By: Serafina Ariel
Just two weeks ago on October 1 and 2, MISJ held our first ever internal MUN exclusively for Mentari schools including MISB and MISGS. MUN, or Model United Nations, is an educational simulation and academic activity in which students can learn about diplomacy, international relations, and the United Nations. Over 100 students from all 3 schools participated in the internal MUN.
There were 3 different councils students could choose from or were assigned to: UNEP, SOCHUM, and an Imaginary Council. UNEP, or the United Nations Environmental Programme, were for individual delegates who were at the beginner level of MUN. The topic for UNEP was “Mitigating the Reduction of Ecosystems.” They were challenged to tackle environmental issues from coral bleaching to pollution, and how they could be eliminated as they worked to propose solutions from their country’s stance. Being a big council, UNEP was actually divided into two sub-councils - UNEP 1 and UNEP 2.
SOCHUM, or the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee, were for double delegates who were at a more advanced level and looking to expose themselves to a more rigorous and demanding subject matter. The topic for SOCHUM was “EU Refugee Crisis.” The delegates worked hard to provide solutions to the issue of refugee admissions to the European Union, and how it could be handled properly. Finally, there was an Imaginary Council, which is a council that deals with more unconventional and fictional concepts. The topic for the Imaginary Council was based around Star Trek, pertaining to the “First Khitomer Accords.” Although some delegates were unfamiliar with Star Trek and had to adjust to their respective characters’ viewpoints, they managed to cooperate and deliver opinions and solutions in accordance to their topic.
Since there were many beginner delegates, there was also a MUN workshop held before the council sessions. The workshop consisted of 3 different sessions, which were drafting, speech, and negotiation. The councils were given a briefing of each of these 3 core aspects of MUN rotationally. In drafting, delegates learned how to write their solutions for a Working Paper and a Draft Resolution in a manner consistent with MUN guidelines, including using proper MUN terminology and coming up with practical solutions. The second aspect of MUN is speech, which is essential for delegates as they would need to know how to present their country’s stance and solutions. Delegates were taught the mechanics of speaking, as well as the different types of speeches - the preacher, the lawyer, and the salesman. Last is negotiation, where delegates were briefed on how to negotiate and converse with other delegates by forming blocs, or alliances between countries.
At the end of the two days, some delegates were addressed for their exceptional contributions in their own councils. These awards included Honorable Mention, Most Outstanding, and Best Delegate. Verbal commendations were also given to those who although did not perform as well, had the potential to become strong candidates for MUN. This Internal MUN served as exposure to the MUN culture for both beginner and advanced delegates. All MISJ students were also automatically enlisted as being part of the MUN club - a move for the MUN activities in our school delegation. Even though this MUN was opened only for Mentari schools, there will be another MISMUN next year opened to all schools, as well as other MUN opportunities around - so stay tuned, and keep up with the MISJ MUN Club!
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