A GROUP of Stroud sixth formers debated with students from around the world at a Model United Nations Conference in New York.

The Marling students spoke at the Change the World Model UN Conference in New York as the only school from the UK.

They were tasked with representing the Cote d’Ivoire, debating critical topics including sustainable development in post conflict areas, terrorist threats to international peace, climate change and rights to education for refugees.

The debate saw students of diverse nationalities acting as ambassadors for the 193 member states they were representing in the UN headquarters.

Marling’s Marc Boixader-Riera, who proposed the trip, said: “It was a very formal and challenging setting so we gained experience of real-life debating at a global level.

"We had to forge alliances with other countries to get our resolutions passed, which was a great opportunity to develop our negotiating skills and also meant we made lots of new friends in other parts of the world.”

Marling’s Emma Gray, the trip leader said: “The standard of debating was extremely high and it was amazing listening to these young people speak passionately about real world issues.

"It suddenly made me feel very positive for the future of our planet.”

The students also had time to visit Times Square, the Statue of Liberty, One World Observatory and the 9/11 Memorial as well as enjoying shopping and sampling American food.