An Astounding Opening to LIMUN 2022
Photo credit Muyao Wang
Well over 600 delegates sat firmly in their seats, eyes glued towards the stage as Secretary-General Luna De La Llama announced the opening of the 23rd annual university LIMUN with a self-assured bang of her gavel. Finally, after a pandemic-ridden year of uncertainty, LIMUN is back and better, with participants able to enjoy the joys of high-spirited debate in person.
The opening ceremony took place in the Central Hall Westminster, a building rooted in the heart of London and a brief walk away from renowned attractions such as Big Ben and the London Eye. With halls roamed by the likes of Martin Luther King, Winnie Mandela and a great hall that housed the first-ever session of the United Nations General Assembly in 1946, the building is teeming with history.
The ceremony began in a riveting fashion with a flag presentation that served as a reminder of the 88 different countries that delegates hail from. All in attendance were then serenaded by the sounds of the first movement of Dvořák's American quartet, played by Joshua Grey (cello), Martha Neugarten (violin), Amy Woodward (viola) and Linden Schrecker (violin), musicians from the Imperial College Symphony Orchestra. Although none of them has participated in a MUN conference before, they certainly made an impression as their performance was met with thundering applause.
LIMUN participants were treated to a recorded address by Maria Fernanda Espinosa, former President of the United Nations General Assembly, for the 73rd session. During her tenure as President, she chaired the adoption of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Peasants, the Global Compact on Refugees and the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration. In pursuit of multilateralism, there are hurdles that one will face, but the Ecuadorian diplomat urged delegates to "grasp the nettle" for the duration of the three days. LIMUN is an opportunity for delegates to interact with others of differing backgrounds and opinions in an effort to provide solutions for an ever-changing political environment. In doing so, it is not uncommon to butt heads but in the words of Ms Espinosa, "never underestimate your collective power".
Furthermore, Tim Urwin, chairholder of the UNESCO Chair in ICT4D, gave an in-person address that stressed global actors' responsibility to help the poorest and marginalised communities. Professor Unwin shed light on how easy it is to lose sight of what is most important in the heat of debate, illustrating the difficulties the UN faces as an aid to governments in the face of decisions. Urwin closed off by telling LIMUN participants that despite the challenges we are faced with today, he still chooses to "live in hope".
Before Secretary-General Luna De La Llama announced the conference as open, she delivered a captivating speech, reminding everyone that "although MUN is a simulation, the topics being debated are not". Delegates are presented with a unique opportunity to engage with politics on a global scale in a hands-on environment and, in doing so, can, as is the theme of this year's conference, future proof today for a better tomorrow.
The opening ceremony was a success in its ability to inspire the young and bright-minded students to produce a better world for the generations that are yet to come.
By Yashna Khatry