The author provides an overview of the conference this year, with some of the main changes in direction that happened in it.
MUN (model of United Nations) is an educational simulation created for people to benefit from across the globe, with a vision to unite and find creative and innovative solutions to current global issues. The participants, who are also known as delegates, are given specific countries to represent in a specific committee. Each committee in MUN has either one or two topics, which are discussed and negotiated in their committee. The main objective of each delegate is to engage in finding solutions to the problem his/her committee is addressing.
MUN delegates have the opportunity to enhance their public speaking skills, increase their knowledge about political issues, and develop their own view of the UN. The simulation of the UN is another way of making young adults get out of their comfort zone and learn the reasons that underlie the behavior of certain countries.
This year, AUS (American University in Sharjah) held the biggest MUN in the history of AUSMUN by having more than 550 students, from the UAE and abroad, to replicate what happens in the UN world. During this year, several ideas were introduced to the conference; the first one is having the Security Council based on the UN4MUN approach. The major difference between UN4MUN and MUN is having the delegates reach consensus. One of the main reasons this idea was introduced is because it’s the most accurate simulation of the UN. Moreover, due to the exponential growth of this conference, having doubled its size in two years time, AUSMUN decided to introduce double delegations – randomly assigned – across various committees. Such simulations allow for further team-building and reaching consensus.
Additionally, one’s ability to find common ground with like-minded co-delegates reflects diplomacy and excellent negotiation skills. This was one of the few steps that AUSMUN had to take to get a better insight of what to expect in future events since the conference is growing and the numbers are doubling.
The delegates left the conference with a significantly improved understanding of international relations and organizations. AUSMUN is hoping to replicate that remarkable feeling of accomplishment and satisfaction each year.
Written by AlJawhara Al Juwaied, International Studies student at American University of Sharjah (AUS).
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