Mike Dooley – Contributor 

On Friday, Mar. 27, the Bishop’s University Model United Nations delegation embarked on a diplomatic journey to one of North America’s most dynamic cities: New York City. Long celebrated for its vibrant energy and cultural diversity, the city fully lived up to its reputation. Throughout the streets, Bishop’s delegates encountered an array of pop-up shops and authentic American cuisine, immersing themselves in the unique atmosphere of the city.

Image courtesy of Mike Dooley

By Sunday evening, the focus shifted to diplomacy as delegates convened for their first formal session at the National Model United Nations conference. Throughout the week, the Bishop’s delegation represented the state of Norway, an assignment that fostered a highly collaborative and team-oriented approach to international relations.

I had the privilege of working alongside Marin Elvin-Jensen, a second-year political science major, in the First General Assembly Committee, where we addressed the topic of International Cooperation on Counter-Terrorism Efforts. Our strategies, while distinct, were complementary. Marin focused on the role of emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, in detecting and preventing terrorism, while also emphasizing the importance of addressing root causes and enhancing cross-border data cooperation. My work centered on promoting the inclusion of female perspectives within counter-terrorism initiatives, advocating for increased representation of women in intelligence and security sectors, particularly in leadership roles.

Despite being one of the more controversial proposals within the committee, my resolution successfully passed with a simple majority vote. This achievement was particularly significant given the complexity of the process. For instance, Marin contributed to a resolution that secured 47 sponsors, requiring unanimous agreement on all amendments, no small feat in a setting where diverse and often competing national perspectives must be reconciled.

The success of the Bishop’s delegation extended beyond individual contributions. Every resolution paper involving a Bishop’s student was ultimately adopted, reflecting the group’s dedication, adaptability, and diplomatic skill. In recognition of these efforts, the delegation was awarded an Honorable Mention for Outstanding Delegation at the National Model United Nations conference.

Beyond the academic accomplishments, the experience fostered meaningful personal connections. Delegates formed friendships that will last long beyond the conference itself. I had the opportunity to connect with students from the Armenian delegation based in Los Angeles, who are now exploring the possibility of visiting our campus in Quebec.

Overall, this experience was both professionally enriching and personally transformative. While the conference strengthened our understanding of global diplomacy, it also deepened the bonds within the Bishop’s Model United Nations community. The friendships formed, both within our delegation and with peers from around the world, were truly invaluable.

Participating in Model United Nations has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my academic journey, and the memories created in New York City will not soon be forgotten.