By Natalia Dussán
Reflections on CWMUN
Participating in Change the World Model United Nations (CWMUN) was an invaluable
experience that expanded my understanding of international diplomacy, human rights advocacy,
and effective leadership. As I reflect on my journey, I see how my initial goals, the challenges I
encountered, and the leadership skills I developed shaped my experience and future aspirations.
My primary goal when applying for a BLI grant to attend CWMUN was to enhance my
ability to engage in high-level discussions on human rights while developing the skills necessary
for a career in international law and human rights advocacy. I aimed to immerse myself in
diplomatic negotiations, strengthen my research and public speaking skills, and build
connections with like-minded individuals passionate about human rights.
Overall, I successfully met these objectives. Throughout the conference, I actively
participated in committee discussions, engaged in negotiations with delegates from diverse
backgrounds, and presented resolutions addressing pressing human rights issues.
One of the biggest hurdles I faced was navigating the fast-paced, competitive
environment of MUN. Many delegates were seasoned participants with extensive experience in
formal debate settings. Initially, I struggled to find my voice among strong speakers. However, I
adapted by leveraging my strength in research and strategic collaboration, forming alliances with
other delegates who shared similar policy goals.
Another challenge was time management. Balancing preparation for CWMUN with my
academic and extracurricular commitments required discipline and strategic planning, as I was
simultaneously participating in the CWMUN Academy (December-March) as well as my regular
responsibilities. To address this, I created a structured study and preparation schedule, allocating
specific time slots for research, speech drafting, and position paper writing.
Throughout CWMUN, I had the opportunity to develop leadership skills aligned with the
BLI Habits, particularly:
● Start Where You Are: Entering the MUN space, I acknowledged my strengths in
research, advocacy, and critical analysis while recognizing my need to improve
impromptu speaking. By building on my existing skills and seeking mentorship from
experienced delegates, I was able to grow throughout the conference.
● Work to Learn: The experience of navigating negotiations and public speaking was a
learning opportunity. Instead of fearing mistakes, I viewed them as stepping stones for
improvement.
● Value Difference: Negotiating resolutions meant engaging with individuals who had
differing perspectives and priorities. Rather than avoiding confrontation, I embraced
these challenges, refining my arguments and learning the art of compromise while staying
true to my core values.
● Collect, Combine, Create: Diplomacy thrives on collaboration, and CWMUN
reinforced the importance of working with others to achieve a common goal. By forming
alliances and negotiating with different delegations, I developed essential teamwork and
problem-solving skills.
This experience solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in human rights
international law, and diplomacy. The skills I honed such as diplomatic negotiation, persuasive
public speaking, and strategic collaboration will be crucial as I continue my academic and
professional journey.
Additionally, CWMUN has inspired me to seek further opportunities in international
policy discussions. I plan to engage in more MUN conferences, pursue internships in human
rights organizations, and incorporate what I’ve learned into my senior honors thesis next year.
While CWMUN has concluded, my journey in international diplomacy and advocacy is
just beginning. My next steps include:
● Applying for additional MUN conferences to continue refining my diplomatic skills.
● Exploring internship opportunities in human rights organizations, particularly those
focusing on climate policy and immigrant rights.
● Using my leadership experiences from CWMUN to mentor other students interested in
MUN and international advocacy.
Participating in CWMUN was a transformative experience that reinforced my passion for
human rights and global leadership. The challenges I faced, the skills I developed, and the
knowledge I gained will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors in meaningful ways.
