We’ve circulated the school and interviewed delegates from different parts of Brazil. Listen to what they have to say about MUN, veto power, and Graded!

What’s your name?

Bruna

What school are you from?

EAC. Escola Americana de Campinas

Why did you join MUN?

Because in my school they started MUN, and I thought it was interesting. So I joined the MUN club a couple of years ago and it’s been really cool so far.

What’s the best part about MUN?

I think it’s definitely the debate and defending a position that might not be your personal position. But learning how to defend your country’s position while at the same time trying to find a solution for global issues is a great experience.

Don’t followup questions scare you?

I like them, because usually my best moments are from answering followups. Sometimes you can turn them against whoever asked it to you in the first place.

If you were given absolute veto power, would you abuse it?

Definitely!

This is a tough question: Would you rather vote on a resolution for the better good? Or vote on the less than ideal resolution that would protect your relationship with other countries?

I think I would always take into consideration what my country’s position is. If it’s a country that’s more open about changing its views, it would be the first option. Then if it’s a country that’s more traditional and close-minded, then it would be the other option.

Oh no! Some country has just insulted your country’s integrity! What do you do?

(Right of reply would be correct answer… but some answers might be. Insult them back, request for an apology. prove that the other person’s wrong)

It depends on the moment of the debate. Sometimes if the debate goes on more seriously, I just remain calm. If not, if it’s like a more open debate, then I would go all the way. *laughter*

Would you insult them back?

Definitely!

Are you enjoying SPMUN?

Yeah! So far it’s been really cool. I really like my committee, I’m in the political committee and the chairs are great.

What do you think about Graded?

I think it’s a little confusing. It’s sort of like a maze. There are so many hallways and everything looks big!

Good luck!

Thank you!

What’s your name?

João Guilherme.

What school are you from?

EAB. (American School of Brasilia).

Why did you join MUN?

I thought it was a very interesting opportunity. I heard it was about diplomacy and I wanted to find out more about it. I came in and I didn’t know what to expect, but I just went in and I wanted to try out new stuff.

What’s the best part about MUN?

I think the best part is the way you interact with other delegates and the way to debate with or against them. It’s a very friendly environment to debate in. When you’re in it, it’s really fun and entertaining.

If you were given absolute veto power, would you abuse it?

*Laughter* Depending on the topic, maybe. Mostly though.

Give me an example of when you’d use it.

Okay. If I was Russia, and we were discussing Ukraine, maybe then I would overuse my veto power. But in most cases, I probably wouldn’t do that. It’d be fun to try it out though.

Oh no! Some country has just insulted your country’s integrity! What do you do?

I guess a right of reply would be a good beginning. I would try to negotiate with the delegate. Again, going back to my point about the friendly environment, I would find a way to strike back, not with accusation, but by trying to find a fault in his argument.

Are you enjoying SPMUN?

Oh yes, very much. It was a very fun first day, especially the pizza. And the debates! We had a very good group, and I think we’re going to have a very fruitful debate next time.

What do you think about Graded?

I like it! I’m not going to lie, it’s a bit confusing on where to go. I kinda got lost here. But it’s different from what we have back in Brasilia. I’m not going to say on whether it’s better or worse, but I like it very much. I like the auditorium and the way it’s set up.

Good luck!

Thank you!

What’s your name?

Alberto Saraiva.

What school are you from?

Graded.

Why did you join MUN?

I’m really interested in international relations and in global news. I always check BBC and CNN and those big newspapers. I think it’s really relevant when we’re discussing topics our world is actually facing. It’s important to be aware.

What’s the best part about MUN?

I think my favorite part is embodying the views of the country I’m representing. For example, I’m [representing] Cuba, and my personal beliefs and Cuba’s beliefs are the total opposite. But I need to defend Cuba, so I think it’s a great way to learn about new perspectives.

If you were given absolute veto power, would you abuse it?

I would totally abuse it!

This is a tough question: Would you rather vote on a resolution for the better good? Or vote on the less than ideal resolution that would protect your relationship with other countries?

I think I would go with the second option. The reason is, MUN is a place for all countries to cooperate, but it is also where a country must protect its own national interests. So I think the second option is a better balance and more realistic.

Oh no! Some country has just insulted your country’s integrity! What do you do?

I would totally rage. *Laughter* I would ask for a right of reply and discuss with them.

Are you enjoying SPMUN until now?

Yeah. We’re having heated discussions and I’m really liking it.

Good luck!

Thank you very much!

What’s your name?

Maria Luisa

What school are you from?

Chapel

Why did you join MUN?

I was curious to know what it was about.

What’s the best part about MUN?

Feeling like you’re actually making a difference about world issues. I’m not very good at debating, but I make an effort to improve by being part of MUN.

If you were given absolute veto power, would you abuse it?

Yes, depending on the country I was. If I thought the solution was better for my country, I’d use it.

Would you rather vote on a resolution for the better good? Or vote on the less than ideal resolution that would protect your relationship with other countries?

The one for the better good.

Oh no! Some country has just insulted your country’s integrity! What do you do?

I would ask for a right of reply and ask for a proper apology.

Are you enjoying SPMUN?

Yes. I like how I can feel comfortable in my committee and how the delegates are enthusiastic about it.

What do you think about Graded?

It’s big and confusing. The directions are not very clear, but the school is really beautiful.

Good luck!

Thank you.

What’s your name?

Eduardo L.

What school are you from?

Panamerica School of Porto Alegre.

Why did you join MUN?

I joined MUN because the incentive from my close friends. They’ve all done it before and they said it was amazing. They got to learn how to talk in front of huge crowds. This is definitely how I want to evolve and I joined it because of that.

What’s the best part about MUN?

The best part of MUN is when you get to the committee prepared and you get to say your countries opinion and you get to deliver/convince others of what you’re aiming for.

If you were given absolute veto power, would you abuse it?

Oh yeah. I guess everyone would.

This is a tough question: Would you rather vote on a resolution for the better good? Or vote on the less than ideal resolution that would protect your relationship with other countries?

Honestly, I think the point of the committees is to find a solution. And I think that’s what the committees should always drive for. So I would rather vote on the resolution that solves the problem.

Good luck!

Thanks!