To uphold the practice of diplomacy and international solidarity towards sustainability and prosperity, the 23rd Benilde Model United Nations (Benilde MUN) Organizing Committee launched its three-day virtual conference proper with the theme “Mainstreaming the Foundations of Inclusivity to Achieve Sustainable Peace” via Zoom and Facebook Live from Mar. 17 to 19.

Onto a new chapter on youth as catalyst for international relations

The kickstarting event was held through an opening plenary session, which was held via Facebook Live on Mar. 17.

To officially start the program, Benilde School of Diplomacy and Governance (Benilde SDG) Professor and Ret. Ambassador Marilyn J. Alarilla gave her opening remarks, commencing with the importance of this year’s theme for Benilde MUN.  

“The foundations of good governance, such as the rule of law, accountability, transparency, and non-discrimination at all levels, are important to develop effective government institutions, which are essential for an inclusive and peaceful society,” she stated.

Ret. Amb. Alarilla also mentioned why participating in MUNs in important, citing “analytical and writing skills,” “diplomatic skills, particularly, negotiations and building alliances,” “leadership abilities,” “project management skills,” “public speaking proficiency,” “appreciating the scope of the seriousness of the challenges of inclusivity,” and “awareness,” among others. She highlighted all these skills are honed and strengthened when participating, aiding the students capacity to “formulate feasible solutions” as delegates “gain knowledge on the status and gaps of inclusivity in various countries.”

“Such awareness and insights are meant to enhance our capability to contribute to a more inclusive society, a pillar of sustainable peace in the country and the rest of the international community. Hence, [if] we do what we learn during this [Benilde MUN], we have the opportunity  to apply, whether as a student, as a citizen, or in the future in your respective careers,” Ret. Amb. Alarilla concluded, thanking the organizing committee and Benilde SDG for making the event possible.

Consequently, His Excellency Koshikawa Kazuhiko, the 23rd Benilde MUN’s Guest of Honor and the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Philippines, highlighted the key issues, topics, and “discrepancies at the national, regional, and global levels.” Some of what were cited were Japan’s ODA assistance for Mindanao, issues in the South and East China seas, Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, and bilateral relations between Japan and the Philippines.

In line with the issue on the West Philippine Sea, he raised that this issue is crucial for the security and interest of the international community, specifically with the protection of “our global commons as an important means of international trade.” “I believe that the sustainment of maritime order can only be achieved not through force or coercion, but through actions based on the principles of the rule of law,” he stated.

“As I have made it clear throughout my message, we stand at a critical turning point in history. [...] The fundamental question is how we perceive the situation and take action accordingly. I strongly believe that we, as diplomatic experts, need to act with a view true to the lessons gained from history,” H.E. Koshikawa added as he summarized his viewpoint across all topics presented.

Apart from discussing the various issues surrounding the globe, he also imparted a message for the delegates to remember by. “The Philippines is a country blessed with young and talented people, like yourselves, and thus full of potential. [...] For that, I would like you to remember one thing today. Please make sure to cherish the friendships you forge while in college. We live in a world characterized by uncertainties and challenges. Whatever industry you decide to go for, nurturing human-to-human ties is of utmost importance. [...] As previously said, our relations developed through mutual trust. As a friend closer than a brother, Japan is honored to be always here for the Philippines and continue to closely cooperate with you on a variety of matters,” H.E. Koshikawa concluded.

23rd Benilde MUN Secretary General Aaron John Patubo gave his closing remarks afterwards, mentioning Benilde and the youth’s mission of exemplifying inclusivity to achieve sustainable peace by targeting the root causes of the problem. 

“We must always remember that it is [an] oversimplification to just generalize the issues that we are facing today. We must be mindful not to disregard even the smallest of detail–details that only members of sectors closest to the basic individual can see [where] the biggest of actors such as the states can oftentimes overlook,” he said.

“It is one thing to address the consequences of the issues at hand, and to go directly at the source of the call. We are going for sustainable peace, and if we expect to enact long-lasting peace, we need to solve problems that prevent it at its core. To achieve this, inclusivity is key.  [...] This is the challenge that is presented to you, our dear delegates. Each and every one of you, through your countries, represent a different perspective. [There] might be differences, but there is strength in diversity,” Patubo closed, before officially announcing the opening of the 23rd Benilde MUN conference in formal session.    

Human Rights and Youth Awareness Towards Sustainable Peace

The second day of the conference opened with a webinar about the conference’s theme on Facebook Live, which was spearheaded by the 23rd Benilde MUN’s Guest Speaker and former Chairperson of the Commission on Human Rights Prof. Loretta “Etta” Ann Rosales. In her talk, she tackled key topics such as human rights, good governance, the Atlantic Charter, internal and external sovereignty, and the rule of law.

In the end of the talk, she pointed out the importance of recognizing human rights for achieving sustainable peace and urged the youth to be active participants by recognizing their rights, abilities, and valuable contributions to address local and international issues, especially with the incoming elections and the rise of various information.

“Students, you must be informed. And once you are informed, you are organized, and that’s when you take action. You must be informed, you must organize, and then you take action so that hindi kayo nagiging bahagi nung fake news at kayo ay magiging bahagi ng tunay na forces that know what they are talking about. And then you can influence state actors in that regard,” Prof. Rosales stated.

From here on and beyond

The five sessions per committee (General Assembly, Security Council, Economic and Social Council, and UN Industrial and Development Organization [UNIDO]) were held throughout the conference via Zoom. The first two were held on Mar. 17, the third and fourth on Mar. 18, and the last session on Mar. 19. Various resolutions were passed in response to the agenda topics posed by the committee.

To officially close the three-day conference proper, the closing plenary was held via Zoom and Facebook Live to give recognition to the outstanding delegates that have exemplified excellence during the sessions. Justine Grace “Aven” Mendoza, the delegate of Venezuela from UNIDO, was bestowed with the Dag Hammarskjöld Award, the highest award given to a delegate in Benilde MUN who has achieved the highest performance score among the Most Outstanding Delegate awardees.

Apart from the virtual conference proper, Benilde MUN also held a fundraiser through “Benilde MUN for a Cause,” where all proceeds were given to this year’s partner beneficiary, the Benilde Center for Social Action’s Benilde Operation Sagip.

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