UCL students repeat as world champion diplomats

For the second year in a row and the sixth time in eight appearances, a team of Belgian students are world champions in student diplomacy. The annual Harvard World Model United Nations, organised by Harvard University and presented this year in Montreal, brought together 2,400 students from 115 countries.

The Belgian team, which goes by the name MUN Society Belgium, includes students from UCL, KULeuven, Ghent University, the University of Namur and the Université libre de Bruxelles. Successfully defending the title it won last year in Rome, the team brought home the ‘Best Large Delegation’ award plus two individual awards: law students Laurent Chattaway and Nicolas Delwaide excelled in argumentation and negotiation. Such consistent, high standard performances have earned MUN Society Belgium the reputation of being a global powerhouse.

What is a diplomacy competition?

The competition aims to develop participants’ speaking, debating and negotiating skills at conferences around the globe. Motivated students wanting to enhance their abilities meet peers from all over the world, expand their networks and add a feather in their cap to attract future career opportunities.

For one week, students put themselves in the shoes of diplomats and defend their own countries’ interests while respecting and understanding the positions of others. According to MUN Society Belgium President Louise Hannecart, ‘It’s an outstanding experience both intellectually and socially. During the day, as a diplomat, I debate the refugee crisis and negotiate European Union policy with Poland and Hungary. At night, I socialise with students from Peru, Taiwan and Australia.’

Want to participate in this competition? To apply, go to www.munsocietybelgium.org/apply.html.

Published on April 05, 2017