Standing in front of Wartburg Castle after a steep walk

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

The National Model United Nations serves as a global competition providing students with valuable exposure to research, negotiation, public speaking, and critical thinking skills. Students engage in committee work, taking stances on contemporary global issues. These challenges reflect real-world problems, and students consider how a country, in this case, Bolivia, might address them. Representing Bolivia at the Commission on United Nations Environment Assembly, I delved into two critical topics: Issue I focused on fostering multilateralism to combat climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution, while Issue II centered on promoting resource efficiency in urban development. This experience significantly enriched my classroom learning by offering practical insights into Bolivia’s perspective and prompting considerations for environmental protection. Collaborating with students worldwide, we formulated proposals and conclusions within the week-long conference. Being part of the National Model United Nations team deepened my comprehension of economics, international studies, and politics. Despite the initial uncertainty in my first year, the program exceeded my expectations. My primary objectives in joining the program were to hone my public speaking and research skills. The unique opportunity to address a large audience set this experience apart from other campus activities. Building connections with like-minded students interested in economics and environmental issues was an additional benefit. The program also heightened awareness of pressing global issues, providing knowledge I aspire to apply in my future career for informed decision-making and positive impact. Participating in NMUN offered a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by diplomats and politicians. It revealed the complexities behind reaching solutions and encouraged me to critically examine my opinions, ultimately strengthening my academic capabilities. NMUN’s dynamic nature, where students propose solutions and negotiate during the conference, differs from other debate styles. The experience, resembling diplomatic meetings with special motions and rules, enhanced my comprehension of political news.

The conference takes place in Frankfurt, Germany, and includes cultural group experiences, including visits to the Buchenwald concentration camp, Wartburg Castle, and the Point Alpha Memorial. The impact of the concentration camp was profound, providing a crucial context for understanding the United Nations’ purpose and the conference’s significance. Wartburg Castle, with its unforgettable mosaic room, holds historical importance as the site where Martin Luther translated the Bible into German and sought refuge from authorities. Point Alpha provided remarkable insights into the Iron Curtain and Germany’s condition before the fall of the Berlin Wall. Of course, between conference sessions, we ate Wiener Schnitzel, sauerkraut, and bratwurst.

I highly recommend this program to those seeking a challenging academic experience in business, economics, or political science. Preparation begins nearly a year in advance, and the University of Arkansas is known for its competitiveness. The program’s integrated cultural experiences, coupled with conference sessions, make up a heavy schedule. Plenty of rest before and during the conference is critical for performing well. Most importantly, stay persistent. Even before booking your flight, being ready for the conference will seem impossible. While getting to and leaving the conference there is a high likelihood something will go wrong. During the conference, many people can get sick or lose their voice. The key to still having a good experience is to stay flexible and not get discouraged.