EAMUN A Life-Changing Journey of Diplomacy and Growth

Attending the East African Model United Nations (EAMUN) conference was truly an extraordinary experience. EAMUN isn't just an event; It's a platform where young minds like ours come together to engage in diplomacy, debate, and problem-solving on a global scale.

A 4-day conference filled with opportunity and energy. In the course of the 4 days, we can say that I learnt so much more than I expected. Going into this experience was new for us. We were out of my comfort zone. New place, new people, new environment and new everything! But it indeed would build me as a person. I didn't expect it to have been all that and more!

Never having attended this conference, like many others, it was quite intimidating. In a room filled with almost 1000 people, saying we were nervous is an understatement! However, being in a room where current leaders sat and a place where global decisions were made ,we couldn't be more inspired!

First off, can we talk about how much our public speaking skills have improved? We used to get nervous just speaking in front of my classmates, but after EAMUN, we feel like we've really improved! Researching for MUN sessions helped us learn more about global issues and how to think critically. It also made us more confident in expressing my ideas during debates.

At EAMUN we could also confess to making a bunch of new friends? Seriously, bonding with delegates from all over East Africa was an experience we'll never forget. And it's not just about the debates and discussions. EAMUN opened our eyes to the importance of international cooperation and understanding different perspectives. We feel like we've come out of this experience with a whole new outlook on the world and our roles in it.

Just being there, going through resolutions and debating over them, at first was a feeling of fear. That then turned into excitement. EAMUN is a place where your views and opinions can be heard.

As part of different committees, we both had our favourite resolutions. In the Political Committee, we went through resolutions about current pressing matters. My particular favourite was about Kenya and ways to bring back its political stability through a pilot program.Engaging not only with pressing issues, but also with the African nations.

In the Economic committee, my favorite resolution was discussing Guinea Bissau's pilot program in Burundi addressing global climate change. Though I only provided a point of information, I was eager to engage in the conversation further.

You may ask though, is that all?

No! EAMUN has a number of extra committees such as the ICJ (International Criminal Justice Committee) which works with current matters, such as the Ukraine and Russia wars, USA and Iran and many more. As well as MCC (Mandela Charity Committee) where delegates were able to make a real life changing decision affecting many lives. With the contribution of the many people attending, they were able to give back to communities in need. With over 250,000 Kenyan shillings going to schools and orphanages, it was a liberating experience.

Most of all, EAMUN changed our perspectives on the capabilities we had. It showed me as I stood in front of many people, that nothing is as hard as it seems. That fear is just present for a moment.

YIBAMBE being the main mantra in the conference. A symbol of united resilience throughout all that we do and face. A word that transcends throughout. A liberating experience, one we will not forget!

EAMUN isn't just a conference, it's a life-changing experience that we are so grateful to have been a part of.

Article by: Ianna Kilavuka and Elizabeth Taylor