International Affairs Club: a memorable experience in Boston
This is a letter to the editor from The Officers of the CSB+SJU International Affairs Club: Evan Mattson, Dariq Chase, José Reynoso, Ignacio Sanchez Romero, and Odalis Ponce.
Thanks to funding from the McCarthy Center and the Co-Funding Board, the CSB+SJU International Affairs Club has embarked on its annual journey to the prestigious Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN) conference, continuing a four-decade long tradition.
Celebrating its 70th anniversary, the HNMUN gathers over 1,000 delegates from hundreds of colleges worldwide. In this dynamic simulation, club members adopt roles as representatives of countries or specific individuals in specialized agencies. Their mission: to navigate the complex web of international diplomacy and advocate for their assigned nation’s strategic interests through persuasive resolutions.
The conference is a rigorous 16-hour marathon where delegates simulate their country’s stance, form strategic alliances and collaborate on working papers. These initial documents evolve as blocs merge, setting the stage for the culminating moment: passing a resolution. Despite the intensity, the experience is invaluable, offering members of the IA Club a deep dive into the world of diplomacy and negotiation.
**Dariq’s Experience:**
In my second year at HNMUN, I represented our delegation on the Economic and Financial Committee, delving into the relationship between hedge funds and the 2008 Financial Crisis. The complexity of the topic and scale of the conference were daunting. However, the preparatory groundwork laid by the IA Club’s Mini-MUN events, and the insights gained from the POLS 395 A/B course were instrumental in equipping me with the necessary knowledge and confidence.
**José’s Experience:**
My final HNMUN appearance was truly memorable. I participated in a specialized agency session that revisited the 1995 East/West Coast Killaz rap feud. Portraying Craig Mack of Bad Boy Records, I engaged in a roundtable with other delegates embodying rappers, producers, journalists, politicians and CEOs. Our collective goal was to broker a peaceful resolution to the iconic rap rivalry. The session was not only enlightening but also very enjoyable, allowing me to employ creativity in resolving conflicts and fostering collaboration.
Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Political Science Department, specifically Colin Hannigan, for their hard work and unwavering support of the IA Club that makes our participation in the HNMUN a reality.