This was my first offline MUN(Model United Nations) that I had attended, I had one earlier which was online because of the global pandemic. There were different committees that I could participate in, but I chose to attend the UNSC(United Nations Security Council). The MUN was a worthwhile experience, it was not just a debate but also to meet new people from different schools. It had different events after each committee session that allowed us to interact with more and more people. As this was my first MUN, I was not as prepared as the other delegates, however, I made sure to attend more MUNs and be more prepared.
LO 1 – Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
The MUN was a great experience where I realized that I was a great speaker and was able to convey my message effectively, however, I did not receive any special mention as the chair and co-chair of my committee believed that I could come up with more stronger points to target other delegates as I was able to communicate with dominance.
LO 2 – Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
A lot of different challenges were undertaken. To begin with, I sometimes tend to get excited and forget that others are also willing to participate in the debate and interrupt other speakers. The chair of the committee suggested me to try and listen to others as well so that I could note down points I could counter the other delegates on. Not only my listening skills, but also my research skills developed as I learnt to go through more credible sources and to identify strong and unbiased arguments.
LO 3 – Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
Even though it was my first time in a MUN, I received a very powerful country, the UK, which required me to research a lot for my country as well as my allies and the rivals. It being a significant country in the committee it required a lot of arguments to keep the committee sessions able to participate in the committee. I decided to spare an hour to research every night for a week before the NUM and gather all the information I could use in my speeches and debates.
LO 4 – Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
As I previously mentioned, my country being prominent would require a lot of participation which I would not be able to if I didn’t have my research. Being able to spare even an hour to research with all the school deadlines was a difficult task as the exams were nearer too. Although, I managed to collect enough arguments and motions to be able to participate in the debate.
LO 5 – Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively
One of the major requirements throughout the MUN was to build allies and work collaboratively. By doing so, all the delegates that supported a similar motion were allies and backed up other delegates to boost confidence and assert more power in the committee. Greater the alliance was, the more fierce the debate got.
LO 6 – Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
The MUN is a platform to discuss issues of global concern. The agenda for our committee was the Afghan crisis which caters to one of the longest wars in history. Researching and debating how different countries engaged and participated in the Afghan crisis was crucial knowledge about one of the many prominent events taking place in our world.
LO 7 – Recognize and consider the ethics of choices and actions
Knowing that the agenda for the MUN was the Afghan crisis, as the war continued, the poor safety and exploitation of human rights took place in Afghanistan was also discussed. We evaluated decisions and actions made by different countries and questioned them with ethical dilemmas and whether it was the right action or not.
