Inevitably, much was different at this year's MUNoM conference. Nevertheless, the Model United Nations of Munich remained true to their idea. Pupils slipped into the roles of UN delegates and discussed topics of world politics. Of course, the ongoing corona pandemic was the most important topic. It is not only the topic that the real United Nations are currently talking about, the pandemic naturally changed the popular event of the European School Munich.
This year the many international guests were missing. As "MUNoM Experience Days", the simulation of the UN General Assembly could nevertheless take place on a smaller scale on 19 and 20 November. The former Kindergarten building at the Neuperlach site offered enough space to keep a distance. The appropriate mouth-and-nose protection with the MUNoM emblem was also available. The opening ceremony was streamed via video into several rooms.
Of course the opening speeches also referred to the pandemic. After Christian Waedt, Anton Hrovath, Director of the European School Munich, and Martin Duggen, Director of the Secondary School, and the teacher Michael Stryer spoke. They gave the students a historical perspective: What were the consequences of pandemics in the past and how could Corona change the world? Several history teachers spoke here, so a small specialist discussion quickly developed. But the teachers also reminded the young audience that other topics such as climate change or populism have not lost any of their urgency.
With these words, the pupils went into the committee work. Finally, they presented their resolutions. After all, the aim of MUNoM is to provide a realistic picture of political processes, to arouse interest in issues and to train debating.
It was good for everyone involved that with MUNoM an ESM tradition could take place again this year, albeit with restrictions. The European School Munich would like to thank all participants for their commitment. Special thanks for the organisation under the difficult circumstances go to Christian Waedt and Maggie Banatte-Schuster. We all hope that next year MUNoM can take place again in the usual framework.
Further information can be found here and on the MUNoM website.