Swinburne University’s Model United Nations Club
John Mosig
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with a charming and enthusiastic young man who leads a project that could put Swinburne University on the global map. Mashood Ashan is the President of the University’s Model United Nations Club (SwinMUN). As the name implies, the students perfect their skills as a mock UN Assembly to deal with a seemingly endless chain of real-life global issues.
Modelled on a similar movement going back to the ill-fated League of Nations, the Model United Nations program was revived by Harvard University when the United Nations was formed after WW II.
As a recognised Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) associated with the UN’s Department of Global Communications, the program’s mission is to develop global citizens by exposing them, through hands-on simulation, to the UN assembly procedures. Representing the cultural, environmental and economic interests of their respective countries, participating MUNs vie for international recognition in dealing with the issues confronting the global harmony. And they’ve certainly got plenty with which to work.
Participants who sign up will receive training and be appointed as delegates to the various departments making up the UN operational structure. The SwinMUN team will be decided upon as part of the tutoring process.
While participation doesn’t carry course points, it has become a prestigious addition to a CV, especially if your selected department advances, through excellence at conferences, to national and international level.
Mashood said, ‘Our ultimate aim is to send delegates abroad where they measure themselves against successful teams from around the globe. We help participants develop valuable life skills in a wide range of areas. These include public speaking, research, negotiation and critical thinking while at the same time tackling pressing global challenges such as climate change, human rights and geopolitical instability.
‘It’s also a marvellous opportunity to develop skills through guest speakers. The club cultivates opportunities for networking with professionals in leadership and diplomacy. We’re always open to speakers from all walks of life to help build relationships with a broad section of the community’.
A lot depends on the amount of funding the club receives. They’re mainly funded by the Swinburne Student Association but are always looking for sponsors who would help them expand their activities, especially when representing the University away from Melbourne.
SwinMUN is an inclusive and supportive community, open to everyone, from beginners to experienced MUN participants. Mashood said, ‘Whether you aim to enhance your debating skills, expand your global perspective, or build a career in international affairs, Swinburne MUN Club offers an exciting platform to learn, grow, and make an impact’.
The MUN movement has a wide following. Monash has one (MUNash), and a quick internet search revealed MUN clubs right throughout Australian tertiary and secondary campuses. If Mashood and his generation are any indication of the future Australia, the country is in good hands.
The Swinburne Conference is open to all comers and will be held at its Hawthorn Campus on 10 and 11 October. The winning delegates of the SwinMUN will be invited to be a part of a team coached to earn selection to test themselves in New York and other international MUNs.
The club is seeking interest from senior high school students, Swinburne under grads and individuals in the area keen to further their personal skills and develop valuable life-experience in an increasingly challenging world.
The Swinburne club meets fortnightly at the university and can be contacted via their email at swinburnemun@outlook.com and their Instagram account @swinmun.