Sunday Times (Sri Lanka)

RichMUN '23: Triumphant diplomacy

- - Ahmadh Booso and Sunera Mendis

It was all about diplomacy when the prestigiou­s two-day RichMUN ’23 was held at Richmond College, Galle, on September 30 and October 1.

This Model United Nations conference was not just an event but a transforma­tive voyage. It meticulous­ly crafted its participan­ts into proactive agents of change, paving the way for youth to transform into insightful diplomats.

A series of workshops over multiple venues preceded the main sessions. A workshop on September 24 stood out, where every committee, under the astute guidance of their head tables, delved deep into their respective subjects. The overarchin­g aim was to refine the participan­ts' analytical prowess,

sharpen their strategic insight, amplify their global outlook and ensure a consistent enriching

experience for every delegate gearing up for the main conference.

Cloaked in the magical theme of Harry Potter and championin­g the motto ‘Wizards of Debate’, RichMUN ’23 followed these workshops. It was graced by New Zealand’s High Commission­er for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Michael Appleton.

With the participat­ion of over 200 delegates from diverse educationa­l institutio­ns, the conference spotlighte­d four primary committees, each adding a unique perspectiv­e to the overall discourse.

The inaugural day witnessed each committee initiating their bespoke proceeding­s, kick-started with the emblematic Speakers’ List speeches, followed by rigorous Moderated Caucuses. Concurrent­ly, the Internatio­nal

Press Corps (IPC) undertook the task of encapsulat­ing the vibrant debates and discussion­s through astute articles and press statements.

Day 2 ushered in an era of resolution drafting, punctuated by the IPC introducin­g a series of crises through Instagram Threads, amplifying the realism and urgency of the discussion­s. A meticulous­ly orchestrat­ed crisis by the IPC saw the GA-P (General Assembly Plenary) and UNESCO committees join forces, challengin­g delegates to deploy their finest diplomatic tactics.

The closing ceremony saw the participat­ion of illustriou­s Richmondit­e, Dr. Lakmal Fonseka.

 ?? ?? The Executive Committee of RichMUN ’23 with New Zealand’s High Commission­er for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Michael Appleton.
The Executive Committee of RichMUN ’23 with New Zealand’s High Commission­er for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Michael Appleton.
 ?? ?? New Zealand’s High Commission­er for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Michael Appleton, addressing RichMUN ’23.
New Zealand’s High Commission­er for Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Michael Appleton, addressing RichMUN ’23.

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