Orbital MUN Conference – where debate, diplomacy, and student enthusiasm shape future global leaders.
Naomi, Secretary General of Orbital MUN ConferenceIdeas of progress often imply to me that we must sacrifice some culture for development, and I strongly disagree. I don’t wish for these words to be riddled with terms that don’t really mean anything, so I’ll try to be more specific. My goals for the world are highly unrealistic and far too aspirational. But then are we not a hopeful species? And if we cannot at least, at the very bare minimum, hope for a better world, then how can we possibly attain it?
I think hope is valuable, no matter how naive it seems.
From 3rd to 4th February, the British International School of Ljubljana hosted the prestigious Orbital MUN Conference in the picturesque town of Bled, Slovenia. This intellectually stimulating event brought together students from four Orbital schools –Britannica International School Budapest, World Academy Tirana, Baleares International College Mallorca and the British International School of Ljubljana.
The conference provided an invaluable opportunity for students to engage in diplomatic discussions and sharpen their debating skills. Participants were assigned to one of four committees, each tackling significant global issues: AI in Warfare, Nuclear Energy, Animal Testing, and Immigration. These topics formed the basis for thought-provoking discussions, challenging students to examine complex issues from multiple perspectives.
The first day began with icebreaker activities, helping students forge connections before diving into their debates. The opening ceremony featured a keynote speech by Simona Leskovar, Director of the Bled Strategic Forum, who inspired attendees with her insights on diplomacy and global cooperation.
This was followed by the initial committee sessions, where each delegate delivered an opening speech outlining their stance on the assigned topics. Throughout the remainder of the first day and the first half of the second day, delegates engaged in rigorous debates, exchanging arguments and working towards comprehensive resolutions.
The sessions concluded with committee votes on the final resolutions—documents that reflected the students’ dedication, critical thinking, and ability to negotiate compromises.
The closing ceremony was highlighted by an inspiring keynote speech from the British Ambassador to Slovenia, Ms Victoria Harrison, who was accompanied by her guide dog, Otto. Her words provided a fitting and powerful conclusion to the conference, reinforcing the event's emphasis on diplomacy, collaboration, and meaningful dialogue.
The event underscored the importance of diplomacy, analytical reasoning, and teamwork—skills that will serve these students well in their future pursuits. As Naomi, our General Secretariat of the event said:
I urge everyone here, whether you have an interest in going to a field like this or not, to be passionate about humanity and its development. The perfect world is one without war, without hunger, without us killing our planet. But progress is valuable even without perfection, and perfection is impossible without progress.
Beyond the formal debates, students had the chance to explore Bled, socialise in their free time, and attend a gala dinner, complete with a red-carpet entrance. The evening concluded with a touch of elegance, featuring music, dancing, and a live saxophone performance by Mr. Hulse, the music teacher at the British International School of Ljubljana.
Opportunities such as the Orbital MUN Conference play a crucial role in broadening students' understanding of global issues. By engaging in discussions on pressing international matters, they gained first-hand experience in negotiation and problem-solving. The collaborative nature of the conference encouraged them to appreciate diverse perspectives and work towards solutions that balance different interests and priorities.
The enthusiasm and commitment displayed throughout the event were a testament to the students’ dedication. If they carry forward the spirit of collaboration, open-mindedness, and solution-oriented thinking into their future endeavours, the true purpose of the conference will have been fulfilled. The Orbital MUN Conference 2024 was not just a debate forum—it was a stepping stone towards shaping informed, responsible global citizens.
Let’s strive for a world where war is avoided, where people are fed, where prejudice is ended, where the planet is healthy, where culture is valued, and where people are represented and cared for. It's a world which we may never see, but if we all endeavour to stand up for what we believe in and to reject tyrants, then we are moving in the right direction.
