National Model United Nations in New York, the USA 2025
（2025.04.06～04.10）

Introduction

Six Japanese students from Okayama University participated in the National Model United Nations (NMUN) in New York. This time, we collaborated with the University of Bonn as a joint delegation “DGVN NRW e.V”.
Over 4,000 university students (more than half from outside the United States) gathered, participating in over 132 delegations. Due to this scale, the conference was divided into Schedule A and Schedule B; we attended Schedule A, which was from the 6th to the 10th of April. This is my 2nd time participating in NMUN. And it was my dream to go to New York as one of the delegates. At the same time, I was in the UK for a study abroad program (EPOK), so it was a bit tiring for me to work with my juniors in the time difference. However, I was so excited to join NMUN NY and cannot wait to meet my delegation in person. I know that we prepared for this for so long, and we had confidence in ourselves based on our experience.

My experience at NMUN NY, 2025

Before writing about my experience, let me define Model UN: Model UN is a simulation exercise that mimics the decisions and operations of the United Nations. The goal of the MUN is to let students understand and learn about international relations, diplomacy, and UN operations. MUN conferences take place at several levels, including high school, college, and international. Participants, also known as delegates, represent different countries at a Model UN conference and participate in discussions and debates on global issues. Preparing a position paper, conducting previous research, managing, and analysing data, and possessing general communication abilities—such as confident speech delivery and the ability to debate strategies for compromise and negotiation—are all necessary for this task. Gaining firsthand knowledge in understanding the intricate problems of the modern world is likewise a worthwhile endeavour.

At the NMUN NY, there were 16 committees, divided into 4 groups. The General Assembly Department, ECOSOC Department, Agencies, Programmes, and Funds Department, and Peace & Security and Human Rights Department. I was in the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) with my partner, Mai, in the Agencies, Programmes, and Funds Department. The country we represent was Latvia, a country in Europe, whereas known as one of the Baltic States. The rest of our delegation was also represented as the delegate of Latvia, too.
We have 2 topics for the UNEA committee. That is, 1: Transforming Food Systems to Prevent Biodiversity Loss, and 2: Environmental Recovery in Areas Affected by Armed Conflict.
We need to choose 1 topic during the conference, and it was a hard decision to make because both of them are important, but we decided to choose topic 1 based on our stance.

As a diplomat from Latvia, I was able to give speeches and negotiate and collaborate with countries in the same European countries, African countries, and Latin American countries to finally complete the draft resolution. For the speeches, there were a lot of diplomats in the room, so it was difficult to get the chance to give a speech, but luckily, we got a chance to give a speech on the first day. Thanks to that, we had a lot of negotiations with other delegates and could discuss the topic. And later, on day 3, we also got our 2nd chance for a speech.
I participated in two working groups to make 2 different draft resolutions. This is possible in NMUN. You can collaborate with other delegates in different groups. It was a great learning experience for me to be able to utilise English to promote my country’s position and negotiate with other countries, more so than my experience participating in the MUN in Japan. Also, I found out that my skills that are needed in MUN have risen. I am pretty sure it is because of my experiences of MUN both in Japan and the UK. And of course, our draft resolution passed and became one of the resolutions in the committee.

We also got the chance to visit the Latvian Embassy, where the representative of Latvia is working. Their office was close to the UN headquarters. Before seeing them, we sent some questions based on our focused topics, and we got some in-depth information about Latvia’s current situation and how they are negotiating. It was an amazing experience to be in touch with them till that moment and ask some questions. Not only learning more about Latvia, but I also learned how important their jobs are.

On the last day was the closing ceremony. We went to the UN headquarters to attend. One of my dreams was to visit the headquarters, so I was really excited to go inside. After going through the massive security, I noticed the atmosphere was absolutely different. It was strict, but also heartwarming. I felt their passion and commitment to solve any international issues we are facing.
At the end of the closing ceremony in the General Assembly Hall, the Secretary General looked for a motion to close the conference. I had our placard in my hand, so I quickly raised my arm as high as I could. I thought she would not notice, but she called Latvia, which is our delegation, to point out the motion. I was a bit shocked when she called me. Then I stood up to make a motion to adjourn the conference to NMUN 26. It was a wonderful experience. The other delegates were also raising their arms, but I was selected. Not only my delegation, but also the others were surprised when I was called. Thanks to that, the conference adjourned peacefully till next year. I was really happy when I raised my motion in front of over a thousand people. I never had this experience, speaking up at the place where I wished to go. This made my day and made me decide to share how exciting and amazing MUN is.

What I have learned

Through NMUN NY, I realised that I am undoubtedly growing. I became more confident in speaking up, negotiating, and asking any questions. All the delegates and organisers never judged us with stupid questions and failing after trying. Acting was important. I had a fear of being laughed at for my mistakes in the past, not only when giving a speech but also when writing draft resolutions. However, all the experiences saved my courage to stand up. And made me believe that the wish I have will surely come true if I never give up. And furthermore, the discoveries I had are below here.

Always remaining calm, regardless of the event. Whilst this pertains to one’s state of mind, we are occasionally confronted with difficult choices during negotiations. On such occasions, having understood the situation in each country whilst distinguishing between those with whom we have good relations and those with whom we do not, there have been many moments we were able to overcome. However, becoming flustered does not make for a good diplomat. I came to understand the importance of always keeping my skills of gathering information up, whilst calmly accomplishing what I could.
Friends are precious and important. In fact, I was able to reunite with students I had become close to when participating in NMUN in Germany. Unfortunately, we were in different parliaments, but through them, I often found myself becoming friends with other ambassadors. Furthermore, I was able to build highly effective relationships with those I worked alongside in the same group. By brainstorming ideas together and encouraging one another, we managed to get through these hectic days.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I had an amazing and fulfilling day at NMUN NY. As I wrote in the past, it all started when I was a first-year university student, when I attended a MUN lecture in the third semester and challenged OkaMUN, and I am convinced that it is because I have gained experience since then that I was able to stand well at NMUN and stand in the middle of the UN headquarters.
My experience at NMUN is still very much with me, and I hope to pass on the skills I acquired here to my younger colleagues. MUN is open to everyone, and each participant could face real and international challenges. That is why we want more people to know about MUN.
Thanks to the experience, I am now the president of the Okadai MUN club and am sending trained Okadai delegates to each MUN conference in Japan. Starring with NUMUN, JUEMUN, JMUN, and so on, each student gained their skills and brought us back for more improvement. Also, I got some opportunities to be a chair at 3 MUNs, and right now we are planning to hold OkaMUN at Okayama University in December. I will be serving as the Secretary General and as a chair. I cannot wait for the future.

And I want to thank my juniors, Professor Caleb, Professor Thomas Weiler, and the delegation of the University of Bonn. Without them, we could not all work hard for the day. Meetings, preparation, and support during the conference made us strong enough to participate in and survive NMUN.