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Model United Nations (MUN), although an idea which has been introduced to the student body of our country almost a decade ago, has been on the rise in popularity among students for its unique approach to developing their understanding of international relations, diplomacy, and public speaking. On the contrary, even now many students are in the dark about MUN, hopefully, this should serve as an introduction to those completely oblivious to MUN and beginners seeking help navigating these unfamiliar waters.
Model United Nations (MUN) is an educational imitation that replicates the workings of the United Nations committee sessions. The students play the role of delegates who represent individual countries, but more than that they play the role of diplomats who engage in debate, negotiation, and firm intent aligning with global issues. Each delegate works to address and resolve international issues based on their assigned country's policies and interests.
MUN conferences are usually held on school, college, or university premises and range from local to international events. These conferences are organised by MUN clubs or associations relevant to MUN and each may have its own theme. Typically, a MUN conference is led by the secretary general and his secretariat board. The secretariat board normally has five core departments, which are delegate affairs, academics, hospitality, financial matters, and conference management. A conference having 300 delegates may have 40 to 80 secretariat board members organising the MUN. Simulating the general assembly of the United Nations, each of 193 delegates represents their respective countries and the remaining delegates are given the charge of the Security Council, Economic and Social Council, and Specialised Agencies.
During the conference, delegates make speeches to assert their country's position on the issues being discussed. As the very interests of a country are at stake here, delegates debate on the issues in diplomatic language and practise their negotiation skills to advocate for their country's position. Similar to the UN General Assembly, resolutions and amendments drafted and proposed by the delegates are put to a vote. Successful resolutions are adopted and often impose dominance in policy decisions.
So, why should someone attend MUNs and participate despite MUNs having a reputation for relying a bit too much on simulation, having an inclusive atmosphere, intense competitiveness, and last but not the least some fraction of alumni and enthusiasts of MUN forming a close-knit group similar to a cult? Because on the other side of the coin, it's actually really fun. MUNs not only enrich one's public speaking, debating, negotiation, and teamwork qualities but also one gets to interact with new people and travel to new places and they enhance their extra-curricular activities.
Despite its challenges, MUN has continued to be a platform for educational value with a variety of enjoyable experiences, making it a memorable activity. Whether it's for the intellectual challenge, harnessing your innate qualities, networking, or simply enhancing your ECAs, MUN just might be the thing for youths.
The writer is a student of Development Studies, University of Dhaka.