Author: Sergio Lopez | Major: Economics | Semester: Fall 2023

I am currently pursuing a degree in business economics and participating in the NMUN conference proved to be a valuable opportunity for honing my research skills, refining my paper writing abilities, enhancing public speaking, expanding my network, and developing leadership qualities. The conference revolves around simulating the United Nations, requiring participants to adopt the roles and perspectives of assigned countries, thoroughly research their positions, and defend them.

Assigned the United Kingdom as my country, I represented it in the General Assembly, specifically addressing the topic of Implementing the Convention against Corruption and Science, Technology, and Innovation for Sustainable Development. The preparatory phase involved crafting a position paper encompassing background information, ongoing initiatives, and innovative solutions for the given topics. The challenge was to maintain conciseness while ensuring effectiveness, thereby significantly improving my research, and writing capabilities.

Throughout the conference, I had the responsibility of delivering speeches to sizable audiences, employing charisma and persuasive arguments to support my research and proposed solutions. Convincing other delegations to collaborate and work together was a crucial aspect of the experience, fostering not only my public speaking skills but also boosting my confidence.

Collaboration with fellow delegates to draft resolution papers with proposed solutions further emphasized the importance of diplomacy. Balancing the interests of the country we represented while negotiating with others, whose interests often diverged from ours, provided a unique experience of diplomacy and compromise. Striking this delicate balance required both strength and strategic thinking to advocate for our country’s best interests. Beyond the academic challenges, the conference also offered a chance to network and collaborate with delegates from various countries, both during and outside the official sessions. This opportunity to connect with individuals of diverse backgrounds added a layer of richness to the overall experience.

The conference took place in Erfurt, Germany, providing an enriching cultural experience as I explored historical sites such as Wartburg Castle, Buchenwald Concentration Camp, and Point Alpha. These visits ranged from the grandeur of a medieval palace to confronting the grim realities of the Second World War and the Holocaust, all the way to understanding the dictatorial control during the Cold War.

Recognizing the collective efforts of our team, the University of Arkansas received two outstanding delegation awards, a commendation that only a select few delegations attain among hundreds of participants. This acknowledgment underscored the hard work invested by each team member. The trip was not only academically rewarding but also personally enriching. It broadened my horizons, providing valuable lessons on both a professional and personal level. I wholeheartedly encourage fellow students to consider joining Model United Nations classes and participating in conferences like this one. Despite the substantial workload, the experience is truly worth it, offering a unique blend of learning and enjoyment.