Diplomacy is the art of letting someone else have your way.” – Daniele Vare
Participating in MUN has always been exciting, but one particular conference stands out as a defining experience. It was a session focused on global disarmament, and from the outset, it was clear that the room was deeply divided. With countries passionately arguing their stances, I quickly realized this wasn’t going to be a simple debate.
In the beginning, I thought that asserting my position strongly would lead to success. I tried to push my country’s agenda forcefully, but instead of gaining allies, I encountered resistance. That’s when I realized diplomacy was not just about speaking—it was about listening. Realizing that I had to adapt, I shifted my approach from talking to understanding.
I started engaging with smaller, quieter countries, listening to their concerns and creating compromises that could benefit both sides. What I learned was that diplomacy wasn’t about convincing others to accept your ideas outright—it was about making them feel understood. This shift in approach built trust, and soon I formed a coalition that was ready to collaborate on a resolution.
The teamwork aspect of that MUN was equally transformative. I began to recognize that leadership didn’t always mean taking charge of everything yourself. True leadership involved empowering others and allowing them to contribute their expertise. By encouraging delegates to take ownership of sections of our resolution, we crafted a far stronger solution than I could have done alone.
That MUN conference wasn’t just about passing a resolution—it was about learning the power of collaboration and the importance of diplomacy. Today, I apply those lessons daily, whether in school projects or everyday interactions. I understand that leadership is about creating an environment where every voice counts, and teamwork thrives on mutual respect. It was a conference that didn’t just teach me to lead; it taught me to lead by listening.
