By Nicholas Tamas-Orlandea
On the weekend of Nov. 18-19, I attended the American Model United Nations conference in Chicago with Dominican’s Model UN Club. This was my first time attending this event and it was a lot of fun.
Dominican was assigned as Afghanistan and Cuba and this conference simulated exactly what the United Nations does.
From the general assembly to the security council, each committee was given topics on different world issues. Our task was to create a resolution to help with this issue.
After the conference concluded, I spoke with some of the members of the board to hear what they thought of everything that went on.
Bianca Leon, the club’s president represented Afghanistan to discuss financial external debt and sustainability.
“Even though this was my last year at the conference, I had so much fun debating and working on resolutions,” said Leon. “I would say that it was quite difficult representing Afghanistan because the country is currently being ruled by the Taliban. However, everyone did the best they could, and I think we nailed it well.”
Mara Guerrero, the social media coordinator for the club, stated that she was honored to exemplify Afghanistan in General Assembly Three.
“We also talked about import issues such as the protection of journalists, and how combat crimes affect the environment,” said Guerreo. “As a veteran to this conference, I would say that I felt more confident in discussing the topics with my fellow representatives. Afghanistan could not officially vote on any resolution due to their current standings as a country. Although, we did help modify passing resolutions.”
Jorge Zarco, the treasurer of the club, said he enjoyed talking about the restitution of cultural significance in different countries.
“I, along with my partner, were in the GA plenary. I enjoyed both listening and talking to other delegates about the topics,” said Zarco. “I really enjoyed the AMUN shout-out to my partner Jackie as well as the delegates from Botswana, Pakistan, and Rwanda, who all made my committee enjoyable.”
Brick Brummel, vice president for the club, served as a delegation for Cuba on the international telecommunications union. He stated that everyone discussed plans to increase inclusion for disabled and indigenous individuals.
“This is my second conference and the ITU was more relaxed because there were less controversial topics and delegations,” said Brummel. “Overall, we passed some awesome resolutions and had a few great sessions of diplomacy.”
Nelly Musajeva, the club secretary, said he loved collaborating with the delegates to work on writing resolutions.
“I had the honor of representing Cuba in General Assembly One. We discussed the prohibition of the development and stockpiling of biological and toxic weapons, as well as disarmament and non-proliferation,” said Musajeva. “My delegate partner, Julia, and I a lot of time working with the Latin and Central American block.”
Musajeva also said she observed more debate to increase the effectiveness of the delegations’ time.
As a second-time participant, I felt more comfortable talking to the other delegates,” she said. “This conference was truly an incredible experience because it has academic aspect and you can meet other passionate delegates willing to negotiate for the best.”
To me, the Model UN club is great for anyone who interested in international relations, but regardless of major, anyone is welcomed to join.
