The event brought together students of prestigious high schools and universities from both at home and abroad, such as Hanoi - Amsterdam High School for the Gifted, University of Languages and International Studies, Foreign Trade University, Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, Dartmouth College, and Boston University.
Taking place from July 19 to 21 under the theme ‘The New Maverick’, the 10th annual Hanoi Model United Nations opened the door for young people to express their views and knowledge on the increasingly complex real-life problems facing the world.
During the three-day event, delegates and observers engaged in various discussions and debates, side activities, and a game night.
The Councils at the conference included Ad Hoc Council, Joint Historical Crisis Council (JHCC), International Labour Organisation (ILO), International Maritime Organisation (IMO), and the European Council (EC).
The Crisis Committee - Ad Hoc Council made its debut at this year’s Hanoi Model United Nations to simulate unique, urgent, and unforeseen situations within the international community.
The committee served as the perfect destination for delegates to discover new facets of themselves through complex and unheralded situations, requiring them to make swift decisions and flexible responses, while also encouraging creativity and honing their ability to cope with real-life challenges that are often encountered by diplomats.
What makes the Ad Hoc Committee even more appealing is that all information related to the topic was not disclosed beforehand, and it was to adhere to the traditional rules and procedures of other committees, thus requiring delegates to be mentally prepared for any unexpected situation.
Notably, the 10th Hanoi Model United Nations welcomed the companionship of speakers who have extensive understanding and experience in the fields of politics and diplomacy, including Nguyen Hong Thao, Deputy Head of the National Border Committee - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Senior Advisor to the East Sea Institute - Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, and Arbitrator under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea; Nguyen Thi Mai Thuy, ILO National Project Coordinator on Labour Migration; Conor Finn, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland in Vietnam; Alexander Surdej, Polish Ambassador to Vietnam; and Dao Tuan Thanh, former Head of the Department of History at Hanoi University of Education.
The speakers updated the delegates on historical events and pressing issues that have drawn much international attention, including the recent situations regarding piracy, protection of migrant workers, the EU's democracy action plan, and the Croatian War of Independence.
The insightful sharing from the speakers provided delegates with multi-dimensional perspectives on the issues mentioned at the negotiating table but also in real life.
Model United Nations, also known as Model UN or MUN, is an educational model of the United Nations used for simulations in which students learn about diplomacy and international relations as well as the principles of the UN and how it functions.
Within a MUN conference, participating students act as the representative of a country, organisation, or person, to solve a problem with other delegates from around the world.
MUN has gradually become popular in recent years. As extracurricular activities for students are developing strongly, MUN has affirmed its position in creating a venue that helps to increase youth’s awareness of global issues and improve their skills in English speaking, research, debate, public speaking, negotiation, critical thinking, leadership, and teamwork.
The Hanoi Model United Nations (HMUN) Organisation is a student-run organisation bringing together like-minded individuals who share a passion for contemporary global issues and international relations.
Located in Hanoi, the organisation operates year-round with numerous activities revolving around Model United Nations, including: an annual main conference, mock Model UNs, training sessions on how Model UNs work and how a Model UN Organisation operates, and community service activities for students to help their local communities with knowledge learned from Model UN.
