Indonesian students a model of diplomacy

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Wed, 03/21/2007 4:18 PM | Opinion

The Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN) 2007 is the world's most prestigious student conference, having been held annually since 1954. This year the HNMUN was held for four days in February in Boston, U.S. 2,500 delegates from the universities all around the world attended.

Indonesian students from Parahyangan Catholic University, Bandung Institute of Technology and Pajajaran University took part in the conference.

The conference covered current global issues. For the students attending, knowledge of diplomatic strategies and fluent English were the most important things. An in-depth understanding of the topics covered and familiarity with the Rules of Procedure were also important. Preparing all this knowledge had to start three months before the conference was held. Even that time was too short to understand the whole detail of the what went on at the conference.

An interesting aspect of the conference was that students did not represent their country of origin. For example, the delegates from Parahyangan Catholic University represented the Gabonese Republic. Students had to learn all about the country they were representing. Even though it was harder, this made delegates think in a different paradigm and wider perspective.

It was nice to get to know people from different backgrounds and different cultures, all speaking with different English accents. We all blended together with no discrimination.

CHERIKA NOVIANTI HARDJAKUSUMAH
Bandung

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