Model United Nations (MUNs)

My first ever exposure to MUNs was during Term 2 Sabbatical this year. Previously in Sec 1, I had no clue on what exactly MUNs is. Occasionally during the November/December holidays, I will see lots of participants from overseas, as well as rooms in Salt Centre pasted with words like “International Court of Justice”. What on earth are these people doing? I couldn’t stop asking myself.

As the months went by, I somehow got to know the rough idea of MUNs. The idea seems rather fun and interesting. Discussing and debating on various world issues does interest me. Well, I had always thought of the United Nations as an inefficient organization- perhaps the weakness of democracy. I wanted to experience how it was like being in MUNs. Thus, I joined the Sabbatical. My parents never got the idea of MUNs, so there was a certain level of difficulty in explaining what I did during Sabbatical. I summarized it into 2 words: Playing Politics.

Attending the MUNs Sabbatical did impact me in one way or another. I became more aware and conscious when making decisions. What MUNs required us to do is to take on the role of the adopted nation and then propose solutions. My judgments and decisions made as a team must be spot on so that we can write a resolution of certain standard. Other than that, it increased my knowledge and awareness of pertinent issues faced by nations, AEDCs or LEDCs. I had this assumption that MUNs was a debater-dominated field, and that non-debaters like many of us will stand to lose when in MUNs. I was wrong.

MUNs is not just about debating, it involves lobbying, getting support, collaborating with others. To put it simply, MUNs require EQ as well. At the same time, knowing how to think and react quickly is vital. When being questioned, or even challenged, by delegates, the ability to rebut and counter them is important in ensuring that our resolution will not be shot down. 

I was rather surprised that I have gotten an honorable mention, despite facing strong competition from others. Getting this honorable mention does instill some confidence in me- confidence to invest my time into MUNs, and confidence that I will do well in it. Thus, for the upcoming THIMUN, I have registered to be in the Admin Team. THIMUN is a major MUN and I hope that by joining the Admin Team I will be not only be able to learn more about MUNs, but also hone by events organizing and  planning skills which will benefit me since I’m in council.