Chirag Agarwal recently went to the UN Headquarters New York for a MUN there. Here he shares his experience of the event and how he made up till there
For any person pursuing any Activity or Field, it is always a dream to go to where it all began or rather the mecca of that field. Being a MUNer, I am proud to say that I have just come back from the mecca of MUNning i.e. United Nations.
What is MUN?
MUN stands for Model United Nations - that is an educational simulation of the UN, in which each person or two people represent a country or a ministry or a personality in a committee that may be an Official One like the United Nations Security Council or a Special One like the Indian Cabinet!
How do they work?
These conferences are usually held over two to three days, where an agenda is given and all are expected to research, based on the institution they represent and present their views as a representative so as to give a solution to the problem.
My journey to MUN
I started going to MUNs since last year, September, as a part of one of the world's best delegation — The Dynamic Training. Back in October I got a proposal by our faculty advisor Tina Kothari Shah, who teaches us Leadership, to go the United Nations!
I was extremely excited and accepted the offer. Because I was still a novice, I was told that I should work hard while preparing for the conference, and I did. Then came August 15th, when I was standing in the building where most world leaders stand — the United Nations. The conference was organised by the Indian International (Private) MUN (IIMUN).
About the conference
There were about 300 students from over the world and about 75 from different parts of India. We had three committees - The Economic and Social Council, The United Nations Security Council and A Special Committee called the Indian Cabinet. The Economic And Social Council was discussing the effects of BREXIT, the United Nations Security Council was discussing combating terrorism using education, and the Indian Cabinet was discussing development of India. The opening ceremony was designed around our Independence Day, and it was a matter of pride for me. After the opening ceremony, the Chief Economist and Senior VP of the World Bank addressed us with a few inspiring words.
My role in MUN
I was part of the Indian Cabinet as the Minster of Information and Broadcasting. We laid down some guidelines for a developed India. On the second Day we got tour the UN. We saw the various councils and beautiful art works. On the third and the last day of the conference we had a Plenary held in the General Assembly conference hall. Discussing the reforms of the Security Council, our entire Indian Cabinet put forth the bid for India's Permanent Seat in the SC. After this was the turn of the most awaited award ceremony where Dynamic Training bagged the best delegation in the world best delegation in the world. I won 3rd Place in my council.
The Entire Trip
Throughout the trip I had loads of fun. It was great to be in the USA for the first time and seeing the Statue of Liberty and many more landmark sites.
Why Should You Take Up MUNning
It changes your life. You can start with DTMUN on December 24-25. We carry out training workshops and assure you all training support. Students can register at our Facebook page, 'Dynamic Training Model United Nations, Pune.
- Chirag Agarwal, class IX, St. Marys School (Boys), Pune
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