Security Council delegates gather for a photo amidst debate on the situation in Afghanistan
Author: Julianna Kantner | Major: Political Science & International Studies | Semester: Fall 2022
As an international studies student invested in international law and cooperation, there could have been no better experience to expand my skills and understanding of these topics than the National Model United Nations Conference (NMUN) in DC. Invested in refugee resettlement, crisis mitigation, and the elevation of women in advocacy spheres, I was eager to participate in the NMUN Security Council simulation. This opportunity allowed me to expand my knowledge on two issue areas: the situation in Afghanistan and women, peace, and security. Given my honors thesis focus on local support for refugee resettlement, investigating concepts of development and international law impacting the situation in Afghanistan provided me with background knowledge for my thesis. Prior to attending the conference, NMUN students select a country and author a position paper on the selected issues. Looking for a challenge and a creative way to gain international perspective, our delegation chose China and North Korea. During the research process, I learned so much about the changing role China holds within the world stage. I researched the Belt and Road Initiative, China’s increasingly active role in peacekeeping, and China’s interest in relations with Afghanistan. From the perspective of a delegate representing China, I authored a paper advocating for increased and open economic engagement with Afghanistan and preparation for women in peacekeeping. Playing this role was an intriguing way for me to understand the driving forces behind gridlock and disagreement in the United Nations. Once at the conference, I was able to put my research to practice.
Joined by over 900 students from all over the world, the NMUN conference was an opportunity to explain my research and work diplomatically on cooperative international solutions. Within the Security Council, I worked to understand the perspectives of students representing countries typically at odds with China, including the United Kingdom, United States, and Ireland. Bringing in our research we debated and compromised to develop three resolutions proposing strategies for humanitarian aid in Afghanistan, economic development, and government stability. On the evening of the second night, we were surprised with an emergency topic on terrorism in Nigeria. The following day we used the background knowledge of our countries’ policies to develop one resolution mandating a peacekeeping mission to address the conflict. Not only did this experience give me a greater understanding of pressing global issues, but it also allowed me to explore the mandate of UN bodies that impact international law.
Beyond research, the experience in DC pushed me to work on skills of cooperation, diplomacy, public speaking, and on the spot critical thinking. The unique benefit of the simulation format is the ability to put your research to the test alongside other talented students. Throughout the conference, I gave several speeches on China’s interests and urged other delegates to join my solutions. When pushed by delegates about my research, I came to the defense of my proposals with statistics and examples. This simulation was a challenging way of defending my research and collaborating with different ideas. On an interpersonal level, being in DC with so many great students was a wonderful way to network, make new friends, and learn about opportunities in international studies. I would advise any student with an interest in international relations to participate in this wonderful experience!
As I look towards law school, I am grateful that I participated in NMUN. By challenging myself with research and advocacy on behalf of a difficult country, I cultivated skills that will make me a better trial advocate and lawyer. If there are any students interested in the Model UN experience, I am happy to answer questions and share my stories!