For everyday students, Model United Nations (MUN) allows them to step into the shoes of world leaders who are trying to solve the world’s problems.
At MUN conferences, students pretend to represent a country at a UN meeting. They discuss international issues, from climate change to poverty.
Posties spoke to two pupils in Hong Kong’s MUN scene to learn more about this activity.
What have you learned from joining MUN?
For Charmaine Wu, a student from Diocesan Girls’ School, debating human rights issues at MUN conferences helps her understand how to stand up for those in need.
“MUN reminds me to be a global citizen,” the 17-year-old said.
Grace Rompotis, from Harrow International School Hong Kong, has also expanded her horizons through MUN. She said she enjoyed being exposed to different points of view since MUN conferences do not allow students to decide which country to represent.
“While challenging, it is eye-opening,” the 18-year-old said.
Grace also believes that MUN is one of the best places for students to learn how to think and speak on their feet.
Why should people join?
Even though MUN is not easy for beginners, both students said it was worth a try.
Charmaine admitted: “[I] thought about quitting in my first year because of how challenging it was.”
Still, she persevered, saying “the memories are equally rewarding”.
“My favourite part of MUN is the friends that I met,” Charmaine added, explaining that debating and forming alliances with people during conferences helped her to make
lifelong friends.
Grace agreed and added: “Most importantly - have fun!”
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