TESMUN 2024 - OP-ED

TESMUN 2024

TESMUN A New Era of Debate and Growth

By Paridhi Adhikari, Deputy Chief Editor

As I sit down to pen my thoughts as the Deputy Chief Editor of TESMUN 2024, I'm deeply aware of the responsibility and pride of this role. TESMUN has always been more than just an event; it's a celebration of ideas, a wonderful platform for future leaders, and a testament to the lasting power of communication and diplomacy. This year, as we face the challenges and opportunities that TESMUN 2024 presents, I'm reminded of the incredible potential within each delegate, dais panel member, Press and IT members, and the crafty logistics.

TESMUN 2024 marks the beginning of a new era in our journey. The challenges are greater, the stakes higher, and the growth opportunities more profound. As we come together to simulate the workings of the United Nations, we are not mere participants in a school event. We are active contributors to the global discourse. Each debate, resolution, and speech is a step toward understanding the complex web of international relations and the pressing issues that define our world today.

TESMUN is about more than just the issues at hand. It's about the people; the dedicated delegates, dais panel, and coordinators who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure everything runs smoothly. It's about the friendships forged in the heat of debate, the confidence gained from making your voice heard, and the lessons learned from both victories and setbacks.

As Deputy Chief Editor, I have had the privilege of witnessing the dedication and passion that everyone brings to TESMUN. From the first delegate placard raised to the final gavel at the closing ceremony, there's a palpable energy; a sense of purpose and determination that drives us to excel. This energy is what makes TESMUN special; it transforms a simple simulation into an unforgettable experience.

To the delegates of TESMUN 2024, I say this: embrace the challenges ahead. Don't shy away from difficult conversations or controversial topics. Push yourself to think beyond the obvious, question assumptions, and consider perspectives different from your own. Remember that in the world of diplomacy, there are no easy answers, and harmony often comes through disagreement. Yet it's in these disagreements that we learn the most about the world, others, and ourselves.

TESMUN 2024 is not just an event; it's a journey of discovery and growth. It's a journey that each of us embarks on with a shared commitment to making the world a better place, one debate at a time. As we close the chapter on this year's TESMUN, let's look ahead with hope and determination, knowing that the lessons we've learned here will stay with us for a lifetime.

Let's apply the skills we've honed here; critical thinking, public speaking, and teamwork to the challenges we'll face in the future. Together, we've created something truly remarkable. As we look to the future, I do not doubt that the impact of TESMUN will continue to be felt, not just within the walls of our school, but in the wider world beyond.

The Delegate’s Journey: Navigating Confidence and Challenges

By Jaanbi Karki, Interviewer/Podcast Member

Model United Nations (MUN) is one of the most celebrated programs here in The Excelsior School. This program not only prioritizes academic growth but also promotes the holistic development of the students. The MUN is not only about the dias panel, and the delegates; it is also about the Press, IT, and the Logistic team who work behind the scenes to provide the essence of the committee.

Being a press member, I feel delighted to participate in this intellectual program and contribute to making this program successful. Therefore, I stood at the Legislative Parliament-II as a reporter, observing the voices of the future. The crisis involved some prominent political figures of Nepal; Gagan Kumar Thapa and Arzu Rana Deuba were allegedly caught on a phone call discussing the money transactions. Arzu expresses fear that the conversation might get leaked but Prime Minister K.P Sharma Oli assures that the conversation won’t slip up. As the plot became dense, the crisis took an unexpected turn where Swarnim Wagle and Madhav Kumar Nepal, figures of the opposing team were found to be the real whistleblowers and guilty.

The dais and the delegates have poured their blood and sweat into the active participation of the delegates yet their efforts were proven scarce, and the committee seemed rather passive. The delegates have not been able to defend the accusations raised in the committee highlighting their insufficient research.

I think their escape from the logical debate that requires data-based accusations was the primary issue. However, despite the efforts of the dias panel, the committee didn’t seem to be taking the right turn. The delegate also seemed to lack ethics, respect, and decorum to maintain the formal tone of the committee. Additionally, the delegates' lack of research was apparent, eventually leading to the passive participation of the delegates in the committee. As I observed I think the lack of delegate norms highlighted their indiscipline.

As I looked at the silent young delegates, who couldn't put their voice forward, I saw myself in them. I am reminded of my own experiences as a delegate where I found myself in a situation in complete loss of words, unable to defend myself from all the accusations. Although crisis moments are often described as an opportunity to think critically and tackle the uprising problems, they can also be an event of vulnerability.

Once the delegates dared to raise their placards high in the air, speaking and defending themself, their voice roared like thunders commanding attention and filling the room with vigorous energy. The delegates were unstoppable from then, analyzing the crisis and fighting for themselves along with maintaining their alliance. This provides the perfect example that no matter how unsure someone may feel, they can rise and prove their potential once the right chance is provided.

With a majority of votes, the best resolution was passed. I think that the delegates were successful in creating the best resolution beneficial for all parties involved. The resolution included all the parties that fought for democracy and the people, encouraging all the parties to be honest and responsible for their wrongdoings. The resolution calls upon political figures and parties to take responsibility for their actions and to uphold the nation’s values.

In essence, it is comprehensible that the delegates being new to the MUN Sessions faced certain discomfort and limited understanding. However, with thorough research and more experience, the delegates will be well-equipped to speak confidently and uphold the committee’s decorum maintaining formality during the sessions. As the delegates continue to improve their skills, they will be able to contribute meaningfully to the diplomatic debate. I believe that with the proper guidance and assistance from the dais panel, the delegates will be over their fear and learn to speak for themselves.

A Day in UNEP

By Agrata Silwal

In today's UNEP committee session, the debate was marked by intense questioning and a flurry of exchanges among delegates on pressing global environmental issues. The delegate of South Africa after giving the speech was questioned by the delegates of Norway, France, Germany, and the USA. All of their questions were interesting but the answers given were unsatisfactory.

The delegate of Iran talked about the improvements made in the country to slow climate change. The speech was much shorter than what had been expected. After the delegate finished their speech, the questions came flooding in. The delegates were comparatively active today.

The speech of the delegate of Pakistan left lots of questions unanswered as the delegate’s speech was too long.

The delegate of Ukraine gave a relatively short speech. Two delegates questioned the delegate of Ukraine. Delegate of Russia and Nepal. The delegate of Russia accused the delegate of Ukraine of being responsible for the sea level rising in the Black Sea. The delegate of Ukraine replied “Russia also borders the Black Sea and let's not forget that Ukraine also was a part of the Soviet Union. So, Russia is mainly the one responsible for the rise in sea level” This point impressed the Dias panel resulting in the good point that the delegate of Ukraine achieved.

The speech of the delegate of Canada was on the longer side. The delegate spoke in a much lower tone. There was not much to be noted. The delegate was questioned by lots of the delegates. The delegate wasn’t able to answer the questions leading to the delegate questions or reply to the accusations through chits.

The delegate of Israel was mainly questioned by the delegates of France, China, the USA, and Russia. The delegate was accused of prioritizing the ongoing war more than global warming. The delegate was unable to reply.

The Delegate of China had talked about the projects that were trying to combat global warming. The delegate criticized the country for causing glaciers to melt. To this, the delegate from China gave an example of a project that covered glaciers with a blanket to prevent them from melting.

In my honest opinion, I think the delegates are livelier and more active than normal. They are participating in the discussions by asking questions and accusing each other. I do think that the delegates could speak louder and clearer while asking questions as well as giving their speeches. I'd like to comment on the outstanding performance of the delegates of France and China who had the best research and the loudest and clearest voices.

The delegate from Russia started a moderated caucus on the topic “Economic and social consequences for coastal communities due to melting glaciers” followed by a delegate from Norway who gave the topic “Actions to be taken to put a stop to the harm done by glaciers melting and sea level rise” and the delegate of France who gave the topic “The impacts of sea level rise flooding and sinking on vulnerable communities”. The topic raised by France was passed. The delegates who moderated the caucus were France, the USA, Afghanistan, Nepal, Norway, and Ukraine. The delegate of France was the first to speak in the moderated caucus. The moderated caucus ended with the committee agreeing to collaborate to improve the situation.

The whole committee was active and extremely competitive this session. All the delegates were giving their all and tearing each other apart. I am impressed with the improvement seen in their skills. I am glad that some of the quieter delegates were speaking up and participating in the discussion.

Behind the Mic

By Prastuti Pandeya, Podcast Member

The TESMUN 20224 provided this unique opportunity to every participant, be it the logistic team who works behind the closed curtains to enhance the beauty of the event or the IT team who showcases our captured moments across the school. I, as a podcast member for this year, had a wonderful experience capturing the voices of the organizing committee, and their vision on the following session.

The initial steps were a bit hectic as we were unfamiliar with all the procedures of the podcast. We were anxious yet excited to build memories and experiences. The questions were previously prepared, all we did was some editing and finalizing them. After noting down the free time of all the guests, we prepared the setup and gave it a professional and aesthetic look.

Our first guests were the secretary general and the IT head, who were hosted by Roshin Sthapit, while the Press head and crisis head were hosted by Paridhi Adhikari. Finally, the episode finished when Jaanbi Karki interviewed the logistic heads.

For an inexperienced member, the purpose of the day succeeds with flying colors. However, there were some spots left out uncleaned. These mistakes would be a guiding path for our preparation for another podcast.

To begin with, we couldn’t start the recording at the intended time. Due to the setup and rehearsal, the recording was delayed by a few minutes. We couldn’t afford to lose any more time, hence the podcast began. Again, we failed to acknowledge possible misunderstandings that could occur. Several retakes had to be taken due to few communications.

Regardless, I believe that we can improve on our mistakes, and make other episodes the best. With proper team coordination, we can make it beyond the expectations we set.

Passion and Debates: Lessons from the UNEP Committee

By Anasuya Rijal , Interviewer

TESMUN offers students a unique platform to showcase their skills, advocate for their delegations, and build up their confidence through accurate debates. As someone who once hesitated to express my views despite having so much to share, I know how intimidating it can be to raise one’s voice in such committees. Yet as I grew more confident I began to fully engage in committee discussions, realizing the power and importance of being heard.

Now as a member of the press, I observe with admiration how the delegates of the UNEP committee eagerly raise their placards, eager to contribute to the debate. Their passion and determination reminded me of my early days in MUN when I was equally eager to engage, yet held back by a fear of speaking out. Today, I witness the same eagerness in these delegates as they tackle crises passionately.

The recent crisis in UNEP focused on the illegal importation of China’s waste by Bangladesh which turned the committee into a heated dispute. The accused delegation defended their delegation with confidence while the other delegates attacked with power in their voice. Bangladesh, accused of reportedly importing waste, quickly argued back that the lack of government left the country unable to control its action and shifted the blame on China. This left loads of accusations for China for its environmental practices, particularly the dumping of human waste and water waste in the Indian Ocean.

As I watched this unfold, I was both curious and anxious to see how China would respond to these allegations. However, China handled the situation quite professionally. The tension in the room was visible as delegates were worried and continued to press their points.

China’s statement during the presidential speech highlighting strong international relations and threatening Nepal with bombing left me shocked and confused. Nepal and Bangladesh’s Presidents also escalated the situation raising concerns about immediate human and environmental consequences.

Watching the delegates today, I saw not just a debate over environmental issues, but a representative of international relations, where strategy and resilience are key. And among the committee, I saw the future leaders of our world looking for peaceful solutions.

MUN EXPERIENCE

By Suprinsha Lama

TESMUN (The Excelsior School Modern United Nation) is a platform where we get a chance to debate with others. From MUN, we get opportunities to speak and raise our voice in front of others. There are many benefits of MUN. Here, in MUN, we can increase our research skills and develop our confidence and proficiency in public speaking. MUN increases our leadership skills. We can hone our leadership skills in decision-making, inspiring people, and handling group dynamics by taking on positions like chairing meetings or heading an alliance of nations. From MUN, we can know the value of time.

This year's MUN was really awesome. I was in the ECOSOC (Economic and Social Council) committee. And I was the delegate of the UK (United Kingdom). I was really scared and nervous at first to participate in TESMUN, but my chair, Jahnawi Ghimire, vice chair, Prakriti Thapa, and my moderator, Purnima Khanal, helped me a lot during this MUN session. How can I forget our TESMUN coordinator, Mr. Govinda Gautam? He also helped us a lot during MUN. Our Secretary-General Sadikshya Lohani and Crisis Head Kaibalya Lama were really kind and friendly. They also helped us a lot in need.This year's TESMUN2024 was really awesome and unforgettable. This year we all made wonderful memories during these couple of days.

My experience with MUN is really more about the knowledge I've gained about common tactics used. MUN is all about research. In the 2nd season of MUN, I was in a crisis, and my chair told me that you have to give a presidential speech in front of everyone. At that moment, I was really scared to give a presidential speech. But my dad told me the format of the presidential speech, and I somehow gave my presidential speech. After my presidential speech, everyone was asking me questions. At that moment I was so nervous and scared, so I wasn't able to answer the questions. But when other delegates also started giving their presidential speeches, then I understood what the actual presidential speech was.

On the 1st and 2nd MUN sessions, I was speaking wonderfully, but at the 3rd session, I wasn't able to speak because of fever and throat pain. The 3 sessions were for 3 days. On the first day of the 3rd season of TESMUN, I was absent because I was sick and wasn't able to come to school. But on the 2nd day of MUN, I somehow came to school and gave my GSL. My dad was telling me to speak, but I wasn't able to speak. I was having headaches at that time. That time I wanted to speak, but I wasn't able to. On the 2nd day of TESMUN, though I was sick, I somehow prepared my GSL and shared. On the 2nd day of MUN, I researched a lot but wasn't able to speak, and that was my great problem.

The 3rd and final day of MUN, and that was today. The last day of MUN was the closing ceremony.The days will hang over the certificate to the winners of LP1, LP2, LP3, ECOSOC, HRC, UNEP, and DISEC. I was really nervous about whether I would get a certificate or not. The days were slowly announcing the names of the winners. After waiting for some time, it was the turn of the committee, ECOSOC. I was really scared whether I would get a certificate or not. After announcing the winners' names, I was really sad. My name was not taken. But, after some time, our Secretary-General told us not to be sad about whoever doesn’t get a certificate; it's not the end; it's just the beginning of the journey. After my Secretary-General told me that, I understood that MUN is not just for prices and certificates but for our knowledge and research skills.

This 2024 MUN was really fun and memorable. I will not forget my chair, vice chair, and moderator. They were there for me whenever I needed them. And they were so kind and friendly to me.

MY EXPERIENCE IN MUN

By Progress Dhakal

“The irony is that the actual story starts from the moment when we think that everything has ended”

-Aaliya Mallick

Indeed from today a new story begins,a story that I as a delegate will always love.TES MUN 2024 comes to an end today but the memories that are collected will always remain in my heart.Experiences were gained,opinions were presented but the thing that will last forever is the love for Model United Nations.As a delegate of US in Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) at a Model United Nations (MUN) conference, it has been both an educational and challenging experience. In this essay, I will delve into my experiences and learnings of TES MUN 2024.

Firstly, I was a traveler, searching for my path through the vast world of diplomacy. But with the guidance of my dais panel, that journey transformed, and I evolved into a delegate, confident and ready to navigate the complex currents of international relations. Their mentorship helped me find direction and purpose, turning uncertainty into a fruitful experience of growth and learning.Looking back into the pages of story,from the first day I as a delegate of US in DISEC had to face a big responsibility as the United States is a world leader in military forces ,balancing its commitment to global disarmament with its continued ownership of nuclear weapons. This necessitated a comprehensive understanding of US strategy and the concerns of other nuclear and non-nuclear powers. Participating in these meetings helped me to understand the complexities of disarmament arguments and the importance of smart diplomacy.

In my opinion,these responsibilities and pressures are the things that make MUN so special.Getting a chance to talk ,negotiate and accuse others are always the highlights of the MUN.Furthermore, involvement in DISEC has deepened my understanding for the United Nations' responsibility in ensuring international peace and security. While debates can be intense and consensus is difficult to attain, my MUN experience taught me that diplomacy is critical to resolving global disputes and creating a more peaceful world

In conclusion,.serving as a delegate of the United States in DISEC has been an invaluable experience that has deepened my understanding of global security issues and honed my diplomatic skills. It has inspired me to continue exploring international relations and to remain engaged in discussions on how to create a more secure and cooperative world.I will always participate in MUN with the same enthusiasm and determination toward achieving success that I did from the start of the story.

MY EXPERIENCE OF TESMUN 2024

By Pradyot Sharma Chapagain

The TESMUN is a yearly program held in The Excelsior School which is not just a platform to debate but also is a platform to enhance our skill of coordination, problem solving skills and collaboration. As the delegate of Palestine in the International community of United Nations Disarmament and International Security Committee (UN DISEC), I have seen noticeable improvements in the way I talk and have been able to grow my confidence.

In class eight, I was the delegate of Gagan Kumar Thapa. I was able to talk well and get a verbal mention in the award distribution but I was not satisfied enough. I was ready to be more in the international committee. I presented my points well, got applause from our dias for my words but still I came short. I again got a verbal mention which really did break my heart but I was also happy that people from all of the committees clapped for me, cheered for me which gave me a slight confidence boost.

Although I was not able to achieve my goals for this year of MUN, I am still very happy as I have been able to improve myself as a speaker and also have been able to develop my problem solving skills. Not only that but MUN has also made me able to present my points and stances to others with more clarity. I have been able to collaborate with my friends properly which has helped me as well as my friends to work properly in a team.

Even though my days of being a delegate in the TESMUN is over now, I can still use the skills that I learned in the past few days in my daily life to make myself a better leader and a better person. I hope that the TESMUN will run smoothly and will create more leaders for our future.

MY EXPERIENCE OF TESMUN 2024

By Pradyot Sharma Chapagain

TESMUN 2024

By: Piyush Gairhe, 9C

Model United Nations (MUN) offers students a rare opportunity to explore the intricacies of international diplomacy; it's more than simply a simulation; it's a scaled-down representation of the world stage. Despite its challenges, the experience is quite fulfilling as it develops analytical abilities, speaking publicly, and a more profound comprehension of international concerns.

Delegates from every committee at TESMUN discover issues from everyday life and work to find solutions in their committees. MUN is a worthwhile program that can help you feel motivated to make a difference in the world. It's critical to understand that participation is the only way to learn about MUN.

TESMUN 2024, is a simulation where young delegates demonstrate dashing oratory skills and diplomatic dexterity as they engage in rigorous arguments and respectful negotiation. Getting involved in this event, the young delegates will be inculcating values we want to impart and skills we want to instill. TESMUN is an educational simulation of the United Nations, where students take on roles as delegates from different countries and representatives of Nepal's House of Representatives. Their primitive goal is to address real-world issues by adopting their assigned countries' policies and ideologies or acting as Nepali political leaders. TESMUN provides a platform for students to explore, express, and debate. Like many universities, high schools, and non-profit organizations, The Excelsior School also organizes Model United Nations sessions to empower students and give them an interactive space to build their voice and confidence.

With the signing of the UN charter in 1945, the UN's Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) was established as the first of the Main Committees in the General Assembly. As a result, DISEC is frequently called the First Committee. As a delegate of Belarus in the DISEC committee, I have a very wonderful platform to learn new things about global issues, also I have got the opportunity to speak as a representative of the country Belarus. I had also tried my best to communicate and represent my country as the best country and represent myself as the best delegate of the committee but unfortunately, I didn't receive an award of the best delegate, Outstanding Delegate, special mention, noticeable delicate, best position paper or best country profile but the name of my country Belarus’s name was taken in the verbal mention as attentive delegate. But also I am happy that I learned some new things especially about global issues and also about my country and other countries.

In my opinion, TES MUN is one of the best platforms to express Our ideas about global issues, about our repetitive countries, and also the countries that will enhance our public speaking skills, debating skills, handling any situation, and exploring the Global issues. In my opinion, TES MUN has helped students overcome the fear of public speaking, improve their negotiation skills, and build relationships through effective communication. In addition to gaining knowledge about global issues participants also develop skills essential for daily life as scholars, activists, or future leaders. Also, in my opinion, The primitive goal of the TES MUN is to address the real wall issue by adopting the policies and ideology of the representative countries or while representing Nepali political leaders. TES MUN Has also built our voice and confidence to speak and handle any situation, handle any crisis and overcome the fear of public speaking and participating skills. For me, the General Assembly of the Excelsior School Model United Nations For the first time was a little bit hard for us as the general assembly of TES MUN was the first time held in the history of TES MUN. But also the general assembly was quite good as the crisis had involved all the committees. Also, there was fun in the Mun as representing countries listening to the other points and defending our allies and our country. I would also like to thank all the people who helped us to learn new things in TES MUN also I would like to thank our school administration, the chairperson of the school Madam Sheetal Rana, principal of the school Mr. Prasant Rajak, the teachers organizing this TES MUN in our school. Last but not least, I would like to thank our senior brother and sister of class 10 who helped and organized TES MUN 2024.

Finally, As the delicate of Belarus of the Disec committee, TES MUN 2024 was one of the memorable moments of my school journey. I would also miss the dias panel, my fellow friends, the IT department for managing the IT sector, the Logistic team for managing the committees, the press team for the news, Secretary General who worked very hard work in the TES MUN 2024 success and also the teachers and supervisors who have helped to run the committee smoothly. I would very much miss our committee, our Dias panel who helped us to learn new things and I would also miss the voice of the Dias panel giving us good points and points. I would never miss the TES MUN sessions. I would encourage others also to participate in the TES MUN as it provides of platform for students to explore Express and debate.

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