It was the city of dreaming spires that, last weekend, played host to nine students and two members of staff - as well as to 650 other students from around the world attending the Oxford Global MUN conference.
The topics set for debate in committees ranged from cyber-terrorism, space-mining and transnational climate-crime to the impact of the #metoo-movement and the role of technology in sustainable development. Taking part in a simulation of a diplomatic summit places global collaboration centre-stage; delegates are tasked with addressing these issues through resolutions developed by way of a stringent process of formal debate and unmoderated negotiation.
The first stage of the process is the identification of blocs of countries sharing similar views. Next comes the production of working papers, which are then distilled into draft resolutions for debate by all the countries present - they must strike a careful balance between a range of interests as a resolution rejected in the final vote equals a problem unresolved!
Taking part in MUN involves knowledge development through independent research, but excellence on the day requires a wider range of skills. Presenting ideas to an audience of well-informed and assertive delegates cultivates confidence; standing your ground in the face of challenging questions from the floor requires intellectual courage and quick thinking; bi-or multi-lateral negotiation fosters communication and interpersonal skills; and if the all-round rough and tumble of diplomatic life does not enhance your personal resources of persistence and resilience, then nothing will! Spending a total of 18 hours in negotiation and debate over the weekend, our girls embraced the challenge wholeheartedly.
Needless to say that the splendour of Oxford’s cultural, academic and architectural heritage enhanced our experience. The Sheldonian Theatre, where every single student who attended the University in the last 400 years attended their graduation ceremony, the Debating Hall hosted the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, and committee sessions took place in the Examination Schools. Last but not least, Saturday night’s social at Oxford Modern Art provided an opportunity to sample the more relaxed aspects of a diplomatic summit, which was well-deserved by everyone.
