Iona University’s Model UN team attended Harvard National MUN 2023 Feb. 16-19.  

Ten delegates prepared for months, writing their position papers and working on their public speaking skills to attend the prestigious conference. The team represented the country of Georgia for several committees such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Special Political and Decolonization (SPECOL).  

Harvard National MUN is the oldest and largest collegiate Model United Nations conference. It is held every year in Boston in February. The four-day conference is attended by students from various countries. Additionally, events are held between committee sessions such as the International Bazar, where delegates have the opportunity to showcase their cultures such as giving candy and maple syrup.  

Marvey Molina, whose second conference was Harvard looked back at the experience fondly. 

“Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try,” Molina said, echoing the conference emphasis on hard work and academic integrity.  

This year, Devon Gabriel, the club’s president, was awarded an honorable mention in his committee International Organization for Migration (IOM).  

JA: Can you explain to those who are unfamiliar with Model UN what is Harvard National MUN? 

DG: So, Harvard National Model United Nations is honestly one of the best experiences in debate in the college environment. I did speech and debate in high school and that was one of the only tournaments that I didn’t go to. I am so blessed to go and experience it. Harvard is an awesome experience.  

JA: What were some lessons you learned this time around? 

DG: Some lessons I would say is to not feed the flames. There was a bunch of contention in my working bloc at some points. I found it more useful to defuse than to add on. So, I think conflict management is a huge plus from the experience.  

JA: What is coming up for Model UN in the next months?  

DG: Well, coming for Model UN, we are going to slave away at fundraising for fees and for the remainder of the money for NMUN NY. NMUN NY is our session ender, and we are looking to continue our winning streak at NY’s conference.  

Model UN will be going to NMUN NY in April. They will be fundraising through various avenues to cover conference expenses. If you would like to know more about Model UN or want to help them on their endeavors, please contact [email protected] or any another e-board member.