Students represent Arctic states in unique diplomatic simulation 

GCU students put their negotiating skills to the test at this year’s Scotland Model Arctic Council (SCOTMAC) simulation, hosted at Glasgow Caledonian University.

SCOTMAC, in it’s second year was designed by Polar Aspect for undergraduate students, invites participants to play the role of representatives from one of the eight Arctic States or Arctic Indigenous peoples' organisations.

This year, 32 students from universities across Scotland had the opportunity to take part; as well as students from around Europe.

The unique simulation gave students the opportunity to play the role of a representative from one of the eight Arctic states (Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden or the USA). The overall aim is to negotiate consensus agreement on challenging and significant issues facing the Arctic today.

Representing Glasgow Caledonian University, the event was joined by students Timm Goenner, Chelsea McCluskey and Max Gill who had the opportunity to take part for the very first time.

Environmental Management student Timm Goenner was excited to have the opportunity to take part this year, after missing out last year due to contracting COVID. He explained: “I had already heard about SCOTMAC last year and had also applied as it seemed like an interesting experience, however I was unable to attend.

This year I heard about it through an email from my module leader and although I initially didn´t apply I was later asked personally if I would like to submit an application. I have previously taken part in model diplomacy conferences and was interested to try one again after many years. The value of such a learning experience is amazing, and the people are often highly interesting individuals so I decided to apply since I knew it could turn out to be a unique experience and a great memory.“

He added: “I played the role of the Secretariat, along with other GCU students and with the support from the directorate. Our task was to take notes of the meetings, facilitate the discussions and put together the documents that delegates negotiated. This role provided a unique perspective into these model conferences that I had never previously experienced.

A lot of the roles and responsibilities took place in the background of the active negotiations, such as coordination with the organiser. The weekend was full of highlights, but I particularly enjoyed the casual sides of the conference, primarily the dinners where I had time to socialize with other students and organisers that came from all over the world with incredible life stories.”

Now looking back at the experience, Tim was relieved to have been given the second chance to attend and wants to encourage future students to apply. He said:

“I was honoured to be accepted to partake this year and I was very glad to be able attend this time. I learned a lot about the state of the Arctic and the challenges it and its inhabitants are facing. Due to the time-consuming nature of SCOTMAC, it was like living in a different world for a few days, it was a nice change of pace.

“I highly recommend for any student interested to apply and take part in future MAC's or SCOTMAC's. Although the weekend is very time consuming and not much time is spared for coursework or other responsibilities, if you’re able to balance your workload it could be an incredible experience. It is also a great bonding experience as you meet students from a diverse set of backgrounds and negotiate over several days.”

By Rachael McAlonan        

Got a SCEBE or GSBS story? Email me at Rachael.McAlonan@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on social media here