High Hopes, Newcomer Nerves, and Veteran Advice - Interviews with IMUN "rookies" and those more experienced
High Hopes, Newcomer Nerves, and Veteran Advice - Interviews with IMUN "rookies" and those more experienced
Diogo L.
To many delegates coming together to form the 2024, 30th International Model United Nations conference, it is a first foray into the high-intensity world of diplomacy and debate. Others have come back with invaluable experience and fresh perspectives. Be it a “first-timer” or a returning delegate, each has expectations and advice to offer, bringing some varied insights regarding the IMUN experience.
High Hopes for First-Timers
For delegates such as those from South Sudan and Russia, this IMUN has been their first leap into the heart of Model UN. Confidence is brimming for the South Sudan delegate as he hopes his resolution on African membership in the United Nations will be brought to the discussion. "I have high expectations. I already have co-submitters and expect it will go very well".
As for the Russian representative, they aim to "have at least one speech, but to make sure such an output would be with meaning. I'm hoping to talk when I can. Maybe even be a main submitter”.
Another first-time delegate, the delegate of Egypt, said that they are motivated by the ambition to see their resolution, supported by almost 20 delegations, bring about a productive debate: "We're aiming for a strong debate and to get our message across", they said.
Why Come Back?
For returning delegates to IMUN, the draw is beyond debates; the appeal originates from the people they meet and skills they hone during the experience. The delegate of Ghana summed this up best when he observed, "We get to debate different issues and meet different people." More than just formal debating, IMUN holds a collection of cultures, life experiences and opinions, that seem to continuously draw participants back year after year.
First Time Tips From Veterans
The delegate of Palestine urged the first-timers to come with an open mind and zero hesitation to IMUN. "There's no such thing as a dumb comment or dumb question," they said. It is stated that confidence and curiosity are a must to excel in the Model UN world, where debate is welcomed, and even the boldest of ideas find a place to be discussed.
Chair Insights: Understand and Enjoy
The experience of IMUN is one about finding the right balance between understanding and enjoyment for the chairs of the committees. According to the co-chair from the Security Council, the advice she gave to delegates was to "understand your delegation's positions and also try to have fun".
A Shared Excitement for Debate
This spirit of debate, running through the core of IMUN, was arguably something everybody most looked forward to, from first-timers to veterans. The World Health Organization (WHO) delegate aptly captured this excitement: "really fruitful debates and coming together to make strong resolutions and amendments."