More Than an Academic Competition

Students from Siegen University received multiple awards at the largest United Nations simulation conference, held in New York.

The walk up to the podium is anything but easy when 300 pairs of eyes are watching expectantly. You have just ninety seconds to lay out a political position succinctly. In English. Representing a country about which the audience knows essentially nothing, except that it is in Africa. And those who do know more are already sharpening their pencils, ready to jot down notes to challenge the Eritrea delegates in the discussion afterwards. Human rights violations will almost certainly lead the list of concerns.

David Hersonskij was the first called to the microphone in the Committee for International Security and Disarmament. The presentation marked his debut at the National Model United Nations (NMUN), an academic competition where students from around the globe assume the roles of United Nations delegates for five days in New York. Hersonskij was part of the delegation from the University of Siegen, which represented Eritrea this year. Twelve students were on hand, to engage in discussions and gain insight into the “real” UN works — a task requiring diplomatic finesse.

Participation in New York requires a multi-step application process. Gerrit Pursch, MUN coordinator at the University of Siegen, highlights the high standards required for participation. "We are competing with the best universities worldwide, so it’s not enough for us just to be there. We have to excel," Pursch explains. As in the past 15 years, the Siegen delegation brought home multiple awards: prizes for two position papers and the highest honor, "Outstanding Delegation."

"This wonderful achievement underscores the international character of our university," praised Professor Hans Merzendorfer, prorector for studies, teaching, and quality management. "The United Nations is dedicated to the protection of human rights, so especially in times of numerous international conflicts, understanding how the organization works is one essential component of the academic education of young people."

Special recognition was given to Till Staschko (23), who was selected to preside over a committee as “chair.” As a chemist, he stood out among his peers studying law and political science. "For U.S. universities, these events have a completely different significance," Pursch explains. Delegations often approach the event ambitiously. "They develop actual strategies," says Sören Krombach (23, Social Sciences), who participated in NMUN for the second time and served as head delegate, mentoring the other Siegen students. Similarly, Yvette Lema Dinga, a Cameroonian student pursuing Economic Policy at the University of Siegen, endured a marathon of discussions in New York. She represented Eritrea on topics ranging from biodiversity to environmental sustainability in the textile industry.

Yvette, Sören, Till, and David participate in NMUN because it offers the chance to meet students from around the world, exchange ideas, practice global debates, build confidence, and gain a deeper understanding of political negotiations.

Anyone interested in the university-wide Model United Nations (MUN) program is welcome to join its year-round work at the University of Siegen. This includes SiegMUN, the UN simulation for students and high school students, which will celebrate its 15th anniversary at the University of Siegen from 20-23 November 2024.

Further information: www.mun-siegen.de

The delegation from the University of Siegen was very successful at the United Nations Simulation Conference in New York. The students, who represented the country of Eritrea this year, were honoured several times.