Speaking at the United Nations

Written by Bachelor of International Relations/Bachelor of Communication (Business) student, Sarah White.

As I found myself coming towards the end of my Bachelor of International Relations, I was itching to put the skills I had learnt in the classroom to use in an international setting. Being a part of the 2018 Bond WIMUN Team allowed me to do just this. Not only was I able to apply the diplomatic skills learnt at Bond to a United Nations simulation, I was also able to apply academic knowledge learnt across a variety of courses.

I was part of a 4-person team that travelled to New York for the WFUNA International Model United Nations Conference (WIMUN). Prior to the WIMUN conference we had the opportunity to meet with four different Permanent Missions to the United Nations, these included; Lao, United Arab Emirates, Estonia and Australia. As I was selected to represent Estonia for the conference, meeting with their permanent mission provided a great insight into their diplomatic nuances. Not only were we able to ask questions about their domestic situation but also dig deeper into their bid for the Security Council and their role as a young country at the United Nations. Meetings such as these enabled the team to get a feel for diplomacy in practice whilst also allowing us to create some incredible connections and networks. 

Stand Out Stories | Sarah White

As part of WIMUN, fellow Bondy Shinae and I were also fortunate enough to be chosen to speak at the Opening Plenary for the Conference, which was held at the UNHQ in the General Assembly Hall. Speaking here was an incredible honour particularly considering the calibre of esteemed individuals who have spoken there before us. As nerve-racking as the idea first seemed, this was a once in a lifetime opportunity for both Shinae and myself and one I am sure neither of us will forget any time soon. 

For me, the best part of attending the conference was that my itch to experience the real world only grew bigger. The program gave us a taste of what doors an International Relations degree can open and left us all wanting more. Whilst I hope that is definitely not the last time I will sit in the UNHQ General Assembly Hall, for the time being, the 2018 WIMUN conference was an incredible reminder that new opportunities are always just around the corner, so make sure you always keep a look out.

Bachelor of International Relations

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