Evaluation:

Im quite interested in debating and international politics do I decided to join the MUN team at TSS,
MUN obviously standing for Model United Nations. I wanted to do so to improve my knowledge about
things that Im already interested in and to acquire and display the skills I have in this area. I set myself
four following goals:
Goal 1 Commit to the Model United Nations activity for a period of 4 months. One 1 hour
session per week.
I committed myself to MUN for about 4 months and I achieved this, I started the activity on September
29, 2012 and finished on December 7, 2012. I consistently went for our Monday after school sessions
where we would discuss various global issues in relation to a UN context, making resolutions, MUN
terminology, etc. There were some gaps, due to the school being off for Eid holidays or half days on
road closures but whenever it was possible, I always attended the class, hence I believe I was successful
in achieving this goal. I have reflections uploaded on ManageBac as evidence of achieving this goal.
Goal 2 Go to TAISM as a school group for their MUN summit in December- the summit is
spread over two days.
I achieved this goal because I did attend the summit/conference on both the days, 6th and 7th
December 2012, spending 8 hours on each day excluding the lunch time. The time was spend me
interacting with delegates of other countries and forming alliances mostly with the Euro block as I was
the delegate of Sweden before the unmoderated Caucasus, where we actually formulated the
resolutions. I was myself the main submitter of a resolution for International cooperation to combat
maritime piracy, however, it was not the one debated upon. I have a detailed description and analysis
of the two days on ManageBac.
Goal 3 Find solutions via working collaboratively to the various problems of the world such
as human rights, war, disarmament, environmental and economic concerns et al through
discussion, negotiation and debate.
UN is all about finding solutions to the worlds problems in a diplomatic way, the Model UN teaches
students the techniques and methods of UN in doing the same. Over the course of this activity, we
discussed nuclear arms, child soldiers, child labour, development of education and infrastructure in
LEDCs, etc. During the school sessions, I researched the PKK and Turkeys relationship and made an
opening speech about the disarmament problems and the black market of arms there which is
uploaded to ManageBac as evidence. During the TAISM conference, we discussed Methods to
rehabilitate and reintegrate children in post conflict societies, International cooperation to combat
maritime piracy and regulating the media for purpose of international security, and I made resolutions
for the first two by working collaboratively with other delegates. I have more than achieved this goal
and Im quite pleased with the progress I made.
Goal 4 Learn how to debate effectively while respecting other people's opinions.
Sometimes, I would have colossally different views to another peer/delegate with regards to resource
allocation, IMF involvement, globalization et al but I would learn to voice my opinion in a way that
does not disrespect the other person. I am involved in feminist and anti-capitalist activism elsewhere,
but I have to realize that all people in the world cannot think the same way and that the UN,
specifically, is about building bridges rather than taking the other route. During TAISM, I also had to
keep in mind that I couldnt be biased and I had to objectively represent my country (Sweden) at all
times. I also had to ensure I was following the MUN codes by not interrupting the other speaker, etc.
Although it was hard at times, because some opinions are just downright offending, I learned to be
calm about it and in turn became a better debater, hence fulfilling this goal!
In reference to the CAS learning outcomes I feel I have achieved all of these too.
Awareness of strengths and areas for growth - I gained a better understanding about my strengths
and areas for growth. Ive found that an area of strength for me is to organize my thoughts and present
them in a convincing manner, basically being a good debater. An area I could work on is better
knowledge of the UNs structure and actually putting my thoughts to paper in a brief manner while
writing clauses, amendments, etc.
Undertaking new challenges- I have never participated in an MUN before so the whole experience
was a new challenge, but one that I was particularly adept at undertaking. Making a resolution,
opening speech, talking formally following the MUN codes, etc, were all challenges that I overcame and
accomplished, hence achieving this outcome.
Worked collaboratively with others MUNs very nature is working with ally delegates, making
resolutions together, helping other people out. Even though I was new to the team, I helped out others
who had little public speaking confidence and also helped them making resolutions and opening
speeches, while myself seeking help from MUN pros like Suhaib.
Show perseverance and commitment This activity was relatively long but I still made it to all the
possible after school sessions, as well as attended the 18 hour conference in total at TAISM, which
shows perseverance and commitment on my part.
Engaged with issues of global importance- We discussed many global issues, from child soldiers to
disarmament to developing infrastructure in LEDCs, and for the topics discussed at the TAISM
conference, we did so in more detail. The whole of MUN is engaged with issues of global importance.
Developed new skills I learnt the skills for debating effectively, writing resolutions, opening
speeches, amendments and MUN etiquette. Although I always considered myself good at debating,
MUN taught me to do so in a more respectful and calm manner.
Reflection
Overall I feel I have really benefitted from and enjoyed doing this activity. I feel a more confident about
debating publicly and also I have increased knowledge of global affairs and issues. MUN has also made
me reflect on the trouble the real UN has on getting so many diverse countries to agree on one
solution, as none of the resolutions at TAISM were passed. As far as what Ive learned about myself, I
think this has taught me that I can work well both independently and in a team and I have the
necessary determination to carry a project to the end. If I had the chance to do it all again I think I
would have worked harder on getting to speak on the podium on conferences. I had amendments and I
raised important points but I never actually spoke on the stage and it wouldve been nice if I was able
to do so.