What is a Model United Nations ?
The MUN are simulations where each student plays the role of a delegate representing a country (different from his own), within a committee of the United Nations (UN). The goal is to defend the interests of your assigned country, debate with other delegates, and ultimately draft and vote on resolutions, just like in the real UN.
Sometimes, MUNs also include other international or regional organisations, such as NATO or the European Council (EUCO), even though they are not part of the UN system. These simulations offer a hands-on way to understand how diplomacy works by stepping into the shoes of real diplomats and following formal procedures.
This time, I represented Finland in the European Council, on the topic “Fostering Cooperation with the Global South”. In this committee we were about twenty delegates, representing almost all the European Union countries, coming from different universities around the world. During three days, we have negotiated together to find a common ground and write a resolution which passed unanimously in the last committee session.
A glimpse into real diplomacy
MUNs are not only about simulations, they also offer unique opportunities to discover real-world diplomatic environments. The first day, all the Circle U. delegation was invited at the Belgian embassy in Rome, to meet Ambassador Andy Detaille, and Permanent Representative of Belgium in Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) Lieven De la Marche. We have dived into topics such as diplomatic career paths and the Embassy’s bilateral and multilateral work, and we concluded with an informal reception with a spectacular rooftop view over Rome.
The closing ceremony of the MUN took place the last day in the main room of the FAO, which headquarters moved to Rome in 1951, and is an impressive and remarkable place to discover.
Beyond diplomatic knowledge and skills you get with a MUN, it is also a very strong human experience to meet people with different profiles, backgrounds and origins, and build a common culture of dialogue, peace and friendship.
