As HIAMUN approaches with less than 5 days remaining, delegates are immersing themselves in their final preparations. Depending on your level of experience, HIAMUN will represent different things. For first-time delegates, it can be an unfamiliar yet exciting experience. While returning delegates have an opportunity to display their abilities and knowledge and compete for the best delegate award. Nevertheless, this article will help guide all delegates to success no matter their level of experience.
Pre-conference Preparations
Having a strong base when entering the conference is critical; this consists of the research done and understanding gained of the assigned country and how detailed and well-written your resolution is. A weak resolution can easily harm your performance since it’s the primary document used within the conference. As it can be a challenging process, creating guiding questions can help you find answers for your clauses as you’re writing the resolution. In addition to preparing your resolution, Secretary-General Aesha Hazem suggests knowing which countries align and are against your stances, “this knowledge will help you enter the forum, knowing whom to approach for support for your resolution and whom to expect to oppose your position.” As delegates, you can research which countries are closest to you prior to the conference and note their stances early on from their opening speeches. She also states how this will be helpful within your forum, and while debating, “understanding potential arguments against your country's stance can also be beneficial, as it allows you to prepare responses and avoid being caught off guard with new information on the podium.” Entering the conference knowing you’re prepared for what may come will create a sense of confidence that can make you more relaxed while giving your opening speech, going to the podium, and even interacting with other delegates.
Lobbying and Merging
The first step of lobbying and merging is recognizing delegates with similar stances as your own. This means you’ll need to focus on other delegates' opening speeches, and this is when you’ll be able to know if your positions are similar. In addition, engaging with others during the sessions to gain a deeper understanding will form beneficial connections. Keep in mind that confidence also plays an essential role, as you’ll need to give a strong first impression in a short period to ensure the number amount of delegates who will sign your resolutions. Human Rights Council President Omar Mohammed advises, "Delegates should always be attentive during lobbying and merging, looking at all the resolutions being presented by other delegates as they have to decide on which resolution they would like to support and merge with.” He also asserts that there are three aspects to deciding who you’ll merge with. What is your stance on the topic being discussed, how strong and complete is the resolution, and who is the main submitter?
Debating - Winning Best Delegate
Many delegates within the forum will be working for the same title, so everyone tries to stand out in their own way in the eyes of the president and chair. DSG Zeina Abbassi, who has attended over 10 MUNs, gave many tips on how to win the best delegate award. Abbassi emphasizes, “Speaking up often and ensuring you're contributing meaningfully to all three topics will help you reach the top. An important tip is to not just speak for the sake of speaking; making strong, pivotal points will help you achieve the title way better than being repetitive. Both quality and quantity are essential.” In addition, she mentions that “Winning isn’t just about being right—it’s about persuading others and reaching compromises. Show leadership in guiding discussions toward consensus.”
DSG Hussein Elfeky also reiterates Abbassi’s point by mentioning how speaking with purpose and skill is essential, “Effective public speaking allows you to confidently present arguments, engage in debates, and persuade other delegates, making your stance more impactful.” He also mentions two key aspects that’ll help you navigate debates strategically on your path to winning best delegate, “Creative thinking helps you develop innovative solutions to global issues, setting you apart from others by demonstrating diplomacy and leadership. Additionally, in-depth research about your assigned country ensures that your arguments align with its policies and interests, strengthening your credibility in the discussion.” As said by both DSGs, speaking with purpose, innovation, and intellect is a critical step towards reaching this award. Taking all your past MUN experiences and preparation will give you that final push needed.
HIAMUN goes beyond its role as an academic conference; it creates a space for friendships and new learning experiences to be gained. Whether your goal is solely to win an award or develop your speaking and debating skills, we’re sure this conference will shape key skills. As seen in past years, the meaningful connections will stick with you and make this event even more memorable! Stay tuned for HIAMUN’25