Harvard Model Congress Europe

Harvard Model Congress Europe
Apr 29, 2002, 8:53am

IC HMCE students pose for a formal portrait in Paris with their leader Mr. Hector Badran.

Fourteen lucky and hard working IC students traveled to Paris, France during the March recess, not to tour museums and cafes, but to become members of the U.S. congress and apply its democratic legislative process to international issues. Our students were among several hundred Harvard Model Congress Europe representatives from thirty-three schools in more than fifteen countries.
The HMCE at IC serves as a debate club to prepare students for the trip to Paris and participation in the annual session there. In the months proceeding the international session, students form strategies and present arguments on topics that may be assigned to them in Paris. Students assume identities of individuals from the US congress and work in committees on assigned topics. The topics are built around four main themes allowing students to experience the interactions of committees and the larger international structure. Following are some topics the IC envoy dealt with: Biological and Chemical Warfare, Embryonic Stem Cell Research, Air Pollution in Asia, Missile Defense Systems and Money Laundering in their roles as Rep. Richard Gephardt, Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen, Rep. Todd Akin and others.
This commitment requires students to do extensive research to achieve a level of understanding that will enable them to write and present well conceived, persuasive arguments. Thanks to IC teacher Mr. Hector Badran who provides leadership and guidance for the dedicated HMCE students.

Harvard Model Congress students and their advisor Mr. Hector Badran back in Beirut, enjoy the afterglow of their adventure in Paris.