For the first time in five years, students once again took on the roles of diplomats from member states over three days in November to re-enact a United Nations conference as faithfully as possible – complete with shirts, blouses and ties. As representatives of various countries, they discussed international issues, made important decisions and jointly drafted resolutions. The rules were just as strict as at real UN conferences. Even when discussions became heated, the word ‘I’ was not allowed to be used, for example, as delegates do not speak for themselves but represent the interests of their country.
The simulated KleMUN conference proved very popular with students at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. In lively debates conducted in English, the delegates represented the interests of their home countries in committees focusing on five global issues. In the UN Women committee, the focus was on the contentious issue of reconciling women’s rights with religious practices. The debates highlighted the often difficult balance between cultural tradition and universal human rights. Countries such as Algeria and Argentina were represented by delegates.
The famine in Sudan and the associated conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) were the subject of discussion at the UN Human Rights Council (UN HRC). The delegates examined the complex causes and consequences of famine and discussed possible measures to combat food shortages and provide humanitarian aid. A history committee examined the Cuban Missile Crisis in the mid-20th century. The delegates took a journey back in time to the 1960s and debated in ‘old-school’ style, without laptops or mobile phones, using only handwritten notes.
A contentious issue dominated proceedings at the UN Security Council (UN SC): the situation of the Uyghur population in China. Here, the participants engaged in serious debates on human rights, national sovereignty and international responsibility. The Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), the United Nations’ disarmament commission, addressed the ongoing dispute over the South China Sea, where territorial claims and strategic interests are intertwined and which repeatedly leads to tensions in the region.
Alongside the intensive debates in the committees, a varied programme of social events, such as the Delegates’ Ball, ensured the event was a success. The evenings offered participants the opportunity to make new contacts and exchange views in a relaxed atmosphere – an aspect of the event that facilitates the all-important networking.
KleMUN 2024 was a resounding success. The conference not only offered the opportunity to improve soft skills in the areas of public speaking, negotiation and intercultural competence, or to explore new areas such as public speaking, but also to gain a better understanding of global challenges, hone diplomatic skills, examine global issues from fresh perspectives and work together to develop solutions.
Image credit
Students debating in the committees at the Kleve “Model United Nations” (KleMUN) 2024 conference
© HSRW / Hannah Urmoneit
