WHOMUN first-timers all set for BrisMUN
QUT UNSA welcomed the next generation of rising MUN stars at our recent WHOMUN on health policy in Africa which provided a perfect low-pressure environment for some of our members to get in a practice run before this month’s BrisMUN.
Over the course of the two-day mini-MUN, delegates served in the UN General Assembly’s Fourth Committee, the Special Political and Decolonization Committee (‘SPECPOL’), tasked with deciding on a unified health policy for the African continent to recommend to the World Health Organisation (‘WHO’).
The topic traversed issues including access to healthcare, traditional medicine, HIV transmission, women’s health outcomes and reproductive rights, mental health and medical privacy. The committee’s delegates were predominantly first-timers but they rose to the challenge of choosing priorities and ultimately passed a unanimous resolution of recommendations to WHO in record time.
Understanding your nation’s position and the priorities that flow from it hugely influences a delegate’s actions.
First-year law student Sariah Christensen served as the delegate for UN Women, so she “knew feminism was going to be a critical lens I was going to need to use.”
“Being on the topic for health in Africa, it was very important to address the issues raised from the oppression of women, and address their specific needs with menstruation, maternity, female genital mutilation and family planning whilst being mindful of cultural differences,” she said.
“I made sure the committee included specific inclusions in our resolution to address women and some of these issues.”
The topic was a rare insight for some delegates into some of the serious health issues African nations face.
Third-year law and business student Riley Arthur served as Nigeria’s delegate, saying she “found the HIV/AIDS data discussed to be particularly confronting, as it’s something we think minimally of in a place like Australia.”
MUNs run on Rules of Procedure (ROP) that set a structure for committee debate. The ROP can seem daunting at first, so our mini-MUNs provide a perfect low-pressure environment for first-timers to have a practice run at using the ROP to their advantage before a major MUN.
“I had no idea that there were specific rules and proceedings for a MUN, but I caught on really quickly,” Sariah said. “At first the training sessions at the beginning was a little confusing, but once we jumped into the practice debates (on the topic of pineapple on pizza, a very hot topic) it was really fun and easy to catch on.”
“It really felt official and it was exciting to know we were replicating procedures that actually happen in huge international political spheres!”
Riley quickly found her confidence navigating the process, with her contributions as Nigeria’s diplomat recognised with the Best Delegate award.
“As my first MUN, it was so encouraging to learn as we went and I really did just sort of ‘click’ with the process as we went along,” she said.
“I really enjoyed working with other delegates, and as someone who is typically quiet, it was a fantastic learning experience for stepping outside my comfort zone and working on my public speaking confidence in a small, supportive space.”
QUT UNSA has held many mini-MUNs in previous years, however the amount of engagement from the delegates at WHOMUN was particularly outstanding. Everyone who attended left very happy.
First-year law and business student Tasvish Baboolal was recognised with an honourable mention for his contribution, and said WHOMUN was “a truly enjoyable experience that provides an insight into the world of international affairs and great introduction to the UNSA community.”
“I came to this smaller WHOMUN as a preview for the BrisMUN coming up, and I’m very glad I did!” said Sariah, who will serve as Defence Counsel in BrisMUN’s International Criminal Court committee.
For our Marketing and Publications Officer Turki Alkaladi, a 3rd year law student, QUT UNSA’s events like WHOMUN are a huge part of his university experience.
“Uni can get very hectic at times to the point we all need to have a break and take things slow. Attending QUT UNSA events is not just about networking, and gaining Model United Nations practice. It is also about having an amazing time with other Uni students who are friendly, heartwarming, and welcoming of others regardless of their gender, nationality, sex, etc. QUT UNSA is truly a unique family that will always have your back whenever you need it. All of us will end up with different University experiences. I’m just glad UNSA is a part of mine, and it can be a part of yours.”
The next opportunity for QUT UNSA members to practise their MUN-related skills is at the upcoming BrisMUN, being held right here at QUT’s Gardens Point Campus over the mid-sem break from Thursday 25 April to Sunday 29 April.
A half-price discount on the registration fee is being offered to a limited number of QUT students. Registration closes at midnight this Wednesday 17 April, so don’t miss out on your place at four days of high-calibre committee debate, guest speaker sessions and glamorous socials. Go to brismun.org to register today!
QUT UNSA is able to provide engaging educational, networking and social events with the continuing support of our major sponsors BDO Australia, the QUT Business School and the QUT Guild.
