Halfway through the MUNFW conference, delegates felt confident giving speeches, forming coalitions, and drafting resolutions. Going into its third meeting the International Organization for Migration (IOM) focused on ensuring safe migration pathways and the needs of forcibly displaced people. The day was filled with several caucuses, debates, and voting opportunities. 

After hearing stances from the speakers list for its first issue, the committee divided itself into three different coalitions based on what they believed best addressed the risks and dangers of migration. While there was an agreeance that conflict, violence, and natural disasters were the root causes of unsafe conditions, each conglomerate had different treatments. The Commonwealth coalition which consisted of several countries including the United Kingdom, Canada, Sierra Leone, and the United States, called for the development of infrastructure as well as more efficient processing methods. The coalition of Ethiopia, Ukraine, and The Republic of Korea, along with four other states focused on information analytics to better asses threat levels in addition to preventing human trafficking. The final group made up of Armenia, Saudi Arabia, Honduras, and four other countries believed that a financial collaboration with the World Bank would be best to improve resources. Delegates who had strong opinions took the lead in rallying allies. Cameron Carter, delegate of Eritrea, was approached by many coalitions but like many other in-between states decided to go with the group that had similar priorities. 

Once resolutions were finalized, substantive debate began. Sponsor states presented their arguments as a united front. Witnessing the support each delegate had for one another when challenged by the audience, was a true testament to the collaboration needed to make progress in the United Nations. Coming out of the session, students improved their interpersonal skills, public speaking, and negotiating ability. 

Breanna Reyes
World Press Reporter
California State University, East Bay