MUN - An incredible learning journey

The MSMUN conference ended yesterday and I enjoyed every minute of it. Whether I was giving speeches, listening to other countries' positions on the topic or even writing a

resolution for the issue, the experience was one to remember. MUN is like a journey through roads which ultimately lead to making the world a better place. It helps you develop your public speaking skills and is just an exciting student led method for learning about current affairs.

The concept of MUN began at the University of Oxford in November 1921. MUN was established to engage students and allow them to develop deeper understanding into current world issues and world politics. Students are required to conduct research on a specific world issue and then debate it with their peers, before finally creating and voting on a resolution. The entire process really gives an insight into what an actual UN conference would look like and makes students feel responsible and want to take action.

MUN conferences also encourage students to be confident and become better at public speaking. For example, yesterday in my first speech I was shaking and shivering with nervous energy, however, by the end of the day I was confident as can be. It could be helpful for students who are interested in international relations to cultivate their knowledge on the topic as well.

Resolution writing is a key part of an MUN conference. Resolution writing teaches students to think about possible solutions for the topic at hand which helps them think more deeply about the issue. These solutions help delegates collaborate with their peers and ultimately come up with interesting solutions which could genuinely be implemented by the UN. Voting helps show your country's stance on the issue and helps pass or fail resolutions.

Sometimes during an MUN conference issues can be of a complex nature and it can be difficult for a student or delegate to understand. The national stance of your country may be different from the international community which can make it hard to defend your country. As a delegate, your country's stance may not always have the high ground morally, and sometimes you have to make your own beliefs and values take a backseat which can be difficult for people who are new to MUN.

These MUN conferences have made me question the effectiveness of the UN as a whole. Especially with the current international climate, the polarisation of the world and the UN’s failure to act as an international society, but, rather as individual countries and their allies with their own vested interests. A perfect example of this is the recent Israel-Palestine crises and the failure of the UN to achieve a solution which is beneficial for the international community and humankind itself. Issues may not just be black and white but will often have more than one side which makes coming up with a solution difficult. However, the UN remains a forum for the international community to come together and find pragmatic and diplomatic solutions to world issues - it is up for debate whether this can actually happen in a world with superpowers pulling the strings.

During the conference yesterday, I was able to win the best delegate award for my committee which was the Disarmament & International Security Committee (DISEC). Winning this award felt even better as the committee was intermediate level and I was one of the few 6th graders amongst a field of older students. Also, it was extremely special to see my hard work pay off. Personally, I think that the reason for my success was a solid balance of content which was coupled with a strong passion for the problem we were trying

to resolve, both of these things really helped get my point through. While speaking, I did not feel particularly nervous, more excited and energetic. It felt thrilling to talk in front of a crowd of people and really mean every word I said.

Overall, MUN conferences are a great learning experience which can help you develop your public speaking skills and your confidence. Students learn about how they can change the world and ultimately discuss ways to make it a better place just like I was successful in doing. So why don’t you embark on your own MUN journey just like I did?