By Smith Thamakaison, Grade 12 (2026–2027)
This past summer, I had the opportunity to contribute to ministerial conversations on sustainable development at the United Nations High-Level Political Forum in New York. Looking back on that experience, I find myself reflecting on where it all began.
From a Curious Grade 8 Student to the United Nations
When I first walked into an ISB Middle School Model United Nations meeting in Grade 8, I was simply looking for something new to try. I certainly did not imagine that, a few years later, I would find myself walking through the doors of the United Nations Headquarters in New York to contribute to ministerial conversations on sustainable development.
In retrospect, I now understand that opportunities such as the United Nations High Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) are never reached through a single accomplishment alone. They are built through many experiences of learning, support, and belief from the community around us. That community has been International School Bangkok (ISB).
Learning Diplomacy Through ISB Model United Nations
My early memories of Model United Nations do not consist of prizes or conference sessions. They are of the mentors who welcomed us with exceptional patience and generosity. They explained everything, inspired every speech, and did not treat us as young conference participants but rather as delegates of the future.
At a time when self confidence is often low, their belief in us meant more than they probably realized. With their help, we transformed from intimidated students into inspired ones. Looking back now, I realize that our mentors did not just teach us parliamentary procedure or how to write resolutions. They taught us how to think critically, communicate confidently, and understand the responsibility that comes with representing others.
Growing Through High School Model United Nations
As I progressed through High School Model United Nations, my lessons matured with me. Conferences became tougher, debates more complex, and the problems we tackled increasingly difficult. Over time, those experiences culminated in being recognized as Best Delegate at the IASAS Model United Nations Conference, but the award itself was never what stayed with me.
The biggest lesson was understanding that all problems in the world exist because they have an impact on real people, and making progress starts by seeing the world through someone else's eyes. High School Model United Nations taught me that diplomacy is not about proving yourself right. It is about listening with humility, finding common ground, and recognizing that discussing global issues should never be the goal in itself. We should strive to solve them.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
That belief was reinforced every day in the classroom. At ISB, we were never taught to learn simply for an exam. Instead, we were encouraged to question why systems work the way they do, who has the opportunity to speak up, and how we could use that knowledge to benefit society.
Courses such as AP Macroeconomics gave me insight into the balance between economic equity and public policy. IB Geography brought to life topics such as sustainable development, climate resilience, urbanization, and the water energy food nexus. These classes shaped my understanding of the discussions taking place at the United Nations by giving me meaningful perspectives on these issues. Academic theories became real conversations unfolding right in front of me.
Curiosity Without Boundaries
The aspect of my time at ISB that I cherish most is the lack of boundaries between the classroom and everything beyond it. Curiosity was rewarded, initiative was encouraged, and ambitious ideas were always followed by one question: "How do we make it happen?"
That mindset allowed me to explore urban planning, co found Crying Cloud with the hope of improving mental health services for young people, and eventually share my experiences on an international stage.
Every teacher who challenged me to think differently, every mentor who pushed me further than I thought possible, and every classmate who broadened my perspective became stepping stones on my journey to New York.
Standing Inside the United Nations
Standing inside the United Nations Headquarters, I found myself thinking unexpectedly about ISB.
I thought back to the classes where I was first introduced to sustainable development. I thought about the Model United Nations conferences where I first understood the power of dialogue. Most importantly, I remembered the teachers who stayed after class to answer our questions and encourage our curiosity.
In many ways, being part of a panel at the United Nations felt less like arriving somewhere new and more like coming home.
Looking Forward
For that, I am eternally grateful.
ISB has taught me much more than knowledge and opportunities. It has taught me to be bold enough to ask difficult questions, humble enough to learn from others, and determined enough to know that meaningful change begins when ordinary people choose to tackle extraordinary problems.
As I move forward beyond high school, I hope to carry these lessons with me and, in doing so, remain true to what ISB has taught me.
About the HLPF & UN MGCY
The UN High-Level Political Forum is the UN's primary platform for reviewing global progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, bringing world leaders, ministers, civil society, and youth delegates to UN Headquarters each year. Smith participated through the UN Major Group for Children and Youth (UN MGCY), the official youth constituency of the UN.
About ISB
International School Bangkok (ISB) is one of Asia's leading international schools, empowering students to become curious, courageous, and empowered learners who shape what comes next.
Curious. Courageous. Empowered. ISB.