The Monash University Model United Nations Conference (MUNash) is a two-day conference held over the mid-semester break of Semester 2. MUNash brings students from a diverse range of faculties, backgrounds and all levels of Model United Nations (MUN) experience.
Since its beginning in 2013 MUNash has been both a flagship event for the Monash International Affairs Society (MIAS) and a key aspect of the Monash University campus experience for students interested in international relations.
The conference provides students with an excellent opportunity to further develop skills in public speaking, critical thinking and research. It is also a great opportunity for students to meet like minded individuals and make life-long friends.
MUNash also serves as an important training opportunity for Monash University delegations to Model UN conferences. From MUNash many students have gone on to represent Monash University successfully in domestic and international Model UN conferences. Some students have even gone on to work within UN bodies and UN affiliated organisations after graduating, making MUNash an integral aspect in many students’ academic pathways.
Prior to participating in MUNash in 2019, I was a complete newcomer to the world of MUN conferences. I’m so glad MUNash was my first conference – the atmosphere was welcoming, and I felt comfortable asking questions and speaking up. The mixture of beginners and experienced participants was also really great, as I could emulate my writing and speaking skills from those more skilled than I. The social experience is an added bonus, I met so many new people and made new friends. Overall, it’s a fantastic way to become experienced with MUN procedure, build upon your negotiation skills, and have fun while doing it!
Being a Director for the Arctic Council in MUNash 2018 was an extremely rewarding experience. The Arctic Council was used for the first time last year and it was a great opportunity to experiment with the dynamics between different member-states and make the Council its own thing. The best thing of all though was seeing first time delegates walk into the chamber and growing through each round of debate and negotiation until they get up to give their final passionate argument for their stance. Just for that, I would recommend keen MUNers take up a Director position at MUNash at least once during your time here.
"MIAS’ 2019 MUNush was my first time ever participating in a model UN event, and I loved it! I was put on a committee for beginners, and knowing that I was with people in the same boat as me made it a lot less intimidating. The people who chaired our committee were really friendly and supportive, and they knew just how to guide us through the process of a model UN. It was also a great opportunity to get to know new people - some that I’d seen around my classes, and some people I’d never met before! MIAS really knows how to run a MUN that is inclusive to people of all levels of experience, as well as incredibly fun! “