I recently had the privilege of attenting an International Model United Nations(IMUN) conference. It was an unique and enriching experience. Interacting with delegates from different parts of world broadened by perspectives on various issues. IMUN brings youth together from around the world to learn and share ideas from a diverse set of experiences and backgrounds. In an IMUN students play the role of delegates from different countries and attempt to solve real world issues through stimulating debates and discussions. It’s the perfect platform for students to learn communication/ public speaking skills, International Relations, diplomacy, confidence and negotiation skills. All delegates of IMUN are offered certificates of appreciation along with several awards which are recognised by the United Nations(UN) and the Australian Embassy. You can display these certificates on LinkedIn and various social networking sites.
The participants of IMUN are referred to as delegates.
All delegates need to refer to themselves in 3rd person . Avoid using phrases like I, mine etc. and instead refer to yourself as delegate of X , where X is the country which has been assigned to you by IMUN.
For example I was assigned UNHRC (United Nations Human Rights Commission) committee and the Republic of Lithuania. The agenda of the committee was ‘Inclusion of widows’ in society.I had to research indepth about the challenges faced by widows and the various policies and steps taken by the Republic of Lithuania to ensure the welfare of widows.
A typical IMUN conference involves the following:
1) GETTING STARTED:
Firstly, a Roll Call is taken to check the attendance of delegates. When your assigned country’s name is called out, you need to simply reply with a ‘present’. The agenda of the meeting along with your allocated country and committee and study guides will be emailed to you after you finish paying the registration fee. You can start preparing arguments, factual data and general information on your agenda after you receive the email. You have the chance to introduce yourself to the chairs and fellow delegates during the icebreaking session.
2) GENERAL SPEAKERS LIST (GSL):
When the committee begins, the chairs will create a list of delegates who wish to give speeches. These speeches are usually about how each country feels about the topic. These speeches are usually 1–2 minutes long where you need to advocate for the country that you are representing. REMEMBER, never speak against your country, always point out the positive and progressive policies, laws and steps taken by your assigned country. The first time that you speak on the GSL is referred to as the ‘opening speech’. After you finish your opening speech, you can send a note to the chairs, requesting them to add you on the speakers list once again.
It was my first time attending an IMUN and I was pretty nervous. But, once I finished my opening speech, I gained tremendous confidence and belief in myself. The opening speech can be daunting for first timers. However, there is no need to be afraid or nervous. IMUN is extremely inclusive and they believe in providing an equal platform for all human beings around the world. Make use of every single opportunity in the conference to voice your perspectives and opinions. YOUR PERSPECTIVES MATTER. YOUR VOICE MATTERS!
3) POSITION PAPER:
A position paper is a document describing a topic, your’s country’s position and possible solutions. It is not compulsory but recommended to write a position paper. It will help you gain better insights on the committee’s agenda and your assigned country’s laws/ policies/measures regarding the agenda. The position paper must not be longer than 2 pages. I wrote a position paper on Inclusion of widows in society and researched various policies and laws passed in Republic of Lithuania(My assigned country).
4) MODERATED CAUCUS:
In a moderated caucus, the general speakers list is set aside and the speakers are called upon by the chair. It’s a formal procedure where delegates speak on different sub agenda’s of the main agenda. A motion is passed and debated on.For example, my committee’s agenda was ‘Inclusion of widows in society’. We discussed on several sub-agenda’s like Economic challenges, Legal Aspects, Psychological problems and Social status of widows across the world. The moderated caucus was eye-opening and it sensitized us to various hardships and discrimination faced by widows across the world. Make good use of the unmoderated caucus to voice out your opinions and perspectives on various issues.
5) UNMODERATED CAUCUS:
An unmoderated caucus is an informal discussion where the delegates can converse freely. They will not be interrupted by anyone. Delegates can discuss about anything as long as it is relevant to the agenda. My committee used this time to discuss various sub-agenda’s. We also discussed various possible solutions for the draft resolution.
6) WORKING PAPER:
Working paper is simply a document containing all the possible solutions recommended by your committee members. It is an informal document that does not need any specific formatting. It is usually made during the unmoderated caucus .
7) DRAFT RESOLUTION:
Delegates write draft resolutions with other countries. It is an official piece of document which consists of all the solutions recommended by the delegates in a perfect format. There are three main parts to the draft resolution: the heading, the preamble and the operative section. It also lists draft resolution’s signatories. A draft resolution is often put to amendments. Amendments are made if more than 50% of delegates agree to it. I personally recommended several policies which were included in the final draft resolution. It was satisfying and fulfilling to see my perspectives and opinions being considered. I would recommend all prospective delegates to confidently and boldly voice out their opinions and perspectives.
In conclusion, International MUN was a remarkbly magnificient and enriching experience that I would recommend to everyone. It’s the perfect platform for people to learn diplomacy, international relations, public speaking and negotiation skills. Don’t miss out on this wonderful opportunity to meet people from all over the world and solve global issues!
Start your registration for IMUN below:
https://www.internationalmun.org/RegistrationForm.php?mark=YI8641
