Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulation of the United Nations, where students represent countries, debate pressing global issues, and work collaboratively to draft resolutions.
On Friday, the 22nd of November, the MYP and DP1 students who are members of the Model United Nations (MUN) Club participated in an internal conference, marking the first-ever SISMUN conference. This event provided an excellent opportunity for delegates to test their skills in real-world simulations of international diplomacy. The delegates were assigned various countries to represent, with the central topic being the Russo-Ukrainian War and potential approaches to its resolution. Over the course of the conference, they showcased impressive research and negotiation skills, reflecting the hard work they put into preparing for this event.
SISMUN was guided by the leadership of Secretary-General Nishita Praharaj and Deputy Secretary-General Peter A. Steinmüller, both of whom brought a wealth of experience to the conference. Having chaired and participated in numerous MUN conferences before, they expertly oversaw the event, ensuring it ran smoothly and adhered to MUN procedures, along with the support of Ms. Byrne, our MUN Coordinator, and many faculty members.
Behind the scenes, the journey to this successful conference began months earlier, in September, when the MUN Club was first established. On September 16, we introduced the club to new members, explaining the fundamentals of Model United Nations and its importance in fostering global awareness and leadership skills. Delegates quickly immersed themselves in learning the formal rules of MUN procedures, with training sessions designed to prepare them for the dynamic and fast-paced nature of MUN debates. We also reviewed past speeches and position papers to help students understand the critical elements of effective communication and advocacy in a global context.
In addition to the sophisticated training, Nishita and Peter worked on various design and organizational tasks to ensure the conference ran smoothly. From creating MUN posters to designing ID cards for delegates, placards for each delegation, and certificates for both the administrative staff and participants, every detail was carefully thought out. The conference's branding was equally important, and they developed a custom logo to give SISMUN its own identity. Additionally, they coordinated the ordering of essential items like the gavel, the Trump hat for the crisis simulation, and medals to reward exceptional delegates. A special thank you must be extended to our beloved Mr. Babak, who printed out all required items, including creating badges for our Secretary-General and Deputy Secretary-General. These efforts ensured that SISMUN was both visually appealing and professionally executed.
The day of the conference was a culmination of all the hard work and planning that had gone into preparing the delegates. Throughout the day, participants engaged in thought-provoking debates, demonstrating not only their understanding of international politics but also their growth as public speakers. The event was also enriched by the participation of teachers, who brought a fun and interactive element to the conference by taking on roles as world leaders in the crisis simulation. Their dramatic acting added an entertaining layer to the event and helped delegates engage with real-world scenarios in a more immersive way.
The success of the first-ever SISMUN conference would not have been possible without the collective efforts of many. We extend our deepest gratitude to the delegates, whose dedication, preparation, and passion for diplomacy brought the conference to life; the admin staff, Anusha Harohalli for her seamless organization; and the contribution of our photographer, Walina Kamal, who ensured the event was beautifully captured, preserving these moments for years to come. A special thank you goes to Ms. Byrne, our MUN Coordinator, for her invaluable guidance, along with, of course, Mr. Van Wyk and Ms. Campbell for their unwavering support. We are also incredibly grateful to the teachers who participated in the crisis simulation—Herr Juscha, Mr. Slough, Mr. Jackson—whose creativity and humor added a dynamic layer to the event. Finally, we thank Mr. Babak for his assistance with the technical aspects of the conference and the admin staff. Together, we’ve set the stage for future successes, and we look forward to continuing this journey.
This sets a clear goal for the club: to begin preparing for a major external conference and to continue organizing future editions of SISMUN.
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