What’s It Like to Attend HalcyonMUN?

Our team interviewed Non-Affiliated-Student Esa, who attended our conference as part of our ongoing efforts to improve outreach and accessibility to students from across the country and abroad.

Here’s what he had to say!

What was the highlight of your experience?

The highlight was successfully getting my resolution passed with a 34–2 majority. It felt amazing to see my research, speeches, and negotiations during lobbying actually result in a resolution that most of the committee supported. It gave me a huge sense of accomplishment and confidence in my abilities as a delegate.

Before the conference, was there anything you were nervous about?

I was nervous about speaking in front of such an experienced group of delegates, many of whom came from private and international schools. I expected it to be intimidating and thought I would be nervous the entire time. It definitely was at first, but once I started engaging in debate and lobbying, I felt more confident and realized I could hold my own.

What preparation did you undertake before attending, and what advice would you give to other delegates?

I researched Pakistan’s stance, drafted potential resolutions, and prepared POIs and speeches in advance. My advice for first-time delegates is: know your country inside out, be flexible in debate, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or collaborate. Preparation is key, but adaptability during the conference is just as important and can change the outcome.

Can you describe a moment where you had to negotiate or form alliances with other delegates?

During committee sessions, I had to form alliances with delegates from countries with similar positions to ensure our resolution would pass. It involved compromise, persuasive arguments, and careful timing of speeches to make sure my resolution was supported.

What, if any, was the most challenging part of the conference?

The hardest part was balancing Pakistan’s official stance with what other delegates would realistically support. I had to stay true to Pakistan’s policies while negotiating clauses that others could agree on, which required patience and confidence in my abilities.

Why would you recommend HalcyonMUN to future delegates?

HalcyonMUN is a fantastic opportunity for growth and networking with like-minded students. It’s challenging, structured, and realistic, helping delegates develop research, public speaking, and negotiation skills. You also get to interact with highly motivated students from around the world, which is inspiring and broadens your perspective on international issues.