Argus Insurance, Jardine Matheson International Services Ltd., Belco, and the National Youth Council for their sponsorsip.