The Thant Trophy
Competition

The Victorian Round of the Evatt Trophy Competition

A Taste of the United Nations

The Thant Trophy puts teams of two students in the shoes of Ambassadors to the United Nations Security Council, representing one of the Council's fifteen member nations in a series of debates on draft resolutions conducted according to the same rules that run the real Security Council in New York.

A Debating Competition with a Difference

In Thant, you don't just give speeches: you can ask difficult questions of your fellow Ambassadors, make dramatic objections, negotiate behind the scenes in a separate Negotiation Chamber, amend the resolution being debated to better suit your country's hidden agenda, and, of course, use the infamous veto (but only if you're a member of the Permanent Five!). Better yet, it's your effectiveness as a diplomat that's judged, not just your "matter, manner, and method".

A Broader Perspective on Global Issues

By focusing on the international issues that matter to us today, like global warming, terrorism, peacebuilding, nuclear proliferation, and poverty, and by examining them from the perspective of a foreign country, Thant gives you a deeper understanding of the complex world in which we live.

A Chance to Mark Up Your Schoolwork

Thant improves research, analysis, and public speaking skills, giving you an advantage in other competitions (especially DAV Debating) and your Year 10, 11 or VCE coursework, especially in English, Politics, International Studies, and 20th Century History.

An Australia-Wide Phenomenon

Thant is part of the only national schools debating competition in Australia - the top two teams in Victoria will represent their schools at the national finals (the Evatt Trophy) which will be held in Sydney in December.

A Public Speaking Competition for All Victorians

Thant is one of the few debating competitions that operates in regional Victoria as well as in Melbourne: this year we will host rounds in Ballarat, Mildura and Sale. We also have special deals and programs for regional Victorian students - please contact the Convenor for more details.

You can get more information about Thant from the following sources: