At the 74th session of the MUNFW General Assembly Third Committee, Nepal delivered a powerful message on the rights of Indigenous peoples, linking ancient wisdom to modern development goals. The Nepali delegate began by addressing global inequality: Indigenous communities make up less than 5% of the population but nearly 90% of those living in extreme poverty. Calling this a result…
At the Model United Nations Far West Environmental Assembly (UNEA), one delegate emphasized the urgent need to address the environmental devastation caused by armed conflict. Drawing attention to the effects of chemical weapons, heavy artillery, and unsustainable military practices, the delegate highlighted how warfare has led to ecosystem collapse, water contamination, and the depletion of natural resources in conflict zones.…
As new leaders and diplomats are shaped through Model UN, we asked delegates to reflect on the individuals who have shaped them. Who are the role models that helped inspire the voices we see at the 74th Far West Model United Nations Conference? The answers, as expected, were as diverse as the delegates themselves. When asked who she looks up…
At this year’s Model United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), the delegation representing Afghanistan has taken a position many initially found difficult to reconcile: outspoken support for women’s rights, with a particular emphasis on access to education as a human right. On the first night of committee, delegates took notice as Afghanistan joined countries such as China,…
The UNEA committee opened with intense discussion on the topic of “Ensuring Access and Sustainable Use of Critical Minerals.” Delegates engaged in a robust debate over the ethical implications and geopolitical realities of resource extraction, particularly as it relates to copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt—materials critical to the production of modern technologies such as smartphones, laptops, and electric vehicles. A…
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…
As the highly anticipated Model United Nations of the Far West (MUNFW) 74th Session approaches, the Italian delegation is in the final stages of preparation. The Italian delegates represent a nation with a rich history and strong global diplomatic presence. Currently, the delegates are refining negotiation strategies, engaging in mock sessions, and meticulously researching policy stances, all to ensure a…
On Saturday morning, diplomats and aspiring leaders from around the world gathered for the UNITAR & Experts Round Table, where seasoned UN professionals shared practical advice, personal stories, and insight into the intricacies of working in the international diplomatic sphere. The panel featured Mike McBride, a Whittier advisor with extensive experience in ECOSOC; Michelle Cervantes, a UNHCR expert; Catherine Lune-Grayson…