By Mikael-Benedict Worku – Contributor

Bishop’s delegation received the highest honours, the Outstanding Delegation Award, at the National Model United Nations (NMUN) conference in New York City. The award recognizes delegations for active engagement in committees, professionalism and diplomatic values and proper use of NMUN rules and procedures.

NMUN is the most prestigious Model United Nations simulation in the world. The 2024 conferences witnessed the involvement of more than 7,000 student delegates hailing from 430 colleges and universities, spanning 130 diverse United Nations (UN) member states. During this conference, student delegations assume the role of a country in a simulated UN session spanning five days. This year, the Bishop’s delegation represented the Republic of Poland. 

Alana Ospina, one of the students in the delegation, explained that they’ve been working towards NMUN all year. The students are enrolled in Bishop’s UN Practicum, a year-long course that immerses students in the comprehensive study of the UN system. Taught by Prof. Sarah-Myriam Martin-Brûlé, students acquire a profound understanding of the UN system and diplomatic behaviour through a series of seminars, in-class activities and simulations with the Université de Sherbrooke.

NMUN “allowed us to truly realize how much we have learned since September by practicing and preparing for this simulation,” shared Irma Susset, another student of the delegation.

Even with all of Prof. Martin-Brûlé’s preparation, Ospina said it was surprising to see the sheer size of the conference, the diversity of students and NMUN move from something “untangible to tangible”. She says she walks away knowing how to command a room and “sell yourself”. “Wowing people in the 40 seconds you’re given is a huge feat”, she recognizes.

“NMUN was a life-changing experience that showed me how diplomacy is an area I really want to work in,” said Laurie Van Herck, another participant. 

Spanning the last week of March, the conference demands meticulous preparation, including the in-depth study of specialised agencies, writing of position papers and shrewd negotiation skills. During this conference, students engage in an 80-hour simulation where they ultimately produce a written document outlining solutions to pressing global issues. Some of the topics in the committees this year included the promotion of sustainable tourism; promoting and protecting the rights of children in conflict; and social inclusion of the elderly.

Students develop practical skills like public speaking, analytical thinking, writing, negotiation and teamwork. Over 250 Bishop’s students have participated in the Model UN practicum over the years. These students study various disciplines like politics, international studies, history, physics, business and education.

This year, Mikael Worku and Regan Simpson held the roles of head delegates. Their roles primarily entailed supporting Prof. Martin-Brûlé as teaching assistants and coaching the students in the practicum.

Over the last twenty years, Bishop’s NMUN delegation has garnered recognition for their performances. These include multiple delegation awards, awards for their position papers and recognition for their work within individual committees.

This year, two delegates from the team were granted the esteemed Best Position Paper awards, while three others were acknowledged with Outstanding Delegate awards, which are decided by popular vote of committee peers. While awards serve to acknowledge the preparation and performances of the delegates, Bishop’s team is trained to best represent their countries and work diplomatically rather than focusing on winning awards.