Chairpersons of the simulation

Model United Nations (MUN) is an academic simulation of the United Nations, where students take up the role of Delegates from different countries and attempt to find solutions to real-world issues. EMCMUN 2022’s Committee is The Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly, or the Social, Humanitarian, and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM). With the main topic “Same-sex marriage legalization”, EMCMUN 2022 was a promising event for all parties involved.

Same-sex marriage is the marriage between partners of the same sex or gender identity. The issue of it has frequently sparked emotional and political clashes between supporters and opponents. Since the turn of the century, the push for same-sex marriage has been at the center of the LGBT movement agenda. The movement for same-sex marriage is an international movement. Although a growing number of countries are legalizing same-sex marriage at both national and subnational levels, opposition remains strong in many others, and the expansion of broader LGBTQ+ rights has been uneven globally. Legal and social responses regarding the morality, desirability, custom and administrative perquisites of same-sex partnerships have been diverse. Most opt for one of three legal resolutions to these intersecting problems: to ignore same-sex marriage, criminalize them, or grant them a status similar to or equal to that of heterosexual marriage. Many countries have yet to reach an agreement on these issues. Aware of “Same-sex marriage legalization” being a controversial topic, EMC’s teacher and students decided to hold the conference.

Participants pose for a photo

The conference includes 24 Delegates from 12 countries (Vietnam, the United States, the United Kingdom, Russia, Denmark, Greece, France, Australia, Netherlands, Canada, Brazil, and the United Arab Emirates). In order to be well-prepared for the conference, each member had to do research on the topic, the SOCHUM Committee, and the nation's view of the topic. All 35 students have experienced a professional and practical MUN. They took part in the conference as Delegates, Chairs, or the Secretariats.

At the end of the conference, a Draft Resolution has been passed by all the Delegates. There were practical solutions to the issues such as forming a multinational union under the management of the United Nations to protect the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, including the legalization of same-sex marriage; and suggesting educational programs on the LGBTQ+ for residents, ensuring all children are exposed to inclusive communities.

EMCMUN 2022 was overall an exciting experience for EMC's teacher and students. Participating in such lessons helps students become more engaged in global problems, gain soft skills, and create unforgettable memories.