MUN Impact
By Arsema Aklog
Amidst rising global tensions and the current COVID-19 pandemic, it’s clear - now more than ever - that youth voices must spearhead the change we wish to see in the world. One of the best mediums through which one can do this is Model United Nations, where students represent an assigned country in a simulated United Nations committee and are responsible for using their country’s policy to tackle pressing global issues.
MUN Impact is a global non-profit organization that believes in the power of MUN to inform, inspire, and motivate its participants to action in support of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals - 17 targets that include Zero Hunger, No Poverty, and Gender Equality. We collaborate with MUN organizations, UN agencies, and NGOs to host SDG-focused MUN conferences, leadership events, and workshops. In addition, we deliver learning opportunities for students that bring together diverse individuals from around the world - from Qatar to Taiwan to Nigeria. To date, we’ve been able to reach over 20,000 students in more than a hundred countries.
MY STORY
I began my journey with MUN in 6th grade, as the delegate representing Nigeria in UNDP at the San Diego Regional Junior Model United Nations conference. Though I was a novice delegate, I was so excited to see what committee had in store for me. The many late nights I spent researching country policy culminated in a whirlwind of speeches, resolutions, voting bloc, and unmoderated caucusing. I was able to use my research to back up my country’s proposed solutions, form caucus blocs with my closest allies, and even aptly articulate the concerns I had with other delegates’ ideas. I was hooked. As the years went by, I forged friendships with other delegates and developed a particular affinity for the United Nations Development Programme, Third Committee, and the World Health Organization. My experience was enhanced by the passion that I saw in committee, with heated debates discussing the South China Sea, and nuclear disarmament, not to mention all of the note-passing that occurs behind the scenes to get a solution to be passed. I found the power that my words held in getting the support of my fellow delegates. Fast forward to a couple years later, our resolutions seem more relevant than ever.
MUN @HOME
I now work with a subsidiary of MUN Impact that was created at the start of quarantine to fulfill what we sensed was a vital need for knowledge and connection- MUN@Home. It’s a free one-month virtual course for middle and high school students focusing on Model UN, SDG-related topics, and online asynchronous coaching/mentoring from experienced high school students.Whether you’ve only just discovered MUN through this article, or are a seasoned MUN veteran, this course is designed to develop and enhance the skills necessary for a successful MUN career, and aims to leave delegates confident in their abilities for future MUN experiences. Every month, we focus on a specific SDG target; this month’s topic is SDG 16.3 - Equal Access to Justice for All, and delegates are given the opportunity to explore the matters in which solutions can be implemented within the scope of their country’s policy. From free resources to assist with research and debate preparation, Zoom sessions with thought leaders, UN officials, and student SDG champions, to mentorship sessions with your mentors, we give you everything you need to be prepared for the live online debate at the end of the course. The skills taught transcend MUN, and are very applicable in the real world - from improving your research and public speaking skills, to (more importantly) gaining a global perspective.
If you are interested in registering for this course, would be interested in becoming a mentor (mentorship roles are exclusively available for those who have prior MUN experience), or simply interested in hearing more about how you can get involved, please feel free to reach out!
If you are interested in registering for this course, would be interested in becoming a mentor (mentorship roles are exclusively available for those who have prior MUN experience), or simply interested in hearing more about how you can get involved, please feel free to reach out!
Podcast episode can be found here.
Arsema Aklog is a rising junior at San Diego High School and serves as the Under Secretary-General for High School Cohorts at MUN@Home. She loves playing the violin and cooking Ethiopian food.
Arsema Aklog is a rising junior at San Diego High School and serves as the Under Secretary-General for High School Cohorts at MUN@Home. She loves playing the violin and cooking Ethiopian food.