On MUN path to confidence, eloquence
SHAPING LEADERS Issues of global importance are discussed at MUN meets
On a regular weekend, if you spot groups of schoolchildren dressed sharply in crisp formals, engaged in an animated discussion on global issues and frequently mentioning words, names and subjects that would sound normal if they were issued by seasoned diplomats, then chances are that the teenagers might have been rehearsing for one of the many Model United Nations (MUN) conferences being organised across the city at this time of the year.
Model United Nations or MUNs are the simulation of the United Nations wherein students play the roles of delegates representing specific countries working as the members of a UN committee. The goal of each student acting as a delegate is to reflect through their arguments the interests and objectives of the country that he or she represents.
The agendas of committees at a MUN usually reflect issues of raging global relevance and vary from tackling the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria, commonly known by the acronym ISIS, to discussing and dissecting the problems of global poverty and hunger. These events are moderated and judged by seasoned MUNers, usually college students who have attended many such conferences and earned their spurs in these.
“My MUN timeline can be traced back to when I was in Class 9 and the aura that this platform then exuded was truly inspiring. I was dazzled by the high standard of the mock debates and the eloquence as well as confidence that most of the top student delegates possessed. Their rare ability to approach a national situation at an international forum, albeit imaginary, instilled in me too the desire to take up this activity and to prove me mettle in it. It made me feel like I was part of something noble and significant” said Saumya Kalia, former head girl of Amity International School, Vasundhara. The trend of MUNs has
›taught
Participation in MUNs has
me to be assertive, not aggressive; polite not discourteous. Having debated and discussed matters of national and international importance over the years, MUNs have helped shape my personality holistically. I strongly encourage all school students to take advantage of this platform to tap their true potential My MUN timeline can be traced back to when I was in 9th grade. I was dazzled by the high standard of the mock debates and the eloquence as well as confidence that most of the top student delegates possessed. Their rare ability to approach a national situation at an international forum, albeit imaginary, instilled in me the desire to take up this activity
multiplied rapidly, with many major schools organising such events on a huge scale in most big cities, so much so that many such events overlap each other.
“Participation in MUNs has taught me to be assertive, not aggressive; polite not discourteous. Having debated and discussed matters of national and international importance over the years, MUNs have helped shape my personality holistically. I strongly encourage all school students to take advantage of this platform to tap their true potential, which is unlimited, and to grow far beyond textbooks” says Shivang Singh, who recently completed 12th grade from Scottish High International School, Gurugram.
In an attempt to add an Indian touch to MUNs as well as to make it more relevant to the situation prevailing in our country, several schools have started organising events generally known by the name All India Political Parties Meet where budding MUNers enact roles such as that of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, leaders of leading Opposition parties and other influential politicians in our country. The subjects discussed include the implementation of GST, ramifications of demonetisation and the issue of rising intolerance.
MUNs also cater to aspiring journalists. The organising team of each MUN selects few students who form the International Press corps at such events. The International Press or IP comprises reporters, photographers and caricaturists who carefully observe the proceedings of the committees and release a journal by the end of the conference, expressing their views on aspects discussed during each meet. All the IP members have the liberty to use express their honest opinions about the MUN proceedings.
Sukhman Gambhir, who has participated in several MUNs as a caricaturist, said, “I feel that IP members have a special power in MUNs as they can produce humour and seriousness simultaneously in their own way. I can express the committee’s entire proceeding just through my cartoons. This freedom to use a mixture of satire and humour in just one piece of drawing is nothing short of exhilarating indeed. “
If you are a loquacious yet secret debater and are awaiting the right chance, MUNs may just be the best forum to polish your public speaking skills and test mental channels simultaneously. So, why not just register for the next MUN? Shivang Singh,
Scottish High International School Saumya Kalia,
Amity International School, Vasundhara