Assemblyman Ed Ra (21st Assembly District) yesterday spoke at the Model United Nations conference at Stewart Manor School. Ra spoke to students from each of Elmont School District’s six participating schools, including Alden Terrace, Covert Avenue, Clara H. Carlson, Dutch Broadway, Gotham Avenue, and Stewart Manor. Noting the program is vital for student development in areas such as writing, public speaking, conflict resolution and problem solving, Ra spoke of how discussing issues in the Model United Nations today will prepare these young adults to be the leaders of tomorrow.

The topic of the conference was alternative fuel sources and ending dependence on foreign oil imports. Students from each elementary school were placed in groups to represent each of the 39 member countries of the Model United Nations. Students were required to initially give a brief description of their country, followed by their opinion regarding how their country should use fuels, how much they should import or export, and how they should limit their use of oil. The groups also debated alternative fuel sources, and discussed the implications for their respective countries.

“These students are the future doctors, nurses, lawyers, small-business owners, and educators of our country,” said Ra. “I was honored to participate in today’s event because it is important to make sure our students understand the challenges of today so that they are better equipped for adulthood. Model United Nations is the modern form of problem-solving: it helps students understand international cooperation and work together to build a better world. These types of programs are important for the understanding of and support for the ideals and work of the United Nations among the American people.”

Ra also presented an Assembly Proclamation to Lee Marcus, the founder of the Elmont Model United Nations program. Ra recognized Marcus for his invaluable contributions to the Elmont School District and Model United Nations, and challenged students to one day possess a passion to promote the values of Model United Nations that sparked an interest in them.

“Playing an integral role in broadening student knowledge on critical issues facing the global community, Lee Marcus has afforded our students the opportunity to develop college and career skills including research, writing, public speaking, conflict resolution, consensus building, and problem-solving. Lee instilled the values of character and virtue in our young adults today to prepare them to become the leaders of tomorrow.”