Model United Nations (MUN) are an integral part of the fast paced, confidence loving society. Their charm comes coupled with fancy suits, large conference rooms and ambitious debates.
Model United Nations (MUN) are an integral part of the fast paced, confidence loving society. Their charm comes coupled with fancy suits, large conference rooms and ambitious debates. The core concept of the “MUN” pivots about the principle of argument and international relations. The ideology that the world’s nations with their diverse cultures, religions and traditions could functions together in a peaceful, coherent manner was the basis for the formation of the United Nations (UN) back in 1945, and each MUN functions similarly to educate the leaders of the future about how vital team work and understanding is for global peace and prosperity.
My ‘MUNing’ experience started back in 2014 in Karachi. It was my school’s own MUN that got me excited about the concept. Although I lacked confidence, I had the guts to stand up and read what I had written to 40 people, some of whom looked as confused as I felt. My second MUN was a few months later, which was my first university level MUN. I still remember sitting in the car in my brown suit as beads of sweat on my forehead, despite the air conditioner on full blast. I felt my stomach quench and my palms go chilly. Why was I so scared? This was my second MUN, and it’s not like I was that scared at the first one. The committee session began as one of the 50 participants in the conference hall had to get up and raise a motion to initiate debate, and I hastily volunteered. As I got up from my seat, I felt all eyes riveted on me. I said something like “thee dele ... delegate of aa ... France would raise ... like to raise a motion to uh beg ... begin debate”. I sat down, flushed and confused as to what had happened.
The first session ended as we went out for lunch. Our committee director approached a fellow delegate and me, and questioned us about our countries’ stances on a particular issue. As we quarrelled informally, I had a self-awakening; I realised that success in public speaking was all about how confident I was in my knowledge and skills. In addition, I also understood how experienced and hard working the committee directors were. They motivated and counselled us, and helped us to loosen up. They taught us to express our ideas and simultaneously gave us hilarious and entertaining breaks.
A few MUNs followed and my experience and confidence grew. Finally, I was entrusted with the role of a committee director; thus, started the never ending cycle in the life of a MUNner. Numerous faces looked up to me as I had once looked up to others to guide and nurture talents of the fresh munners.
Jumping ship to 2017 when Kymun VI, allegedly the largest private MUN in South Asia, took place at Karachi Marriott Hotel, I had a chance to witness some of the most appealing aspects of the Karachi debate circuit first-hand. The host team was not only hardworking but kind and cooperative. The president, Aqib Khaliqe inspired us with a story of KYMUN’s humble beginnings that started with just Rs. 4000 in 2013, from which the conference has grown to the extent that it was able to award the top delegation a motorbike and a cash prize. Not a light feat, considering the two largest university level MUNs in Pakistan haven’t done anything remotely similar. They generously provided children from underprivileged backgrounds in semi-urban cities with a 100 percent fee waiver for attending the conference and sponsorship of the education of a child from an underprivileged background. My personal experience shows a significant increase in the level of KYMUN’s debate compared to the past years. Here’s to hoping that this level only goes up, not only for KYMUN but for each and every public speaking event in Pakistan.
