Inside Pacific Ridge School’s Model UN Conference

Pacific Ridge School students recently hosted the 16th Annual FirebirdMUN Conference, welcoming 175 high school delegates from five local schools to campus for a full Saturday of global debate, collaboration, and diplomacy.

Planned and run by students, FirebirdMUN has become a longstanding tradition in the greater San Diego region. This year’s FirebirdMUN conference featured 10 committees tackling complex and timely global issues. Topics ranged from international tariffs and semiconductor policy to historical and ethical discussions such as the Conclave at the Vatican. Through research, position papers, negotiation, and formal debate, students practiced the skills diplomats use every day — while building confidence and collaboration skills that extend far beyond the classroom.

The event opened with a keynote address from Elizabeth Kennedy Trudeau from the George W. Bush Presidential Center. A former U.S. Foreign Service officer, Trudeau shared insights from her service in Ukraine, Iraq, and Pakistan, offering delegates a real-world perspective on global diplomacy.

Throughout the day, committee rooms buzzed with thoughtful debate, problem-solving, and coalition-building as students drafted resolutions and worked toward consensus. Student leader and Secretary General of Pacific Ridge School’s Model UN, Luca Tuvo ‘26 reflects, “In a political and social media climate that tends to foster divisiveness, I see Model UN as an incredible chance for students to connect on a global scale and look past the policy to see the person. In teaching negotiation, Model UN has the key role of educating young people as to the importance of respect and regard for both your ally and your adversary when attempting to compromise in creative and effective ways.”

For founding faculty member, history teacher, and Model UN advisor Scott Silk, the impact of Model UN extends far beyond a single conference. “Above all, Model UN provides an opportunity for students to become aware of things happening in the world and to consider ways they might create change,” said Silk.

“Students are building academic skills — research, writing, negotiation, public speaking — but they’re also building meaningful community among peers.

”At Pacific Ridge, Model UN is more than an extracurricular activity — it’s an extension of the school’s commitment to global engagement, ethical responsibility, and purposeful leadership, and time is built into the school’s weekly schedule for students to participate. Because FirebirdMUN is student-run, participants aren’t just learning diplomacy; they’re leading it. Student organizers coordinate committees, train chairs, manage logistics, and guide debate for delegates from across the region.

“The highlight for me is seeing kids begin to engage with the world outside of themselves. I love seeing all the ‘a-ha’ moments,” said Silk.

Founded in 2007, Pacific Ridge School serves over 640 students as an independent, non-profit, college preparatory school for grades six through 12. Pacific Ridge School is renowned for its commitment to fostering academic excellence, ethical responsibility, and global engagement.

The school’s mission is to prepare students not only for college but also for purposeful lives that positively impact the world.