ROMUNews

     On October 23, Model UN went to the SEMMUNA conference. As a first-time delegate, I must admit that walking into a room filled with strangers from other schools was very intimidating. Soon, however, I realized that this conference is just the place for first-time delegates. Everyone is helpful to those who are learning the ropes. Not surprisingly, about half of the delegates in my committee had never been to a conference before! Because we supported and encouraged each other, I’m confident that every delegate in the room had a good experience and will attend other conferences.
    The conference started with a breakfast where all of the delegates could socialize or go over their positions one last time before the conference officially started. After that, we were treated to a small musical performance and a speech by Senator Papageorge. We finally went to our committees and began debate. I represented Ethiopia in CEDAW. We debated the issue of Women’s Rights in Education. I could tell that many of the delegates were passionate about the topic and about their countries’ positions soon after we started. First, individual delegates began to introduce their countries’ positions and suggest solutions and compromises that their countries would like to see. Soon, an un-moderated caucus was called, and we began to find our allies. Just before lunch, we began to discuss ideas for working papers.
        Of course, the issue at hand was often not the main thing that countries were concerned about. As talk of national sovereignty and religious freedom began, I realized how easily discussion can veer off topic. These issues were somewhat relevant to the main topic, but they quickly got out of hand. Oftentimes, the attempts made by myself and a few other delegates to steer the debate in the right direction were disregarded. Another problem I encountered was that the same ideas were being discussed over and over until every possible way they could be presented was exhausted. The other delegates did not take to new ideas easily, unfortunately.
      Near the end of the day, three working papers had been introduced. In the end, none of them passed. I feel that with a little more time and discussion, we were close enough that we could have easily come to a conclusion. Even so, SEMMUNA was a great and rewarding experience! I met many wonderful people and learned a lot. I am now much more prepared for a longer, more intensive conference. I would advise anyone, especially new delegates, to go to next year’s SEMMUNA conference.
Emma Holcomb