TESMUN 2025 - OP-ED

TESMUN 2025

From Silence to Strength: The Journey of TESMUN

By Kabya Adhikari, Secretary General

Model United Nations at The Excelsior School has never been simply a conference. It is an environment where students can go beyond their comfort zones, show off their confidence, and develop their diplomatic skills. However, it is also the site of the silent conflicts among delegates, the dedication of the dais, and the persistent attempts of the logistics, IT, and press departments to keep committees operating.

As Secretary-General, I have witnessed delegates rise to the occasion and hold spirited discussions before collapsing due to chronic misunderstanding. Some of the conversations were so animated, while others were so lukewarm with poor research and low confidence that everyone fell silent. But in both my triumphs and my setbacks, I found development.

I occasionally observed a lack of discipline and etiquette, which weakened the atmosphere of the debate. The representatives should remember that being polite and morally upright is just as important to diplomacy as making strong points. However, when they dared to display their signs, the bill's supporters were strong. Their statements brought to mind an example in which the quietest person, after overcoming their fear, can also triumph in a room.

The resolutions that have been passed by the committees reflect this journey. These are not impeccable, but they are the result of bravery, cooperation, and perseverance. Young people illustrate that people can work together to build a more powerful future by working together to figure out a way out as little minds in a simulation.

Beyond this conference, our theme, "Unite to Create the Future," teaches valuable lessons. It acts like a reminder that more connections, not walls, and more conversation, not silence, are what the world so desperately needs. Students who participate in TESMUN are more than just youngsters participating in a school activity; they are the future, and every decision they make today serves as a practice for the decisions they will make later.

I want to convey my gratitude to all of the delegates, dais members, and those working in the background; your efforts demonstrate that maintaining unity is not only feasible but also effective. In tandem, we shall continue to shape the future by applying the lessons learned from this MUN to our everyday activities..

MUN from the eyes of the Vice Chair of DISEC as a Dais Member

By Neeti Shrestha, Vice Chair of DISEC

It is the first day of the final MUN session. As I sit alongside my dais panel listening to the endless thoughts of the delegates, I find myself reflecting back on just how much MUN has shaped me—both on the professional aspect by enhancing my critical thinking, leadership, and decision-making skills, as well as on the personal aspect, by enhancing my confidence, patience, and speaking skills. From starting out as just a junior interview team member in grade 7, to speaking as a delegate on the national and then international committee as a delegate, and finally to leading a committee, I have withstood a long journey that has been challenging, but deeply rewarding.

Each stage of MUN taught me something new, something I needed to know. As a fellow interviewer, I learned the essence of observation, preparation, and communication. For the next two years, as a delegate, I learned how to think critically, research, cooperate, and present my ideas clearly and concisely. And this year, as a dais member, I am learning how to be a leader, one who inspires and manages every conflict, and guides discussions. Every role has added a new layer to my growth—both as a leader, and as an individual.

The following experiences, along with those alongside me through these experiences have made me realise that MUN cannot simply be taken as a debate. It is a platform in which an individual has the chance to grow in every sense. It has taught me that not everything runs on just preparation and knowledge. Skills like adaptability, empathy, and communication are equally important in this platform.. Not only do these skills just stay limited inside the committee, but they go beyond into my everyday life and shape the way I perceive problems, approach them, collaborate with others, and take initiative.

Looking back, the journey from a confused delegate to a Vice Chair truly feels unreal. I believe that I couldn’t have done it without those who inspired me—not by trying to be an inspiration, but by speaking freely, without hesitation, and making sure every single chance they get is not gone to waste. As the committee ran, their energies lit the room into a flame, motivating every other delegate to raise up their placards, and contribute to the debate. Now, I am reminded that the purpose of MUN lies in the people it shapes, skills it hones, and the confidence it rises in every delegate who dares to speak, rather than the number of times spoken, nor in the number of resolutions passed.

MUN has been a long journey guiding me through self-discovery, flexibility, as well as continuous learning. It has taught me that challenges are just opportunities waiting to be seized, collaboration helps in bringing diverse minds together, and persistence is what changes a mere potential into an achievement. As the final session unfolds, I not only carry forward my lessons and memories, but also every deeper understanding I have had a chance to acquire through leadership, collaboration, and the countless experiences I have gotten from MUN.

verall, my MUN experience as part of the dais was rewarding but difficult. It made my leadership abilities more solid, my confidence level higher, and my appreciation for diplomacy deeper as I reflected myself as one their tutor. Most importantly, it reminded me of the feeling of being a mentor/teacher where leadership is not about being in the spotlight but about empowering others to perform at their best.

My Experience in the TESMUN-2025

By Aryna Ranjeet, Chair of UNEP

Being granted the position of Chairperson of UNEP has, without a doubt, been a significant highlight of my last year in this school as a 10th grader. Me along with 20 others had been chosen to work as the dais panel for specified committees, leading and setting an example for our juniors, or delegates.

Having been a part of the UNEP committee last year myself, I was determined to give it my best to make my committee the best it could be. Handling an international committee would, without a doubt, be tough and full of obstacles that would make me and my dais panel’s work all that harder. The committee began with a very disappointing performance, as the delegates, despite being well-mannered (most of them) simply did not have the courage to speak up. We had to force the delegates to present their points without stuttering, as well as give them time to adapt to the new UNA-USA procedure.

I personally saw a pattern among the 9th graders in all of 4 international committees, most of them either spoke up but disrespected the EB, or did not debate at all and camouflaged themselves in a corner of the conference hall unless told not to. As the Chairperson of UNEP, I had also experienced this issue. The complete use and dependence on AI made me want to give up at times, and the constant gossiping only made my blood run cold. Suspensions were given to those who disrespected the values of the committee and our school, but lessons and advice were also given to those who asked for it.

Amidst all the chaos, UNEP gradually improved over the 3 sessions. My immensely hardworking and supportive vice-chair only made things easier for me to run the committee, and so did my moderator who was equally dedicated. The logistics and press all did their jobs, despite being divagated at times, but most importantly all delegates willingly spoke up, presented their stance and debated in the moderated caucus, crisis and even GSL. I will forever be grateful to be handed this opportunity, which is a once in a lifetime experience that not many have the privilege to encounter.

My Experience as Chair of LP- I

By Prithu Devkota, Chair of LP-I

Serving as Chairperson of Legislative Parliament-I in the Model United Nations was a highly rewarding and educational experience that involved significant personal and leadership growth. It marked a significant shift from being a delegate to taking on the leadership role of chairperson, presenting numerous challenges alongside opportunities for personal development and skill-building.

A dynamic and enthusiastic atmosphere prevailed from the start of the proceedings, as delegates actively engaged with complex issues, making debates captivating and consequential. I was impressed by their willingness to contribute and their vibrant participation, which invigorated the committee and reinforced my confidence in the Model United Nations as a valuable educational experience.

However, we faced several challenges, primarily maintaining order in the assembly and introducing unfamiliar parliamentary procedures. The delegates at times struggled to adhere to expected standards of conduct, and it was crucial to find a balance between maintaining order and promoting a productive, stimulating environment. To facilitate this, I was sometimes required to pause proceedings to clarify the rules, but the delegates' eventual comfort and adaptability made this process worthwhile.

Through this experience, I gained significant insights into the importance of leadership and patience. Effective leadership requires a balance between authority and equity, as well as decisiveness and empathy. It involves creating an environment where individuals feel valued, respected, and acknowledged.

Chairing Legislative Parliament 1 was a life-changing experience that allowed me to explore new aspects of leadership while observing the growth of my fellow delegates. This experience will remain a cherished memory, filled with challenges, insights, and a sense of fulfillment.

From a reporter to the editorial member

By Kusum Shrestha, Deputy Press Head

TESMUN has been a transformative experience for me. I vividly remember my early memories back in grade 7, when I joined as a reporter. We looked up to those seniors of grade 10, who had patiently shown and taught us how to churn out news from the debates taking place in the committees. The seniors' encouragement stayed with me, and as the years passed, I started taking on different roles. Starting as a delegate learning the art of diplomacy and later stepping up to become Deputy Head of the Press Team.

In my mind, TESMUN is about more than just debates on stage. There are unseen hours of preparation that make the event possible. As Deputy Press Head, our journey involved endless back and forth as we scurried from committee to committee to get updates and spend countless hours in the computer lab editing and polishing news articles. It was difficult at times and exhausting, but just as rewarding. Each article felt like concrete evidence of our hard work and collaboration.

TESMUN 2025 offered some new and unlooked-for experiences, including co-hosting the Opening Ceremony with my fellow Deputy Press Head. Standing on the stage and confidently addressing the audience was such an alien feeling to me; I used to quietly type behind a screen.Great flash into my memory, where birth truly came upon me; with that, I realized that it was, indeed, my voice and presence that had grown.

As I now look back to the starting point of this journey till today, TESMUN seems more than just a conference. When I look back, TESMUN seems more than just an annual conference to me. It has been a word journey of growth, responsibility, and collaboration. I watched how being a nervous grade 7 reporter developed into the Deputy Press Head/final Opening Ceremony host, and this year's MUN taught me that all positions, whether in the spotlight or working behind it, are worthy in shaping tomorrow's leaders.

TESMUN 2025: MY EXPERIENCE

By Upashana Dhamal, Moderator of DISEC

From participating in TES MUN 2022 in grade 7, helping my seniors capture their memories inside the lens as a photographer. Creating those memories, living those moments in grade 8 and 9 to now, holding the gavel, providing a platform to help my delegates create memories of their own. My MUN journey has come a long way. This year however, will forever hold a special place in my heart. The 13th iteration of TESMUN and the last one I will be participating in.

Ever since the announcement of roles, it was clear to me that being a part of the executive board would not be easy. So far, it has been an experience that challenged and urged me to look at issues from different perspectives. Unlike being a delegate where the main focus is on one’s country and their stance, being a part of the dais meant I had to think more broadly, fairly and with constant attention to the entire committee’s flow. I definitely couldn't have done it without the chair and vice chair beside me. It was our responsibility to lead the committee, to teach our delegates to not only raise your voice to state a sentence but to make lasting changes, to come up with solutions for real life problems.

One of the most challenging parts about this year’s MUN was the new UNA/USA Rules of Procedures, and everyone seemed to agree, including the delegates. The delegates were constantly complaining about the confusing points and procedures. However, by the third session, everyone got used to it. The delegates of China, USA, Iran and France stood out from the beginning with the delegates of DPRK, Russia, Ukraine and India showing better performance than expected. Our committee definitely was not the most formal, but it definitely was fun.

I especially loved how the delegates were working together to resolve problems during working papers, directives, and resolution preparation. It felt good to see some diplomacy amidst the chaos. A key takeaway for me was the skill of time management and people. Somehow, handling a whole room of juniors made me feel a kind of empathy for my teachers. There were moments when debates became repetitive or too passive, that's when we would step in to guide the room back toward a meaningful dialogue. This process also taught me leadership in a very practical sense.

Standing in front of a committee, holding a gavel, controlling a room full of people did sound intimidating but it is worth it. I not only got to be a part of the organizing committee, a part of the leading body, but also create lasting memories with my delegates, dais panel and everyone who is a part of DISEC 2025. Up to this point, It has been an experience I will carry forward with gratitude and I am excited to see what the remaining two days have in store for me.

Reflection on the opportunity of being the moderator of ECOSOC

By Nishchit Shrestha, Moderator of ECOSOC

I remember it like it was yesterday. I was in grade 7, a page in the HRC committee, watching my seniors talk and debate with each other. Later, I was assigned to the delegation of Arzu Rana in LP-II and the delegation of Afghanistan in UNEP. My time with TES MUN made me envision a goal, a goal to one day stand at the podium as part of the dais panel regulating and maintaining the seven committees of TES MUN 2025. That dream finally came to light, and I can’t thank the school council and the Social HOD enough for trusting me with this post.

We were informed about the selection of the dais panel for TES MUN 2025 two weeks before the presentation. I still remember me and a bunch of my classmates from 10 ‘A’ raising our hands. To be honest, I had lost hope of being chosen and felt my confidence slip. But thanks to a friend who still supports me to this day, I applied again. It was hectic of course, emotions rattled through my brain if I was going to get chosen or not. The presentation happened and I did great but I still wasn’t sure. The day of the results finally came, i was scared yet nervous but as soon as i heard my name as the moderator of ECOSOC, I was shaken to the core. I couldn't believe it at all! A young boy who transformed from a paige in grade 7 to being announced as the moderator for one of the greatest committees in TES MUN felt surreal. I couldn't believe it until I reached home and a sensation of the feeling of accomplishment finally kicked in! I was happy but nervous nevertheless.

My dais panel: Sujan and Sheewin were both inspiring and supportive. Initially, I had no idea about ECOSOC as I had applied for UNEP or LP. But because of their helpful personalities, I quickly adapted and learned the core functions of ECOSOC. Then came the day of the first practice session. I was nervous as we dispersed into committees and I still remember my first encounter with the delegates, the spark of curiosity in their eyes and their passion for speaking still remains attached in my memory. Though a few were absent due to basketball tournaments, the crisis we introduced showed a wave of enthusiasm. Placards shot up, delegates accused and defended their blocs and allies with fiery energy, and the committee truly came alive.

The second agenda brought even more surprises. Many previously passive delegates found their voices, while some active ones grew quiet. This shift made me happy, though it also revealed flaws that needed improvement. Delegates leaned too heavily on research instead of logic, limiting their ability to make impactful points. Still, seeing so many participate in debates filled us with pride. The two-day session ended with the creation of a hectic but fruitful working paper, resolution, and directive.

Finally, the third and final session arrived—the one every TES MUN participant looks forward to. All grade 10 students dressed in formal attire, as MUN is among the most prestigious events hosted by The Excelsior School. The night before, I couldn’t sleep out of sheer excitement. The auditorium was packed with delegates from LP-I, LP-II, LP-III, DISEC, HRC, UNEP, and of course ECOSOC. The ceremony began with the lighting of the oil lamp and badge distribution, followed by the opening video. The cheers of the delegates were loud, giving me flashbacks of my own days as a delegate in LP and UNEP. Nostalgia swept over me. With the strike of the gavel from the Secretary General, TES MUN 2025 officially began.

Watching my delegates improve session by session gave me a feeling of joy. The first two sessions had shown me my own flaws and areas for improvement, but they also taught me how to make ECOSOC more inclusive and impactful. I felt unsure if I could run a committee with the chair and vice chair, but doubting your ability is the biggest mistake you could ever make. Trusting myself and my friend, and my abilities is what made me confident in what I was planning on doing and what I was applying for.

The 1st and 2nd day of the third session was the one for the hall of fames. All the delegates were raising their placards as soon as the moderated caucus started and the view was the one that finally gave the outcome to what I had originally envisioned of ECOSOC. Those 23 delegates showed me how crucial it is for the dais panel to be alert at all times and how leadership is necessary to run the committee; both which I finally possessed because of them. The last day of ECOSOC ended with a blast and I cannot thank my delegates enough for giving the dais panel something we thought we would never get considering the 1st and 2nd session.

I can only thank the Social HOD and the entire MUN experience for revealing what I was truly capable of. From a page in grade 7 to a moderator of ECOSOC, this journey has not only shaped my skills but also shown me my true potential.

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