Heidelberg University is proudly representing not one, but two delegations at MUNFW this year: Italy and Oman. The head delegate of the latter is Nicholas Chambers, a third-year History and Political Science major. For most of the delegates, it is their first year attending MUNFW. Nonetheless, Chambers has clear ambitions and expectations for his team:

“I hope we perform well and get a chance to build our knowledge of UN affairs while working on our public speaking and networking skills. Though I may be nervous due to the novelty of the experience, I believe my delegation will do its best to simulate the Sultanate of Oman and its relationship to the international community.”

Throughout the semester, students—under the guidance of Professor Dr. Marc O’Reilly—worked relentlessly to prepare for the conference in San Francisco. A key part of their preparation involved gaining a deep understanding of Oman’s policies and foreign relations, while also learning how to adapt to the “unexpected situations that are bound to happen at the conference.” Much of this work took place within a Model UN course, supplemented by weekly meetings for additional collaboration and research.

Chambers began the process by creating a preparation guide introducing delegates to as many aspects of Oman as possible—from government structure to economy and geography. He also drafted an outline for the country profile and provided sample policy statements and resolutions to help new delegates get started. The delegation not only studied Oman, but also researched neighboring and diplomatically relevant countries, developing “mini country profiles” for quick reference in negotiations.

“I asked each of my delegates to select two countries and create one-page documents that could be used as quick references for any discussions with these other delegations, especially when it came to how that country and Oman interacted in the real world.”

Chambers had been interested in participating in Model UN since arriving at Heidelberg. When he learned the university would be sending two delegations this year, he jumped at the opportunity to serve as head delegate—excited to brainstorm ideas with fellow head delegate Alayna Hahn. Representing Oman also sparked his interest, as he had been largely unfamiliar with the country aside from its location and flag.

The Oman delegation consists of two delegates per committee, one head delegate, and one member of World Press. The team is relatively diverse, representing a mix of graduating years and majors—from political science to education, business, and psychology. Notably, both Heidelberg University in Ohio and Heidelberg, Germany are present at this year’s conference in San Francisco.

In addition to leading his delegation, Chambers is thrilled to be visiting San Francisco for the first time.

“It will be my first time on the West Coast of the U.S., but not my first time in a major city, as I spent the summer of 2023 in New York City with Bard College, and I’ve traveled overseas before. I’m very excited to see what the city has to offer during the off-hours of the conference.”

Looking ahead, he hopes to engage in meaningful cooperation with fellow Middle Eastern delegations.

“Specifically Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Oman is from a completely different background than the United States, and I’m excited to see how other universities are taking on their delegations and how well my delegation will mesh with them. Furthermore, I’m excited to see how our delegation interacts with our university’s other delegation to MUNFW, Italy, while in committee.”

Nele Nessler
Oman World Press Reporter
Heidelberg University