I first discovered the world of MUN´s doing a training course at my home association, UNSA Barcelona. My dream and the whole purpose to get involved in these activities was to gain very relevant practical experience as a diplomat in international conferences, representing the real country position in a topic of my interest.
Having my first conference I was planning to attend in mind, CMUN Barcelona, I started the application process with a mixture of feelings, combining fear and hope. It might sound ridiculous if looked with perspective, but at that point in time I was really concerned of me lacking experience and being placed with people who were very, for me too, confident in what they were doing, so that I would be left behind during the discussion.
Having my first conference I was planning to attend in mind, CMUN Barcelona, I started the application process with a mixture of feelings, combining fear and hope. It might sound ridiculous if looked with perspective, but at that point in time I was really concerned of me lacking experience and being placed with people who were very, for me too, confident in what they were doing, so that I would be left behind during the discussion.
Instead of looking at what I was mostly interested in, my only intern filter was the committee level (I wanted the easiest) and applied for a not very relevant country on that comittee. Given my preferences, it was no surprise I was given Mexico at ECOSOC, the easiest committee of the conference.
The discussions were of great interest, but once there, and after gaining a great understanding of the topic and rules of procedure, I kind of regretted my choice, as I felt I would have been happier with a more interesting position.
Fortunately, with time we develop personally and aspire to greater challenges. A clear example is when I applied for Holyland MUN in Tel-Aviv this summer. Although it was “just” my forth conference by then, I really felt it was the right place and moment to do a great jump. With maybe and excess in confidence, I applied for the Crisis Committee, the more advanced type of committee within Model United Nations and for countries where I thought I could have a good performance. My preferences were Germany, United States and the United Kingdom. It is certain I lacked experience and preparation, but I felt I did not lack motivation and willing to work. This is why I wrote an extensive motivation letter and was finally given Germany, my first preference. It is true that once there, the level was very high and that the majority was more experienced than me. Just to state an example, I had the elected Secretary General of the third largest conference in Europe in my room as delegate. Nevertheless, once there, with a huge previous preparation and a lot of commitment, I think I did my best and was finally awarded the best delegate award, something unthinkable when I applied.
Fortunately, with time we develop personally and aspire to greater challenges. A clear example is when I applied for Holyland MUN in Tel-Aviv this summer. Although it was “just” my forth conference by then, I really felt it was the right place and moment to do a great jump. With maybe and excess in confidence, I applied for the Crisis Committee, the more advanced type of committee within Model United Nations and for countries where I thought I could have a good performance. My preferences were Germany, United States and the United Kingdom. It is certain I lacked experience and preparation, but I felt I did not lack motivation and willing to work. This is why I wrote an extensive motivation letter and was finally given Germany, my first preference. It is true that once there, the level was very high and that the majority was more experienced than me. Just to state an example, I had the elected Secretary General of the third largest conference in Europe in my room as delegate. Nevertheless, once there, with a huge previous preparation and a lot of commitment, I think I did my best and was finally awarded the best delegate award, something unthinkable when I applied.
What I am trying to emphasize in this post is that I really want you to choose both the committee and country following your heart and not your fears. You will perform much better and get much more out of the experience if you represent a position you feel comfortable in a committee you are really interested in. Please, ignore if it is a beginner, intermediate or advanced committee. Remember, the staff will provide you with the study guides, rules of procedure and necessary training courses to make sure you will have all the necessary tools to do a great job. It is an advice I always try to give to everyone. Remember you will work in the committee many hours and will spend a lot of time preparing. So, when deciding where to apply, look at all the options, think about the topics you are mostly interested in and choose the country you feel you could best represent.
All the best during the application process! And, of course, if you need any additional advice, please ask.
Hope to see you this April and see you nailing it,
Joaquim Candel Fabregat,
Secretary General SEIMUN 2016
All the best during the application process! And, of course, if you need any additional advice, please ask.
Hope to see you this April and see you nailing it,
Joaquim Candel Fabregat,
Secretary General SEIMUN 2016