In the run-up to OxfordMUN 2020, our Secretariat members take a look back on their favourite moments from last year's conference.
Simon, one of our Under-Secretaries-General for Content, describes his first-ever experience with MUN while working as a volunteer at OxfordMUN 2019:
‘As a volunteer, I was responsible for running things in the background, making sure that delegates have a good experience and helping to guarantee a smoothly-run conference. I greatly enjoyed my role—even if many of the things we did will never be noticed by delegates, they still add the final touches to the conference. I hence had the chance to contribute my own little part to a very great conference.’
‘My best moment was the final day of the conference: my friend Jannis and I were both volunteering in CSW (the Commission on the Status of Women) on Friday and Saturday. However, the delegates invited us to their final session on Sunday morning as well. The moment we walked into the committee room, they all stood up and started clapping, excited to see us again. I think it was so heartwarming to see how much they enjoyed the conference and how much they liked us, even after just knowing us for two days. Seeing how many friendships were formed in such a short time was definitely the best experience of the conference for me.’
Manos, our Under-Secretary-General for Business, describes his role as Committee Director for ECOFIN (the Economic and Financial Committee):
‘Our selected topic for discussion was the regulation of cryptocurrencies. My most memorable experience was watching all the delegates come together to debate draft resolutions. Different nations united behind a set of measures and had to discuss them with the others. My favourite moment was when our guest speaker, who was an expert cryptocurrency trader, was left speechless after the delegates asked him a set of very informative and insightful questions.’
Jenn, one of our Under-Secretaries-General for Content, describes her role as Committee Director for DISEC (the Disarmament and International Security Committee) at OxfordMUN 2019 as well as at OxfordMUN Singapore 2019.
‘I think my favourite moment was when I saw delegates as young as 12 years old speaking up after I had encouraged them to give it a go! As it turns out, they were all extremely eloquent.’
Ségolène, the Director-General of OxfordMUN 2020, describes her experience as Committee Director of WIPO (the World Intellectual Property Organisation).
‘My favourite moment was probably the day that I was able to co-chair. I love chairing but sometimes feel that I have trouble focussing on and evaluating the content of delegates' speeches. However, when I co-chaired, I was able to immerse myself fully in the debate and was so surprised to see how much high-quality content there was, despite the fact that for many of the delegates, this was their first experience of Model United Nations.’
Ed, who is currently serving as our Under-Secretary-General for Community, describes the various roles he performed at last year's conference.
‘At last year's conference, I directed the Organisation of American States committee and also helped out with Social Media and new technologies, which included a trial-run of our live streaming platform. I had a truly wonderful team working with me to deliver an exciting and engaging conference, in which we worked hard to provide an incredible experience for each of our delegates. The subject matter of the committee included the situation in Venezuela, which was then very current, and featured a crisis about Bolivia. I enjoyed working with Erfan and the Secretariat on new technologies for the conference; it gives me a great sense of satisfaction to see volunteers and directors building upon this work.’
Hattie, our Under-Secretary-General for Delegates, tells us about her role in the crisis committee at last year’s conference, as well as her own experience as a delegate at OxfordMUN 2018.
‘At the last conference, I was involved with the crisis team. The year before that, I actually competed in Oxford Global as a delegate in UNICEF committee! One of the highlights of the conference for me was seeing how each committee dealt with the crises we introduced—all delegates were so enthusiastic and embraced the spontaneity of debating a crisis topic. But for me, the greatest memory of any conference is just the friendships and sense of community that is omnipresent. Every year you meet so many amazing people from different backgrounds. Not only does this make for new friendships but can also change your outlook and perceptions.’