Utica University’s Model United Nations delegation traveled to Boston from Feb. 20–23 to participate in the 71st Harvard National Model U.N. Conference, representing Finland in various committees. 

The Utica delegation engaged in committees such as the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) and a Crisis Committee addressing the 1990 Bangladesh Mass Uprising. Each committee falls under broader categories like the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council & Specialized Bodies. 

Delegates began with opening speeches to establish their country’s stance, then form blocs to draft working papers. Through discussion and negotiation, these evolve into draft resolutions, which are ultimately voted on. 

Senior biology major Briana Santos attended her second Harvard conference as part of WIPO, where delegates debated corporate espionage and intellectual property rights. 

“I think the best part of this conference was the amount of diversity and intelligence I saw,” Santos said. “People from all over the world, from different schools, collectively came together to discuss important topics.” 

Santos emphasized the value of stepping outside one’s comfort zone.

“I know people who did this for their first time this year and they did an outstanding job by putting themselves out there,” Santos said. “It is a really admirable quality of those who seek out opportunities to challenge themselves and grow.” 

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Photo by Jenna Skutnik

Alongside Santos, sophomore English and political science major Gianna Valenti of Washington & Jefferson College also participated in the WIPO committee. 

“The most stressful moment was deciding whether to merge with another bloc due to their policy stances,” Valenti said. “We weighed the pros and cons and ultimately stayed with our bloc to ensure our ideas were heard.” 

The Harvard Model U.N. conference is a highly competitive environment, which leads to tense debate as delegates work towards compromise. 

“Compromise is not always ideal, but you have to trust your gut. I learned how important it is to advocate for your own ideas,” Valenti said. 

Junior adolescent education major Zachary Gomolka participated in the Bangladesh Mass Uprising crisis committee, which requires creative problem-solving. 

“I thought it would be boring and overly formal, but it turned out to be really creative and fun,” Gomolka said. “I’m looking forward to doing the crisis committee again with people who think outside the box.” 

Looking ahead, the Utica delegation hopes to expand its program by offering an accredited class for future delegates. 

“I want to make sure that everyone is prepared for the next conference by focusing on practicing debate and giving speeches,” said Head Delegate Victoria Elefante. “Through an accredited course, I think our delegation would be much more confident and competitive at conferences.”