My Model UN Experience
Explaining what a Model United Nations (MUN) conference is, or why I would pay money to role-play a diplomat debating issues of "global importance" with complete strangers, was always a challenge.
As the Communications Officer for the MUN society, I had to "sell" the idea. I got tired of speaking about the friends I’d made and the transferable skills I’d gained. I felt like a university prospectus – the scent of desperation – leaping from the pages of carefully curated photos and cherry-picked experiences.
Instead, I would smile and ask them to give it shot: Almost everyone who came, kept coming back. Why? Because we focused on creating a fun atmosphere. We encouraged others to make friends. We allowed people to be themselves: No need to look smart or use big words. Unlike other societies, there were no initiation ceremonies, membership fees or displays of emotional blackmail for leaving the group. Only people who genuinely wanted to be there were there.
Everyone’s MUN journey starts in a different place: Mine began with Mr Mitchell, a high school teacher that believed in everyone, he was scout for potential and an incredibly kind man.
My first conference:
Mr. Mitchell took me to my first High School MUN conference: Haberdasher Boys Askes School, an elite private school, a breeding ground for wealthy, entitled and successful young men. We were the only state school at the conference. My late friend, Thikshika, and me passionately argued for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict. We even had members of the Knesset watching the spectacle. Although I came back home empty handed, the experience shaped me in ways I'd only begin to appreciate, once I had completed my first year of university.
The Dream Team
Model UN at University: The “Big Leagues”
It doesn’t make sense to go through all of the conferences – so here are my some of my highlights:
Nottingham University:
We won seven awards! I finally secured a Best Delegate Award! One by One each of our names were called to receive an award. I won my first “Best Delegate” award that night! They say there’s nothing more memorable than a first.
Casino Royal Social
Winning Best Delegate in DISEC
WORLDMUN (2014) - BRUSSELS: My favourite conference
WorldMUN is like the NBA for MUN conferences. Except a much shorter, nerdier and well-dressed version of the NBA. It attracts delegations from all over the world to debate at some of the most prestigious venues. This year it was held in Brussels – not Japan, USA or Tanzania - it was going to be in Belgium. We could finally afford it! Did I mention that this conference is run by Harvard University? The conference was held at Egmont Palace where you can find the most distinguished diplomats.
I travelled with 20 friends to attend a 2000+ person conference. My committee alone was 400 people. Now that’s what I call an audience! Contrary to other conferences – everyone was immaculately dressed – no un-ironed shirts or cheap ties. The committee sessions were fuelled with intense debate, flirtatious notes and cheeky banter.
Julia and me both represented Yemen at the Disarmament International Security Committee (DISEC), to debate the issues surrounding drone warfare, I was in awe of some of the speakers. We would alternate between wild parties at night and serious debates during the day. We both grew frustrated at the constant “back door diplomacy” – delegates would walk out of committee sessions to draft papers and drum up support for their resolutions. Our punishment for playing by the rules was to listen to awful speeches packed with obscure analogies stressing the importance of "accountability and transparency". However, I was impressed by the quality of the draft resolutions submitted - the result of delegate's merciless attention to detail – and backdoor scheming.
It was an eventful seven days: I made friends from across the globe; witnessed a marriage proposal; participated in workshops with McKinsey & Company, partied at an exclusive club (Jeux d’hiver) in the forest (Bois de la Cambre); binged on Belgian waffles and debated in the room normally reserved for the European Council of Ministers.
Celebrating with the winners.
Hosting our “own” conference
It’s easy to be judgmental about things until you’re in the driving seat. I’d always attended conferences, but I never thought I’d be part of planning and hosting one.
“Let’s have our own conference…” Unfortunately, George’s enthusiasm was met with silence. “I’m actually serious!” He was looking for reassurance, but we were all sceptical. Whenever someone has courage to suggest a bold idea – the common response is – “that’s a great idea but [insert reason why it is unlikely/impossible]”.
After pausing to think about why it wouldn't be possible, I realised George was not going to let this go. After all he was the President of the society with an excellent track record for winning awards, chairing conferences and networking with other delegates. For every question we threw at him about funding, finding a venue, organising socials not to mention balancing this logistical nightmare with our final year exams - he seemed to have an answer.
We spent our lunchbreaks discussing: How to raise money; the content of delegation pack; the dimensions of delegation badges; social events; chairing positions; guest speakers and advertising. George would make meticulous notes in his blue moleskin notebook.
Meeting Professor Madders was a privilege. A qualified solicitor and barrister, lecturer at Kings College London, and Advisor to the European Space Agency – Professor Madders was remarkably humble despite his accomplishments.
On the last day of the conference, I ran the Brighton Half Marathon, before rushing back home to shower and change into my suit, to re-join the debate on small arms and light weapons.
Final Thoughts:
MUN was more than a “nerdy” hobby. It built my ability to think and speak clearly. I learned to summarise my points in 90-second speeches. I learned to passionately argue for agendas I fundamentally disagreed with and persuade the most stubborn people you’ll ever meet. I also made “friends” with solution-focused people who also viewed the world as a global village and believed in collaboration to solve complex problems. My inner anti-establishment rebel without a cause started to dissolve. I tempered my frustration with the bureaucracy of multilateral institutions, such as the United Nations, with a youthful idealism that comes with “wanting to make the world a better place”.
The practicalities of diplomacy came into sharper focus: Political gridlock over petty details, a battle of egos, ideology trumping policy and ill-prepared delegates wasting valuable time.
Although MUN conferences encourage delegates to accurately reflect the positions of the countries they are representing, they also serve to – reinforce traditional positions – internalising narratives that prevent them from thinking flexibly. There’s no room for idealism, and therefore little incentive to think of creative solutions or pass UN resolutions that inspire hope. People’s views on whether this is even an issue will depend on their answer to: What is the purpose a Model UN conference?