Johannesburg Model United Nations (JOMUN) Final Reflection

Johannesburg Model United Nations (JOMUN) Final Reflection

            Finally, the third day of JOMUN conferences came to an end, arguments have been presents, evidence was displayed, and a verdict has been made. The deliberations on the third day came to a conclusion and a consensus that Australia found Japan guilty of breaking international regulation on the boundaries to kill whales. Japans JARPA II program was simply a façade for commercial whaling.

My learning outcomes during this entire process were working collaboratively with others, being engaged in issues of global importance, and developing new skills. In order to produce the JOMUN Journal, it took the cooperation and collaboration of all the press members to create the final product. In doing so, we as AISJ students sponsoring JOMUN documented the events of each committee every day for three days, a total of 22 hours. I was involved in an issue of global importance – commercial whaling. What happens in Japan or anywhere else in the world affects the entire global planet. Taking part in this global event has given me pride, appreciation for journalists, and insight into workings of the United Nations. During this process, I developed new skills in communication, journalism, and writing.

My moments of learning were gradually obtained during the three-day conference as communication, journalism, and writing escalated. Expanding my ability to be creative and selective of the information given that would be pertinent in this case - the case of Australia against Japan’s international whaling violation. My insights and thoughts on the final verdict after all the evidence were displayed, disputes were exchanged, and hours of collected data were written. My educated judgment agreed with the verdict that Japan was violating international laws on these global issues. My own limitation during this Court case was to remain unbiased and simply write the facts for each party. Reflecting on my learning moments, at times it was difficult to hear the evidence and not take sides with one or the other. Therefore, great discipline was being focused on my position as a press member and professionalism was displayed at all times. The knowledge obtained through this experience as being a press member opened new lessons for me to learn. For example, patience was a key factor during the long debates, rebuttals, and deliberations. I must say this is the longest amount of time that I had to sit, listen, and not being able to interject which took a great amount of discipline.

All in all, the entire set up from start to finish was a polished event. If I had to make a change, it would be to provide a proper seat and desk for the press member to work efficiently. This is because long hours of sitting and writing with my slate on my lap were uncomfortable. In conclusion, all conflicts, ideas, and perspectives were addressed and readdressed. The evidence was presented and each case had an equal amount of time to dispute their argument. A fair and honest verdict was announced. My future goals with JOMUN will continue next year. I will volunteer to elect myself as a press member. This opened up my eyes to global awareness, the importance of working with others, and new skills. Also, what affects one part of the world trickles down to the rest.