OxfordMUN

We had plenty of engaging debate on this question with some very unlikely alliances such as USA and USSR and lots of solutions proposed. This was a very new style of MUN for us but it was fun to work with other delegates to form resolutions during the conference. We learned a lot over the weekend, but our biggest takeaway was that many countries want very similar solutions to problems and rather than being combative, diplomacy and collaboration is essential to enact the best solutions.

Arushi & Sara

Throughout our time in the UNHCR there was much to be learnt, in particular regarding the importance of tackling the issue of refugee integration by educating host countries and promoting inclusivity by host citizens as well as easing the assimilation of refugees into society. More generally it was beneficial to learn about the more collaborative style of MUN undertaken at Oxford, placing emphasis on both diplomacy and leadership.

Ilora, Girisha & Thurka

Our committee sessions were always packed with engaging debate and speeches. The new procedure of this MUN conference was a learning curve for us, but we thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with other delegates on our resolutions as well as the opportunity to propose and discuss motions that most piqued our interest. We also appreciated how Oxford MUN placed greater emphasis on diplomacy compared to other conferences which positively influenced our approach as delegates. We additionally learnt that although all delegations agreed upon the idea of equal rights between men and women, delegates had vastly different ideas about what ‘equal rights’ truly means in action, concerning the importance of choice as well as the importance of respecting the culture and traditions of a nation when implementing policy. We learnt the importance of tailoring solutions to address the nuances of different nations, in order to achieve any sustainable progress in not only women’s rights but any global development goal.

Antara & Sophia

My time in the committee of ECOFIN was a great opportunity. I learnt more about the way conferences work and also liked the chance to improve my public speaking and team work skills. The engaging debate was very fun, and I enjoyed working with many people from other countries to form a resolution. As well as this, I was able to learn more about current affairs through my own research for the topic we were discussing, as well as through what other people talked about in their speeches. Overall, I am very grateful to have attended this MUN conference at Oxford.

Shaista

UNESCO’s topic addressing the issues stemming from integrating technology into our education system was incredibly thought provoking, and most certainly provided all delegates with some fruitful debate! Delegates had to consider data privacy and the digital divide, as well as issues regarding digital literacy and loss of critical thinking skills, all as a result of the introduction of technology into classrooms. I personally, as the delegate of Yemen, became closely allied with the delegate of Iran, eventually leading to the two of us submitting a resolution with the delegates of Brazil, Thailand, Colombia and China! Having changed delegations (from Thailand) to Yemen the day the conference started (due to accidentally being double delegated), this conference taught me how to work quickly under very pressured time constraints. In addition, Oxford MUN was set up differently to the conferences I’ve been to previously, ultimately leading me to speak much more, and significantly gain confidence. if anything, this conference taught me that you can never get better if you don’t try!

Anoushka

My experience as a delegate in the committee of the World Health Organisation was one which was enriching and very enjoyable. With the exposure of this new style of MUN, there were many opportunities to learn different skills and stimulate my public speaking skills in several occasions which were presented in the sessions. The topic of anti-microbial resistance is one which was needed to be consulted by immediate haste and this viewpoint was shared by many delegates in the room. The conference helped me gain confidence to speak up in front of hundreds and express my country’s views which resulted in me working with numerous delegates to create a resolution that truly tackled this impending issue. Along the way, I not only learnt many things but made friends from around the world who came from different countries. I am very grateful to have attended this conference as it showed me that only one step was all that was needed to start the journey of change!

Harshita, Ruhi, Orli & Esha

As a part of COP28, we had the opportunity to discuss some of the most pertinent issues facing the climate crisis today in a way that I would have never been able to do so without MUN. The knowledge that I gained and the skills that I developed, from public speaking, to effective writing, to furthering my climate knowledge are invaluable. Interacting with people from around the world, provided me with the opportunity to not only see ideas in a different light, from different perspectives, but also make lots of new friends. Overall, Oxford MUN was an incredible opportunity.

Aiyana, Anya, Emma & Kavya

Throughout the conference, there were no end of opportunities to collaborate with other delegates, convey strong opinions on behalf of our countries, and most of all, find innovative solutions to seemingly impossible issues. Personally, I found that the sessions were the perfect chance to learn about global political history and educate ourselves on the devastating consequences of (neo)colonialism through the resolutions we wrote and debated. Given our Non-Aligned Summit had delegates with innumerable different viewpoints who were adamant on getting their view across, it was incredibly important to find compromises when possible, and I learnt how to stand my ground and put myself forward, even if I wasn’t sure how well I’d do.

Hannah, Imani, Laila