Excitement and anticipation clouded the room as the Security Council held its first meeting at the MUNFW on April 19, 2024. As the room settled, students transformed into delegates ready to advocate for their country and discuss global crises. The first order of business was to set the agenda. Delegates rose to propose which matters they found the most concerning and why. After much debate and consolidation, the consensus landed on five topics including the Islamist insurgency in Mozambique, the Gaza Red Sea conflict, women and children in conflict zones, interstate conflict, and security reform. 

Tyler Plath, delegate of France who proposed the final order and language of the agenda took calculated measures to best pursue his country’s interest while still addressing global concerns. His approach came from a place of understanding as first he wanted to observe what others suggested before determining which matters he wanted to press. Plath was able to lead the discussion by stepping past specifics and noticing the broad topics which he then got approval from the room. He explained that it was important to him to “set the tone by speaking first on the agenda and then driving the conversation as a leader from there.”

Once the agenda was made in order, the first issue of Cabo Delgado, Mozambique was addressed with Mozambique, Russia, Japan, and Guyana on the speakers list. The Delegate of Mozambique began by explaining the needs of his country to combat terrorist acts and genocide such as peacekeepers, the removal of child soldiers, fire training, rebuilding of infrastructure, and humanitarian aid. The latter speakers expressed their support for the war-torn country but also suggested modifications. By the end of the session, delegates came up with an almost unanimous resolution on the issue and were prepared to solidify conditions in the next meeting. 

Breanna Reyes
World Press Reporter
California State University, East Bay