EDITED NEWSLETTER VOLUME 5 A.Y. 2024-2025 (3)

NEWS | VOLUME V

MUN Locals @ BSM

(From page one) BSM also introduced a new component to the conference through the establishment of the Press Corps. The group consisted of 34 student correspondents from participating schools who were tasked with covering committee sessions and producing at least four articles based on their assigned news agency style.

Opening Ceremony and Keynote Speech Delegates arrived at British School Manila at around 3:00 p.m. and proceeded to the Bayanihan Hall for the opening ceremony following registration. The program opened with remarks from MUN Locals 2024 Secretary-General Anis Bejleri, who highlighted the importance of challenges in driving meaningful change in line with the conference theme. Following the Philippine and British national anthems, British School Manila Head of School Martin Van Der Linde delivered his welcoming remarks, emphasizing leadership, responsibility, and diplomacy among young delegates. His address was followed by a musical performance by Amelia Esperanza and Sungwon Jung, who performed Someone Like You by Adele.

The keynote address was delivered by Atty. Darlene Berberabe, a graduate of the University of the Philippines with degrees in Philosophy and Law. She shared her experiences working in a male-dominated field and underscored the importance of unity and collaboration despite differences, encouraging delegates to focus on shared values rather than divisions. Alexa Rae Tan, editor-in-chief of the MUN Locals 2024 Press Corps, formally introduced the press delegation and discussed the role of the media in addressing misinformation and upholding truth.

Event Highlights Prior to the opening ceremony, delegates reported to their assigned committee rooms and began formal discussions on their respective agendas. Committees addressed a wide range of international and historical issues affecting global communities. In the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), delegates discussed the promotion of safe digital inclusion in developing countries, while the Human Rights Council (HRC) focused on the exploitation of migrant workers in host nations.

The Security Council (SC) deliberated on the situations in Israel-Hamas and Sudan, while the Historical

Crisis Committee examined the Suez Crisis of 1956. General Assembly committees tackled various topics, regulation of artificial in warfare (GA1), immigration policies in economically developed (GA3), conflict resolution Greek Cypriots and including the intelligence countries between

Turkish

Cypriots in Cyprus (GA4), and the legal implications of autonomous weapons systems in armed conflicts (GA6).

Throughout the sessions, members of the Press Corps observed debates, conducted interviews, and reported developments in real time.

Crisis and Plenary Session During the plenary and crisis sessions, delegates were presented with unexpected scenarios designed to test their analytical and decision-making skills under pressure. These simulations required participants to respond to evolving situations through debate, resolutions, and parliamentary procedure. At the same time, Press Corps members were given a separate crisis scenario to cover, challenging them to report on rapidly developing events while maintaining accuracy and professionalism.

The sessions prompted varied reactions and active engagement from both delegates and correspondents. Awards and Closing Remarks The conference concluded with the recognition of outstanding delegates across committees. SISC earned a total of six awards during the event. Best Delegate awards were presented to Mateo Estanislao, who represented Japan in General Assembly 1, and Joshua Levi Santos, who represented Spain in General Assembly 4. Honorable Mention awards were given to Yeseo Her (Russian Federation, ECOSOC), Seongmi Song (Iraq, GA4), Kenichi Maruyama (Rwanda, GA6), and Hyeyeon Shin (Uganda, Security Council). Closing remarks were delivered by Deputy Secretary- General Noah Lee, who congratulated the award recipients and encouraged all delegates to continue developing their skills beyond the conference.

leadership and diplomatic