Today was the first day of the first annual Japan Educational International Model United Nations (JEIMUN)! Participants were first treated to a brief lecture by this year’s keynote speaker, Mr. Kaneto Kentaro. There was also by a traditional Japanese drum performance by Senshu University Junior and Senior High School students. It was a great cultural start to our three days.
After a short lunch, delegates then quickly took to the day’s main task. Supporting the delegates were 9 volunteer students from schools that served as admins passing notes and supporting the smooth running of the General Assembly. So, what did these unsung heroes of the day gain from their fly-on-the-wall view of the day? Here are some comments from our 9 admins.
- Like any activity that puts lots of new people together, there was a quiet start to the day. But it was amazing to see how quickly all of the delegates started communicating actively with each other.
- Delegates did not stay in groups as we see in some money meditations. Instead, delicates could be seen regularly bouncing between various groups in order to build consensus and understand the state of discussion.
- We often simply accept what others say in discussions in class, but I saw a mini delegates today. Challenging others to clarify their thoughts in ways that would be unambiguous, and persuasive.
- It was clear that all of the delegates gave a lot of thought to what they would have to do to succeed as a whole over the course of these three days.
From all of the JEIMUN planning committee and staff, a great many thanks to all of the teacher, parents, and students who have made participation in today possible!