My Week at EAMUN
15th February 2025
Last week, I had the absolute honour of stepping into the world of the East African Model United Nations (EAMUN)—a place where students from all over East Africa gather to debate global issues, attempt to fix the world (at least in theory), and, of course, dress in formal attire every single day. Over 700 delegates from 73 schools came together for this incredible experience, and let me tell you—it was prima!
Day 1 started on a high note when I was given the opportunity to be a judge in the Historical Decision Committee. Imagine walking into a room full of confident, well-prepared delegates, knowing you hold the power to evaluate their arguments. Yes, I felt important. Yes, I took my role very seriously.
Day 2 was even more intense as I got to debate in the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The topic? The Israel-Palestine war. The discussions were passionate, sometimes heated, and deeply thought-provoking. As people shared their perspectives, I couldn't help but wonder—how would we feel if we were in the middle of such a crisis? The weight of the issue made us all reflect on the real-world impact of war and conflict.
By Day 3, I was in my designated committee—Ecology. A fancy way of saying we spent the day debating soil erosion, deforestation, and how humanity is basically ruining the planet. The discussions were engaging, but let's be honest—if we really wanted to help the environment, we’d start by banning paper position statements (ironic, right?).
And then came the final day—probably my favourite. Not only did we get to wear traditional attire, but we also debated in our native languages in the World Language Committee. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be passionately arguing about global issues in Gujarati! Usually, my mother tongue is reserved for casual conversations at home, but here I was, raising my voice in a formal debate. It was the perfect blend of culture, intellect, and—let’s be real—comedy. Hearing formal debates in Swahili, French, and other languages was both inspiring and absolutely hilarious at times.
Beyond the debates, EAMUN was about so much more—meeting new people, reconnecting with old friends, and feeling a tiny bit closer to making a difference in the world. And while wearing formal clothes every single day felt strange at first, by the end of the week, I almost started enjoying it (almost).
This experience was exhilarating, unforgettable, and—who knows? Maybe one day, we’ll be sitting in the real United Nations, making decisions that actually change the world.
Dhara Shah 10N
