Filipina student Angela Joyce Castillo was recently honored for her exemplary discussions at the Beirut Model United Nations (BEIMUN) 2023.

This year’s BEIMUN was the first annual online model United Nations conference organized by Lebanese high school students. It aimed to provide a platform for the next generation of leaders to develop their leadership, thinking and communication skills.

Over 50 participants played the roles of representatives from several countries to participate in debates, engage in global and pressing relevant issues and propose plans for world problems.

Castillo, a General Academic Strand student from the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde Senior High School, who spoke on behalf of Cuba, won the Honorable Mention Award in the UNHRC.

She was part of the council with the agenda of mitigating the role of online platforms in facilitating human trafficking and exploitation. She likewise addressed the rise of gun violence, and implementing comprehensive measures to prevent mass shootings.

Castillo likewise underscored the importance of awareness campaigns on these matters for the public’s safety and understanding.

The trailblazer also encouraged member states to investigate and punish perpetrators with due diligence.

She sought to strengthen the collaboration with non-government organizations and relevant groups to identify and refer victims to the authorities and provide necessary services.

Being the main proponent of both, Castillo tackled possible solutions including developing an extensive anti-criminal trading law that prohibits all forms of recruitment, transportation, harboring individuals through force, and fraud or deception to exploit them for profit.

“This conference made me realize the essence of diplomacy,” she recounted. “The gravity of the different issues to the respective nations and to find common ground with the other people to resolve the challenges.”

The Benilde SHS delegation comprised of Victoria Seatiel Vito Cruz, Journey Fernando, Andrei Pena, Bea Villaflor, and Amanda Villaluz.

Educator Eduardo Lim Jr. accompanied and provided them with guidance.