IBGMUN 2024
Twelve students from Goetheschule Essen attended IBGMUN at the Ikast-Brande Gymnasium from September 12th to September 14th 2024. All of them had been prepared for the Model United Nations Conference during our project days (28.-30.8.24) by Arie Boergen (History), Britta Gahmann (Sociology) and graduate Pauline Schepke (MUN Chair), and received Erasmus funding to join the political debates in Denmark.
The programme of the conference and the rules for the formal debates in style of the United Nations can be found in the IBGMUN 2024 Delegate booklet. The German students took on the roles of UN delegates from different countries in three committees:
→ The Economic and Social Council
Is Model UN All Work and No Play?
Debating, negotiating and writing resolutions is at the very heart of every MUN conference. And so is fun!
At the IBGMUN in Ikast, there was a strict dress code to accurately replicate a UN conference and ensure a professional and respectful atmosphere. Formal attire included suits, skirts, blazers, or dresses. Most of the participating delegates were wearing impressive suits or nice shirts and blazers, like the delegate of Germany on the left.
However, some participants truly went above and beyond: not just one, but two delegates chose to represent their country through traditional clothing, just as delegates would at a real UN conference. The delegate from Saudi Arabia was wearing a thawb and ghutra, a white robe and a headscarf fastened with an agal (a black band).
The representative of the Catholic Church was wearing a cassock with a Roman collar and a zucchetto, a small white cap.
While these delegates presented their cultural heritage through traditional attire, not all followed the dress code. The delegate of Brazil, for example, was spotted repeatedly wearing quirky and funny socks. Naturally, there had to be a penalty, which usually involves being exposed in front of the entire committee. You might be asked to perform a dance, perhaps sing a song, or even write and recite a poem. So, if you plan to attend a MUN conference, make sure to dress appropriately. If you’re brave, you can also wear traditional clothing that represents your country. In all other cases, you will have to take the consequences – and will then maybe find yourself singing karaoke to the amusement of the entire conference.
Mieke & Sophie, Year 12, Members of the Press Team
