In its 26th year, Benilde Model United Nations (BenildeMUN) convened student delegates for a three-day conference from Feb. 26 to 28 with the theme “Steering and Reinvigorating Transformative Global Coalitions.” This year aimed to further cultivate diplomatic collaboration and develop forward-thinking solutions to pressing global challenges.
The conference opened with plenary talks from H.E Dato Abdul Malik Melvin Castelino, Ambassador of Malaysia to the Philippines, and H.E Marie Fontanel, Ambassador of France to the Philippines. Both shared insights on diplomacy at the regional and international scale with ASEAN and the UN, respectively. H.E. Fontanel greatly emphasized that “…Indeed, multilateral diplomacy is about compromise.”
Delegates engaged in committee sessions, forming working blocs to draft resolutions addressing a myriad of international issues. They were dispersed to their assigned councils, namely the UN General Assembly (UNGA), UN Security Council (UNSC), UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and this year’s special council, the International Maritime Organization (IMO), which focused on maritime security and sustainability.
The following day, a special panel commenced, themed “Converging Tides: Enhancing Global Maritime Sustainability Through Innovation.” Opened by guest keynote speaker, Vice-Chair and Executive Director of the Climate Change Commission, Robert E.A. Borje, who passionately emphasized maritime sustainability as a powerful tool in fighting against climate change.
“I think it is important to remind everyone that you can be involved in marine governance. Take part in every opportunity to advance the cause of environmental ecosystems stewardship to make sure that your future is protected, [and] your future clearly depends on the health of our oceans,” he emphasized.
It was then followed by a panel discussion regarding the security of maritime territory with keynote speakers Assistant Chief of Naval Staff for Plans, Capt. Nereliti Martinez, PN (MNSA), Vice President of Security for Philippines Airlines, Capt. Teddy Quinzon, PN (Ret.), and Project Officer for Waypoints Projects Mariela Gabriela Alano, who is a Consular and Diplomatic Affairs alumna of the College.
When asked about the Philippine Navy’s preparations concerning territorial disputes in the West Philippine Sea, Capt. Martinez assured that “We have plenty of modernization projects. We have frigates. We have incoming corvettes that will be delivered this year, too. And officer patrol vessels in the coming years, missiles and everything.”
“So, the Philippines is prepared to defend our territory. Aside from building up our capability to defend ourselves, we are also seeking help from our like-minded nations, acknowledging these arbitral ruling[s],” Capt. Martinez shared.
On the last day of the conference, the closing plenary was held, with members of the organizing committee and exceptional delegates being recognized and awarded. Notably, the “Most Outstanding Delegate” was awarded to the delegate of South Sudan, Gianna Trinidad, from the Model United Nations - UP Diliman delegation.
In an interview with The Benildean, Trindad shared her sentiments, “It’s nice seeing your effort that you put in go into fruition. Although, I am a little surprised considering that I am not objectively the noisiest delegate in the committee. So, I think that puts into attention it’s not just based on how much you talk but the substance of the things you do.”
On March 1, to wrap up the conference, the 26th Benilde MUN prepared a special diplomatic banquet at Mall of Asia's Lanson Place. Themed “Anchored in Diplomacy” delegates and organizing committee members were decked out in hues of blue, celebrating the successful end of this year’s conference.
The banquet was also attended by distinguished guests, including the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, H.E. Most Rev. Charles Brown, D.D., and the Director-General of the DFA-Foreign Service Institute, Assistant Secretary Francisco Noel R. Fernandez III.
