It was an eye-opening and exhilarating experience for me to participate in my first-ever Model United Nations. It cemented my passion for formal debate, diplomacy, and the world at large. Initially, I was not aware of the world of MUN, but the minute I discovered its structured system of debates and realistic global diplomacy simulation, I knew this was something I had to pursue. Without hesitation, I enrolled, and my first committee assignment was the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), which proved to be the perfect platform for my initiation into this world.
The preparation period was a balance of excitement and hard work. I read up on the stance of my assigned country in regard to global issues, studied policies, and strengthened my knowledge regarding international relations. The time I devoted to writing GSL speeches helped structure my arguments, but it also prepared me for flexibility and resourcefulness when presenting my debate. I remember when I gave my GSL, the first time I spoke in my committee, my hands were trembling, and I was on the brink of a panic attack. Things escalated when I dared to raise a POI against the Delegate of France. For a moment, I froze when he fired back, asking for my source. I hadn’t thought that through, and the realization struck me like a jolt—but it also taught me a lesson in quick thinking and preparation.
The most thrilling part was the spontaneous feel to it; like catching mistakes in others’ speeches, making quick rebuttals, keeping my responses sharp throughout the sessions. Though I did not succeed this time, I learned a lot from this experience. I understood the significance of thorough research, the importance of being heard by others in public speaking, and the art of diplomacy. Most importantly, I learned to consider global issues and how meaningful dialogue can form change. This MUN awakened a passion within me, and I believe there are many other conferences lying ahead in future where I would like to participate in.
