Diplomacy? Never heard of it - Inside CNPC’s Day of Chaos and Comedy

The CNPC’s session, which was supposed to reflect the art of diplomacy and structured debate, turned into what could only be described as an unorganised circus. Delegates treated roll calls - the simplest of tasks like a joke. Some laughed, some muttered nonsense, and others did not bother to respond unless at all until they were repeatedly called. Chairs, visibly frustrated banged the gavel but the room was filled with cross-talk and noise. Formality? Completely out of the window. Yang Xiuqing set the tone by strolling in wearing informal baggy pants, because apparently, dressing formally like a delegate was too ordinary. The message was clear “Why follow rules when you can create your own style?”

The language used was just as disappointing as the dress code, shockingly unprofessional. Instead of having a professional speech, the delegate Wei Changhui turned it into a messy verbal showdown with offensive language that belonged nowhere near a formal committee session. On top of that, the rules of procedure were completely ignored and distorted beyond recognition. Points of personal privilege were raised for irrelevant reasons, making it clear that some delegates saw these nothing more than convenient ways to interrupt the formal session. Instead of diplomacy, CNPC gave us a class in how to not conduct a session. The formal debate felt more like a noisy classroom where the teacher was disrespected, and the children were going wild.

By the end of the day it was clear that CNPC was not just a session gone wrong, it was a public service announcement on why basic respect, dress codes, and common sense are essential. Now, organizers face a tough task teaching delegates how to act like they belong at MUN not like they are a part of a wild group chat come to life.

Chase DiAngelo

CNN