Create resolutions. Solve global conflicts. Create allies and guard against rivals. All of this is possible at the Cambridge Model United Nations (CAMUN). I sat down with “Secretary-General” Pragya Chawla to talk about CAMUN.
TEMPO: What is The Model United Nations (MUN), and how did Cambridge Model United Nations (CAMUN) start?
Pragya: MUN is an eon-old academic tradition that was created in the early 20th century to instil a sense of awareness and social responsibility amongst youth. Its most rudimentary tenet is that a politically informed, even-handed and critical thinking student makes a peaceful, dutiful and responsible citizen. CAMUN, as a parallel of MUN itself, is another real-life exemplification of the cliche ‘a thousand mile-journey begins with a single footstep’. We started in 2008 as a team of eight students, led by a teacher and nurtured by an extremely supportive principal. This was a group that teetered their way into the arena of formal debate protocol, and grew.
TEMPO: What does a delegate do at MUN?
Pragya: Delegates are appointed countries to represent as loyally as their own, and committees are formed for certain ‘genres’ of political discussions. For three days one must pretend he or she is someone else with views that may be diametrically opposed to their own! We debate, lobby and have a delegate dance. It’s great learning with great memories!
TEMPO: What can a student learn from participating in MUN?
Pragya: Answering this excites me because the potential of learning is virtually limitless! That is the beauty of debating in a realistic political simulation – there is no milestone at which one can have conquered knowledge or diplomatic abilities, because the world is dynamic and continually evolving. Along with the growth that follows the intellectual interaction and public speaking, a working knowledge of politics presented by 12-17 year olds is also quite impressive at dinner parties.
TEMPO: What is the purpose of CAMUN?
Pragya: Our purpose is to make responsible citizens that are in touch with the vicissitudes of the real world – students who recognize the strengths and weaknesses of political power, are alert to social injustice, and aspire to improve the world.
Ask any teenager who has been to a Model UN conference and you will find that the list is often endless – and I can attest to this. For one, the nameless friendships you make (you only know your newest friends by the names of their countries) are pretty incredible.
We have a vibrant, diverse community made up of members who are enthusiastic about knowledge. And we have a fun-loving ‘secretariat’ that is also diligent and professional. We work for good causes with good people. We take pride in the quality, organization and fervour that our debates often achieve and we have excellent fun while we’re at it.
TEMPO: What are the different committees of CAMUN?
Pragya: We have different committees and they change annually. This year our theme is ‘Voicing the Unheard’ and accordingly we have an International Court of Justice and International Atomic Energy Agency. We also have the classic Security Council with a series of general assemblies.
TEMPO: Could you give a few examples of the topics delegates discuss?
Pragya: Committees discuss both problems that are completely based on real-time, dire UN issues such as Ukraine, Middle Eastern Conflicts or refugee crises, or they are improvisational. Some committees debate upon past, settled debates such as the Iranian Nuclear threat or past ICJ cases to ‘draft a better version of history’. These historical replays are often made more exciting by a spate of fictional crises.
TEMPO: How do parents feel about their child being a part of this organization?
Pragya: Well, it’s a lot of work so some parents are understandably on the fence. While an informed parent knows that the Model UN opens not only doors to growth opportunity but also inculcates work ethic and critical thinking – a parent may also point out that Model UN is not for the inefficient or for those who squander time. Many parents feel that participating in MUN improves overall academic competency. If kids manage their time well, I am confident that most parents see MUN as an extremely productive extracurricular.
TEMPO: What are your upcoming events?
Pragya: We have our annual conference shortly ahead in January – it is super exciting! We’re going to learn so much and have so much fun working in teams, debating, competing and making new friends.
TEMPO: How can students sign up for CAMUN?
Pragya: Contact us for details or queries at info@cambridgemun.org. Note that there are deadlines for each documents you prepare for a conference, so contact us at the earliest.
TEMPO: What would be your message to those who wish to sign up for CAMUN?
Pragya: As long as you don’t mind a bit of research and hard work and can handle well-spirited, heated debate, join the fun! Step out of your comfort zone and be bold and participative – it may be completely transformative. I look forward to seeing you!
By Arya-Jonah Mendonca
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