Dear Wholesome readers, MUN articles are back!
*Whew,* It's been a busy year full of fun and memorable conferences. In fact, I have so much to catch you all up on that I will be releasing another article dedicated to the fourth conference of the year! So stay tuned for that article, coming out a week from now, because I will be sharing the behind-the-scenes of a new and exciting role I took on for a MUN conference! 🙊
Now back to the order of the business: THIMUN 2024. 🇳🇱
The Hague International Model United Nations is considered the most prestigious MUN conference because it is one of the oldest and is affiliated with the United Nations Department of Public Information. In 2003 the THIMUN Foundation was granted Roster Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (THIMUN website). Additionally, 3,000+ students participate annually, which is a significant amount. Having a student officer position is the equivalent of having "made it in MUN" according to my MUN cohort, haha, just because the application process is extremely selective and students from nearly all continents apply.
I'm sure you can imagine my enthusiasm when I found out last October that I had made the cut of 70 student officers, and would be serving as the Deputy President of the Sustainable Development Committee. This would be my first time Chairing a non-General Assembly committee and at the conference with the most participants.
After finding out about my position, I noticed that a few of my friends from previous conferences also received a position as student officers at the 2024 edition, and had a great time bonding over this via Instagram DM's. I got in touch with my fellow Deputy Presidents and found out that I met the Sustainable Development Committee's President the year prior in the Environmental Committee 1! This dear friend of mine is no one other than Ms. Jackie Huang, where you can check out her YouTube channel as well as the playlist including all 3 of her THIMUN 2024 vlogs, where I make a couple of Cameos in 🥳
I had the opportunity to write a research report on the issue of "Tackling plastic waste pollution: the development of circular economy" and found the topic insightful, pertinent, and consequential.
After several training meetings, the day came! I got to meet my co-deputy presidents and the very next day my 153 delegates!
THIMUN this year was truly a dream, I left the conferences having made over 153 friends, laughing my heart out, and devouring delicious protein bars provided by the conference center. 😆
I am truly so grateful for this wonderful opportunity to enrich my leadership skills within the realm of MUN and to also meet people who nurtured my genuineness. ❤️🩹
Also, please click this link if you'd like to see Jackie's vlogs of the conference, where I too guest star a couple of times! 🎥 🤗
The conference that followed THIMUN, was none other than FLOMUN, one of Italy's top 5 MUN conferences. And it only gets better, as it took place in the stunning city of Florence!
Here, I served as the President of CoEU, the Council of the European Union. The committee followed different rules, and I loved challenging myself and learning more about unique committees that I had never heard of prior to this conference.
This time around, I wrote a research report on "Re-homing forcefully displaced people into EU countries from Morocco". Yet another issue of significance and particular interest as an EU citizen.
The way to the conference was chaotic, to say the least... every day meant leaving hours in advance to prevent being late. We learned this lesson the hard way, after missing 3 hours of the first day due to delays with the bus we had to take to the conference center. 🙈
What made up for this temporary loss of sanity, you may ask? The ARCHITECTURE, every building around, belonged to an art museum. I felt entranced and had stars in my eyes and all. Unfortunately, I did not have a chance to try the infamous mouthwatering sandwich because the never ending line indicated a waiting time of a couple of hours. However, I did have a chance to explore a lot of the city center and purchase memorable souvenirs for my loved ones.
Regardless of this unexpected turn of events, I really enjoyed presiding over my Council, and getting to know my 20 delegates. Thank you delegates for learning the rules of our unique committee so quickly, for the juicy gossip box, and of course: all the farewell hugs, I really appreciated them!
Dear Wholesome reader, I really hope you enjoyed this MUN recap, I know how long you guys have been waiting for this! If you have any suggestions to improve, I would love to see what feedback you have for me! Please leave me a comment at the end of this article to let me know what you think. Thank you to those of you who have already shared your thoughts with me via the comment feature or privately.
Sending virtual hugs and lots of happiness your way! 🧸 🌻 🤪
Comments