It is great to see how things get better when you fight for what you want in life. This is what psychiatrist Alfred Adler called a Style of Life, or in German: Lebensstil.

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One of the things I’ve always wanted to be is a participant in a Model United Nations conference. It is a dream that I have kept ever since I found out that such conference exists. It all started with my interest in international relations as a field of study and my permanent interaction with international news through my Facebook's news feed every day, well, every hour.

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After a small search on how to participate in one of the MUNs, I realized that it could be difficult in terms of money, preparation and access to the information. However, as I point out at the beginning: if you want something then fight for it. That's how I looked for an opportunity to participate and I got it in 2014 when I joined my University's team for participate in the MUN in Arequipa, Peru.

Nowadays, having had my first experience, I participate in every MUN conference I can possibly attend. Because of that, I feel well-equipped to share with you 7 tips for first time MUN delegates (keep in mind that these tips refer to the experience itself and not the rules of procedure):

 

1. Be a well-informed delegate.

Be aware that if it is your first time, then you should research on how a MUN event develops, get to know the general rules of procedure, the construction of position papers, the writing style, and all related topics. You can watch videos on the internet about example simulations of MUN as well.

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2. Know your assigned country.

It is important to know well your assigned country. You’re supposed to act as the international representative of that country. Therefore, you should not only have information about the country’s policies, but about its culture and customs. Reliable information can be found on the international news, the World Bank database, the UN website and official governmental sites of that country. And don't be afraid to dress as a typical delegate of that state, rest assured that the other delegates will regard highly of you because it shows your strong commitment towards MUN.

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3. Learn from others.

Be confident about what you have researched and never forget to be humble. Pay attention to the performance of other delegates who have more experience than you and inform yourself that you are willing to learn from them.

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4. Don’t be afraid to participate.

Don't be afraid to participate in the debates. It is completely normal if you feel nervous, but after participating two or three times, you will notice that you are not the first time delegate (at least most of the time). Remember, that debating is not the only way to participate, there is also the negotiation aspect. However, my advice is to raise your Placard even if you feel nervous. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!

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5. Let’s negotiate!

MUN does not only develop in a moderated caucus but also in an unmoderated caucus, and also through official meetings that are held outside of the conference room. You’ll be able to meet new people and show your negotiation skills at lunch or dinner with other delegates. Be prepared to share coffee with another delegate! By the end of your first journey you'll realize that you've been part of a team and you’ve managed to make some new friends.

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6. Stay ready!

In MUN conferences, there is something called “updates”. The updates are news created to give more dynamism to the conference. This means that you must be ready to make hard decisions because you may have to leave your bloc of countries to join another. But, don’t worry, other blocks will be willing to accept you in their group. Why? Well, one additional delegate in a bloc adds one potential vote for that bloc’s draft resolution.

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7. Be respectful!

Overall, it's important that you participate to gain experience and learn, but do not forget to always be respectful of the rules of procedure and be kind towards the other delegates.