Episode Title: THIMUN Conference Insights

Release Date: [Nov 26 2024]

Episode Summary: In this episode of Radio MUN, we delve into the THIMUN Singapore conference, a five-day Model United Nations simulation for secondary school students, taking place from October 28 to November 1, 2024. We explore pre-conference interviews with delegates and chairs, discuss the significance of a professional dress code, and share experiences from recent conferences like THIMUN and MUNOFS. The episode also highlights key topics for discussion, including the space race and sustainable tourism.

Featured Segments:

Introduction to THIMUN Conference

• Overview of the event and its history.
• Partnership between Feynman Foundation and International French School.

Delegate Interviews

• Hanaé Reverre (Saudi Arabia) discusses the complexities of representing national interests, focusing on the space race and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
• Thomas Valance (Japan) shares insights on sustainable tourism and social inequalities.
• William Hay (Chair of Sustainable Development Committee) explains his role in managing debates and ensuring productive lobbying sessions.

Dress Code Discussion

• Romeo outlines the importance of a business formal dress code in creating a diplomatic atmosphere.
• Tips on appropriate attire for male and female delegates, emphasizing professionalism and respect.

Experiences from Recent Conferences

• IFS members reflect on their participation in THIMUN and MUNOFS, discussing the energy and commitment observed among delegates.

Conclusion

• Final thoughts on the importance of preparation, collaboration, and maintaining decorum during MUN conferences.

Key Takeaways:

• The THIMUN conference serves as a significant platform for students to engage in international diplomacy.
• Dress code plays a crucial role in setting a professional tone and fostering serious discussions.
• Active participation and collaboration among delegates are essential for successful resolutions.

In this episode, IFS Terminale Students introduce Model United Nations (MUN) as an academic simulation that allows students to debate various global issues while gaining skills in diplomacy and public speaking. MUN conferences involve drafting resolutions in committees, presenting them, and voting, fostering a comprehensive understanding of international relations.

Students discuss the importance of public speaking in MUN, offering tips on overcoming anxiety, such as thorough preparation, visualization, making eye contact, and practicing breathing techniques. Emphasis is placed on starting small and gradually building confidence through practice.

The podcast features an interview with an Ms McGowen, an English teacher at a French school in Singapore, who established a public speaking and debate team. This teacher shares the journey from informal lunch meetings to competing in national championships, highlighting the importance of debate in developing critical thinking and speaking skills.

Nigel, a student at the National University of Singapore discusses a long history with debating, beginning in primary school and continuing through education. He emphasizes the value of debate in enhancing public speaking abilities.

Lastly, former student, Joy Tabet discusses how the lessons learned from MUN helped her succeed and continue to help her as a professional.

Iwona Piórko European Union civil servant from Poland, since 2021 serving as the European Union ambassador to Singapore delivered a keynote address at the United World College South East Asia East Campus Model United Nations conference on Friday the 11th of October 2024, emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and the role of young people in addressing global challenges. She highlighted the UN's creation to prevent war and promote international law, urging participants to engage in constructive dialogue during the simulation of the UN.

Piórko shared insights from her work on Ukraine, noting the significance of global solidarity against aggression, and stressed the interconnectedness of world events, including regional tensions in Asia. She pointed out the European Union's commitment to cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region, citing its economic ties and security concerns.

Addressing broader issues, she mentioned the EU's humanitarian efforts and response to climate change, calling for collaboration to tackle these complex challenges. Piórko encouraged students to innovate in their approach to diplomacy, valuing their unique perspectives while recognizing the weight of responsibility in pursuing peace. She concluded by affirming their potential to drive meaningful change in the world.