Conference Highlights: OxiMUN

For some this was their first international conference; for others, this was their first conference altogether and TeamLSE certainly held their own. OxiMUN 2022 had committees ranging from the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs to the United Nations Environmental Programme which resulted in a whole range of international issues being discussed, and resolutions being created. 

Whilst I had competed in MUN conferences in secondary school, they were on a local level and the rules of procedure were slightly different. There were no such things as moderated caucuses or a general speakers list, so the format took a little getting used to. Initially the prospect of having delegates from Scotland, the Netherlands and Belgium was quite daunting. Additionally, I seemed to be in a room that contained very few freshers and quite a few masters students. However, after several socials, and an incriminating ‘gossip box’ involving memes and crush confessions, it felt like we had all known each other for years. 

I was given the task of representing Panama in the DISEC committee where the topic was small arms and light weapons trade in Central America, so it was safe to say I was dropped in at the deep end. The standard of debate was incredibly high from the offset despite being an intermediate committee. Almost instantly in the first unmoderated caucus, several blocs formed. However, to the Central American delegates surprise, none involved any Central American countries. We set out to create our own working paper without the assistance of other states. Eventually, delegates realised that in order to create a working paper about Central America, they had to involve Central America. 

Collaboration was certainly a challenge with some delegates being less willing to compromise than others. Blocs eventually combined but this was after a lot of blood, sweat and tears. In total, it took two whole unmoderated caucuses to decide who would be on the panel of authors. Two draft resolutions emerged with some pretty quirky names. One was named P.O.T.A.T.O, triangle and stability, a combination of three of the earlier blocs. This was accompanied by the Russian Federation delegate whipping out a potato they had quickly purchased from a local M&S. 

In the end, despite our differences and after some crazy metaphors with the delegate of Mexico referring to themselves as a Christmas tree, we passed a resolution by a singular vote. 

OxiMUN 2022 was a learning experience for all. On a personal level, it revealed both my strengths and weaknesses as a delegate. In particular, I need to assert myself more in unmoderated caucuses in order to make my voice heard and certainly be slightly more prepared when it comes to future conferences. It was great getting to meet not only delegates from different countries and universities, but also getting to know my fellow team LSE members over hot chocolate. Thank you so much for the opportunity, I look forward to WarMUN!

Maud Beidas