UN-ehh-DC💔

Its only the first day, the first committee session, of Model United Nations, and what was supposed to be our “beloved” committee, UNODC was already beginning to disappoint. Only one word could describe what was felt while sitting in room S5-28. BORING!!

Starting off, a major stakeholder, Mexico, conveniently decided to not even show up to the event. And honestly, for the delegates that did show up, they seemed to be only physically present, not mentally. The entire left section of the room, didn’t even participate after their short opening speeches and were blankly just staring at the timers on the screen. Several other delegates were spotted just sitting idly, appearing lost and utterly confused.

During the GSL, multiple delegates like the delegate of USA, Germany, China, Afghanistan and

Venezuela simply yielded their remaining time back to the dais, and the committee session had reached a low point where the chairs had to forcefully make the delegates answer the POIs (which were also answered with “I’ll get back to you in note form”).

There was constant murmur of chatter among the delegates, while speeches were being delivered, clearly proving that they really had not read the ROP. The delegate of Venezuela and Thailand were spotted whispering, pretty loudly, during the GSL speeches. Were they flirting? Maybe. But were they paying attention to the speeches delivered? CERTAINLY not.

However, amidst the widespread disinterest, there were a few surprisingly competent delegates, such as the delegate of the UK, whose speech was delivered with a great deal of confidence and contained relevant points about the topic, offering a glimmer of hope that the committee wouldn't be a complete disaster.

Alas, good luck to the committee, and hopefully the following committee sessions will be more

fruitful.

Maila P. Topbroke

CNN