by Asal Al Khuwaiter
It takes only a second to make a decision. In only a split second, the human mind can make the choice between being a leader or a follower. An advocate or a participant. To many, the thought of making an impact in this complex and mesmerizing world we live in is too farfetched to even dream of. To those people, making a difference can take forever, when really, all it takes is 3 days.
On February 21-23, yet another Model United Nations conference took place: AUSMUN. While all MUN conferences are built on the same foundation, every conference has a tinge of unique properties that makes it stand out from the rest. For AUS, it is the participants. Every individual that has set foot in that community has the same look of determination in their eyes, the same aura of passion that surrounds their figures. They come with the same goal. To leave with something new – whether it be an award or a new friend – and to play a significant role in society, even if it was only for 36 hours.
After hours and hours of debating about topics ranging from cybersecurity to gun control, every delegate – whether they know it or not – has achieved their goal. Why? Because every participating individual leaves committee after that 6th session with something new in both their hearts and minds, if not their hands. And that something, is knowledge. Knowledge about the new crises taking place around the globe and knowledge that every single person has the ability to play an active role in the world. Because as long as you are aware and allowing your voice to be heard through questions and statements, a change has occurred and a difference has been made.
MUN gives young minds the ability to be passionate for what they believe in. It allows groups of people that would otherwise never leave their comfort zones to socialize and communicate. It raises awareness of the world’s conflicts through active participation. You do not sit and listen, you rise and influence. MUN: a platform that raises people that persist, thrive, and achieve only the best. AUSMUN was not a conference. It was an experience.