MUN has always been a very enjoyable experience for me. Taking part in UWCMUN, as part of the Advisory Panel, was definitely a step up from being a part of the Economic and Social Council at MUNOFS last year. Further more, I was very excited when my MUN trainers moved me into a group of more advanced delegates (Intermediate 2). I had started MUN a year after most of the students in my grade did, as a result, I was initially in a group consisting mainly of grade 10s. Moving up, to a higher level group meant more intense debate, and further skill development.

I notice a distinct difference in the manner in which delegates give speeches, ask Points of Information (POI’s), and refute the opinions of others, in a diplomatic, yet effective way. MUN also calls for work outside of the one and the half hours, we spend together in the library. We must research the countries we have been delegate to, we must write cohesive speeches, and come up with evidence to tackle any potential counter arguments. MUN has made me a more responsible person. It has increased my knowledge about a variety of issues that press the world today such as nuclear proliferation in the DPRK, the role of Israel in signing the nuclear deal, the use of private military companies by nation states and ensuring accountability for crimes committed by contracted security forces, human rights abuses in the Horn of Africa, the protection of sovereignty from drone strikes, etc. MUN has required me to exercise creativity whilst coming up with potential solutions to combat these issues, in form of written resolutions. This has honed my writing skills, speaking skills, as well as my ability to think on my feet.

Apart from greatly improving my knowledge of world affairs, MUN has provided me with a great opportunity to interact with students different grades in high school, given that MUN is perhaps the biggest club that there is, in UWCSEA, with over 100 students. Collaborating with others, is indeed the greatest asset at hand, to understand the sensitivity towards these issues, as we each take on the perspective of different countries during debate.

It is indeed a shame that MUN, unlike most other activities, lasts for only the first half of the year. I hope, that I end the second season on a high note. I was very keen on trying out for SEASAC MUN this year, especially as it is being held in Singapore itself! Unfortunately, the dates clash with those of SEAMC, which I am already committed to. Thus, I hope to take part in ThiMUN, another intermediate conference that is held towards the of the year.

Here is the link to an opening speech I wrote, pertaining to the nuclear proliferation from the perspective of Japan, and here is a link to a resolution I wrote pertaining to the preservation of human rights in the horn of Africa.

Learning outcomes highlighted:

• undertaken new challenges
• worked collaboratively with others
• shown perseverance and commitment in their activities
• engaged with issues of global importance
• considered the ethical implications of their actions
• developed new skills