Following the successful participation in the Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN) 2024 in Boston from 15 to 18 February 2024, the International Affairs Society (IAS) MUN team sent its next group of delegates to Taipei from 10 to 14 March 2024, for the Harvard World MUN (HWMUN) 2024.
The Harvard World MUN (HWMUN) conference, held annually in different cities since 1992, provides a global platform for young leaders to discuss pressing global issues. In its 32nd edition, HWMUN aims to instill in delegates fundamental principles like leadership, innovation, and cooperation to effect tangible change.
This marked the inaugural participation of the IAS-MUN team in HWMUN 2024. The 7-member delegation from various SIM GE degree programs, represented the nation-states of Kuwait and Greece across four committees, led by Student Advisor, Ms. Gobinath Atchayah from the SIM-UOL program.
After months of preparation, including research and training, the team gained valuable diplomatic experience. One of the delegates, Ms. Syaqila Binte Suzaini, representing Kuwait in the Economic and Financial Committee, received the Verbal Commendation Award.
Moving forward, the team intends to support future IAS-MUN delegations with their expertise.
Participating students: Angel Lim, Anusha Fatima, Anub Sathia Joshan, Azrah, Fathima (Student Advisor), Chen Yanyou, Chew Kai He Dillon, Dave Aarohi Keyur, Jedidiah Asaf Tallulembang, Rajpal Simran, Siti Hajar Binti Mohd Azam and Yeo Hui Qi.
Sherna
“Participating in Harvard World MUN (HWMUN) was a transformative, once-in-a-lifetime experience I’d never forget! Through HWMUN, I learned how to leverage my strengths to contribute to the team and gained a greater appreciation for diplomats and leaders in the international scene. During the 4-Day conference, one of the most challenging aspects was to master negotiation techniques. Crafting resolutions that balance differing national interests while advocating for my assigned country’s stance and policies pushed me out of my comfort zone. What I enjoyed the most was the HWMUN spirit and the shared purpose among delegates. Despite the competitive nature of MUN, there was a collective drive towards finding innovative solutions to solve global issues. The thrill of debate, the excitement and satisfaction of having our resolutions passed after intense discussions, and the friendships made along the way were really rewarding.”
Marcus
“Diving into the Model United Nations conference was like hopping onto a rollercoaster, except instead of screaming about the scary drops, I was debating global policies! It was a whirlwind of ideas, strategies, and some seriously intense diplomacy. I wasn’t just there to show off my research skills; I was there to connect, learn, and maybe even change a few perspectives – including my own. I rubbed elbows with delegates from around the world, each bringing a slice of their homeland to the table. It was like a cultural potluck, but instead of bringing food, we brought arguments and alliances. The experience was a crash course in diplomacy, and boy, did it test my ability to think on my feet! But here’s the kicker: amidst all the serious policy talk, I found laughter, camaraderie, and a shared sense of purpose. And I realized that while we might be using our voices to represent nations, we were also building bridges between real people.”
Katrina
“Sounds cliché, yes, but participating in Harvard World MUN (HWMUN), was truly life changing for me. Coming from zero MUN experience, I was nervous and worried about how I’d fare in what is dubbed the Olympics of the MUN world. These worries were immediately swept away from the very first committee session. Not only was everyone able to push forward for our shared goals, but we were able to do so while coming from entirely different backgrounds. In my opinion, HWMUN is not only a place to showcase one’s skill in diplomacy, negotiation, and public speaking, it is also a place that bridges the gap between people. HWMUN also took me all the way to Taipei, a city I had never ventured to before. It provided me the chance to fully immerse myself in the global aspect of MUN and learn about the ins and outs of Taiwanese food and culture.”
Suhayla
“This conference enabled me to push my horizons, and it enabled me to find out what I was capable of. Truly, the lessons I learnt from the planning and attending the conference are memories to last a lifetime. I learnt how to be a strong communicator and dealt with problems effectively and innovatively. The experience I had liaising with people all over the world was a refreshing experience and helped me to appreciate the role of diplomats and foreign affairs more. The local Taiwanese culture and the HWMUN spirit made the conference extremely fun and educational at the same time. Reflecting on the trip, it was one that was ABSOLUTELY not to be missed for the wonderful memories it gave me and my fellow SIM-MUN delegates.”
Syaqila
It was a whirlwind of excitement and growth, constant adrenaline that left an indelible mark on my journey. We delve into intense speech practices and immersed ourselves in research about our respective – Kuwait and Greece. In the Economics and Finance Committee, I found myself diving into fruitful discussion and tackling the intriguing topic of global retirement age. It was challenging, yes, but incredibly rewarding. And the connections made with delegates from across the globe? Absolutely unforgettable. HWMUN 2024 wasn’t just about debates, it was a voyage of discovery. It opened my eyes to the complexities of global issues and diplomacy in ways textbooks never could. It’s not just a conference; it’s a catalyst for change and raising awareness. Reflecting on this experience, one thing stands out: the importance of listening, speaking up and staying true to yourself. Oh, and cherishing the connections you make along the way – they’re what make the journey truly memorable.
Hanan
“My trip to Taiwan to attend Harvard World MUN was definitely one for the books. The rush of being in a foreign land, experiencing a new culture (or many new cultures in this case!), being surrounded by friends all while meeting exciting new people and debating global politics is truly a unique experience. I am truly grateful for the opportunity as I learned a lot about myself and hard work, communication and presentation, and how the world works—especially finding commonality where sometimes, you can only see differences. One of the best parts of immersing yourself in such a diverse setting is meeting new people and forging real international friendships! Coming together with that many like-minded, change-driven people is an invigorating, motivating experience. I would truly recommend this experience to anyone, as in many small ways, I am a changed person from this for the better.”
Miraa
“HWMUN sparked my joy in public speaking and debate after so many years of being an introvert. The whole process from research to the actual committee sessions built up my courage and confidence to face others with strong opinions. I was able to speak up despite the fear of what others would think as I felt more confident in how I could add value to the sessions instead of what others thought of me. After HWMUN, I feel like a new person as I find so much joy at even the thought of joining future MUNs. It has truly inspired me to inspire others to speak up and say what they think without worrying about what others think or feel. It helped me navigate social and negotiation skills which has broadened my communication skills with those around me.”
