National Model United Nations (NMUN): Siegen students successful in New York
Japan, economically strong and modern, but also tradition-conscious and value-oriented. This time, the East Asian island state was on the University of Siegen's list for the National Model United Nations (NMUN). In this academic competition, over 5,000 students from all over the world meet for five days in New York every year and act as delegates in a simulation conference. Together with the universities of Kiel, Munich and Heidelberg, the University of Siegen was one of the four German delegations in the highest category, the so-called Outstanding Delegation. Only the best delegations receive this award. In the predominantly North American field of participants, the University of Siegen, which has been taking part since 2009, once again managed to take a top position. A great success for the 16 students from Siegen, who, supervised by MUN coordinator Gerrit Pursch, had prepared intensively to represent Japan's positions in the various committees.
Special awards
Individual position papers also received awards in New York. Mariami Malania (Master's degree in Roads to Democracies) and Kirill Perstenkov (Master's degree in Economic Policy) were convincing in the Commission for Population and Development. The position paper on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization by Chase Bezonsky (Master's degree in Roads to Democracies) and Gökçe Doğa Tütenk (Bachelor's degree in Psychology) also received an award.
Diplomacy important for international future
NMUN enables students to deal with various topics from the perspective of their assigned country. Looking back, the participants emphasize that this was a great experience. "An experience that will undoubtedly shape our future and has broadened our perspectives," says Mounir Bouqayoua (Bachelor's degree in Computer Science). Despite the changes in world politics - the transition from globalization to fragmentation - diplomacy is not losing its importance. On the contrary. In fact, it is becoming even more important in dealing with trade wars, armed conflicts and other international disruptions. "In a committee full of different perspectives, it was impressive to see how delegates - sometimes with opposing national interests - were able to find common ground through diplomacy, active listening and compromise," reports Gökçe Doğa Tütenk.
"MUN promotes political engagement and encourages us to advocate for critical social and political issues," adds Chase Bezonsky. And in terms of personal skills, the conference teaches you to speak freely in front of a large audience. "Speaking in front of brilliant minds who are willing to pick apart every word used to intimidate me. Now I love the challenge," says David Hersonskij (Master's degree in Applied Linguistics). "I've learned to stay calm under pressure, to listen, respond and make my point. This has not only boosted my confidence, but also my way of thinking."
MUN Siegen
Anyone who would like to take part in the university-wide Model United Nations (MUN) program is welcome to take part in the year-round activities at any time. The university's own UN simulation (SiegMUN) for pupils and students will take place this year from November 19 to 22. Further information can be found on the MUN Siegen website.
