Claire McCorkindale (17), of Columba College, Nadine Ward (18), of Dunstan High School, Edward Haslam (17), of Otago Boys' High School, and Felix Mouttaki (17), of Wakatipu High School, will join 21 New Zealand secondary school pupils at the 4000-strong Hague International Model United Nations, beginning in late January.
The pupils were selected after a five-day simulation of the United Nations for secondary school pupils at the Otago-Southland Model United Nations Assembly competition in Dunedin in May and the national contest in Wellington early last month.
Edward said The Hague was the centre of the world for him and he was delighted when his name was read out to represent New Zealand.
"It's where a lot of history and culture come together.
"I'm looking forward to debating with students from other cultures."
Felix said being selected from 240 New Zealand delegates at the assembly was a surprise.
"There was a lot of deserving people at the conference and I wasn't sure if I was going to make the cut."
He believed a genuine interest in world affairs and a passion for other cultures was what made him stand out.
Nadine said although the topics for debate had not been set yet, she was relishing the prospect of debating anything to do with human rights and the exploitation of women.
"I think people should always be at the front of any debate at the UN."
However, she said the event would not just be about debating New Zealand's needs.
"There's a lot of compromising because you don't want to come across as demanding or arrogant.
"You have to put your ideas across in a way that is best for everyone."
Claire hopes to work in the United Nations and said her acceptance to attend was a major step towards realising her ambition.
"So, needless to say, I was pretty excited when I got accepted.
"It's the opportunity of a lifetime for me. This is the closest I will get to seeing what really happens at the United Nations."
The aims of The Hague International Model United Nations are to seek - through discussion, negotiation and debate - solutions to the various problems of the world, such as questions of human rights, protection of the environment, economic development, disarmament, the problems of youth and refugees, and the more critical issues of war and peace.
