Nowadays, we stand at the crossroads of the modern world, a world which grows increasingly polarized receiving its real meaning in a myriad of ongoing conflicts such as those in Ukraine and the Middle East. This ongoing polarization, together with the far right movements rapidly springing up all over the world, has taken the divide between nations and societies to the next level. A world where international communications and corporations decline, so does the stability of global security.

In this current environment of division,there is growing adversity to diplomacy, the cornerstone of a peaceful resolution. The MUNKY Conference has discussed the most acute problems of our critical world, including the ongoing situation in Yemen, deemed the largest humanitarian crisis, which was thoroughly discussed and debated in the "Security council" of the session.

The following article will delve deep into both the Chairpersons' perspective reflecting on the debate, guiding the Delegates through the entirety of it, and the Delegates' experience within the complex discussions in order to provide a well rounded view of how the MUN Kyrenia went about addressing global issues, educating youth and creating distinctive opportunities for meaningful engagement.

By Alexia Fekka (Year 6) and external contributor Polina Dynyak (American Academy Nicosia)

Chairperson perspective:

One difference about conference approach from the perspective of a chairperson in contrast to of a delegate is how much earlier conference preparation begins. Chair applications and interviews ended a while before topics were announced and delegate applications released, and research reports were finalized before delegates were allocated to committees.

While it is a lengthy and redundant process to dedicate hours and hours on end into research and writing, but thousands and thousands of words through, a topic seemingly so confusingly convoluted becomes direct, clear and multi-dimensional.

But one of the most exciting moments for the chairs is always meeting their delegates. Seeing if there are many or little, experienced or inexperienced, quiet or obnoxiously loud. Based on these, decisions are made to regulate committee dynamics and cater to the delegates' unique needs. After all - the individuals within the committee almost solely shape the debate, engagement and each others' experiences.

Some responsibilities of chairpersons before the conference include providing a detailed research report guiding the delegates through their research, addressing any queries delegates might have, clarifying procedural matters and assisting in formation of alliances.

During the conference itself, a big challenge is to maintain professionalism and organization while being open and welcoming to your delegates. This session, I did not just get lucky to see both familiar and unfamiliar names in the delegate list, but also chair certain delegates for the second and third time and meet new passionate young people with interests similar to mine.

Largely due to the sensitivity of the topic, as well as the burning ambition of our delegates, at times, the debate got (concerningly) heated, with feisty speeches and immensely loud P5 caucuses, the arguments of which heard not just their fellow delegates, but other committees and seemingly the whole building.

Lastly, celebrating the progress and successes of your delegates, it is a heart-warming feeling to see delegates who did not raise their placard once on the first day and were not sure between "present" and "present and voting" progress to make impressively well-written speeches and asking counterintuitive questions, and all in the small time frame of 3 days.

Hearing kind words and gratitude from your delegates makes all the work, days of work, sleepless nights and busy schedules all undeniably worth it. I am beyond grateful to have had such a dynamic committee, thankful to my delegates for keeping the debate so active while staying formal and respectful as well as to the Governing Body of the conference which organized everything so wonderfully and provided us with this lovely opportunity.

Delegate's perspective:

Upon arrival at the MUNKY conference on Saturday,I was immersed in a setting of diplomatic engagement and corporation.The day began with lobbying ,with the delegates amongst their alliances,writing clauses for them to be debated for the final resolution.

Though the process was not without challenges,through discussion and compromise,we reached a consensus that reflected the collective priorities of our alliances.Despire the emotional nature of the debates,it was an amazing experience and very educational.Besides the formal negotiations,there was ample time for new acquaintanceships and lighter moments,like drawing a map of Yemen.

At the Security Council, with Polly and Ahmet as chairs,the crisis in Yemen was the focus of the discussions.Clauses formed by the delegates included having access to humanitarian aid by civilians,immediate removal of blockades, and having a ceasefire agreement in all Yemen territory.The debate on the ceasefire was complex,and two clauses were competing,needing careful consideration at ascertain which was more effective and comprehensive.The committee also had numerous of P5( five permanent members ) caucuses,which,while was necessary, felt never ending.The chairs,however,watched the other delegates entertain themselves and engaging with discussions among themselves,until the caucus was over.

Besides the formal discussions themselves,ice breakers and energizers helped to keep the atmosphere balanced,making the delegates more comfortable toward one another.

The conference itself was extremely well-organized, with every session carefully built to offer a smooth experience.The delegates were encouraged to call if issues arose, and the plenary sessions were organized with breathtaking lucidity and guidance. This careful organization left all participants,including me, safe, cared for, and invested, producing a feeling of productive discussions and collaboration throughout the event as a whole.

Being in a committee with only 15 delegates created a remarkably comfortable environment for me.This closeness helped me build some confidence to speak out, share my thoughts, and give speeches more freely. We bonded together very fast and are still staying in touch.These emotional odysseys, rich discussions, and personal growth have left me immensely grateful. I am sure that the invaluable skills and insights I gained would stand me in good stead in my future.

Head Editor's note:

Model United Nations of Kyreneia (MUNKY) English School was attended by various Xenion Students and dozens of pupils across the Cypriot island, with many praising it for its organizing and being fun. Polina as chairperson and Alexia as delegate shared their experience between the dates 24th-26th of January, while they have themselves participated in other debate and diplomatic conferences, to be subject of further articles of the future. As always, its highly adviced to seek such opportunities, either in Cyprus or abroad, while also its adviced to share any other experience classmates might find inspiring or necessary for their academic maturing. 

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