FOUR TIPS FOR A GREAT MUN EXPERIENCE

MUN is a mock version of the actual UN and is organized and brought to action by students on school and college levels. Students get to attend mock sessions, represent a country, and participate in high level debate. If you are willing to give diplomacy a shot then these tips will really help you out.

TIP1: Collect relevant data on your country and know your stances

Start preparing by collecting basic information about your country like current political leaders and GDP two months before the event. Compile a brief foreign policy that includes status of relations with major countries and policies regarding phenomena like terrorism. It is important to be up to date with all the major events in your country because a MUN usually has a mock emergency session whose topic is undisclosed till the last minute

TIP2: Research on your given topic

Once assigned your topic, look up your country’s history with the issue. Collect statistics and details about relevant laws that have been passed. For example if your topic is about global warming, do some research about your government’s green initiatives and note down pollution levels in your country. Unless your country is highly involved in all issues, it is more advised to choose 1 or 2 topics to focus on as this will give you more time to form a solid resolution

TIP3: Practice, practice, practice

A MUN follows all the diplomatic practices of the actual UN. At an MUN you are supposed to refer yourself and other delegates in 3rd person. Although this may seem easy enough to do, it is actually hard to execute. So for a few days before the MUN, practice speaking in 3rd person with your fellow delegates. Also get yourself in front of the mirror and practice speaking. Get prepared for the worst case scenarios in committee and get you confidence building so that when the time comes you can just ooze it out flawlessly.

TIP4: Get familiar with the resolution format

Resolutions are framed using certain phrases depending on whether the clause is introductory. So be attentive in committee and familiarize yourself with all the working papers and clauses introduced in it. Hopefully you will be framing a resolution of your own!

Although it is important to participate in debate, stand for your countries stances, it is also very important to have fun in the delegate dance, because at the end of the day making connections is also an important for of diplomacy!