University of Navarra Model United Nations (UNMUN) is an activity that simulates the model of the United Nations, in which around 150 university students from different countries meet to discuss problems that affect the world and reach a solution. The 2017 edition will be held from February 2 to 4. Daniel Pérez Figueredo, student of the fourth year of Degree in Management Assistance-attendance de Dirección, is the University Secretary of the committee organizer of this course.

A native of Venezuela, he says he has always had an interest in "politics and international outreach", which led him to participate in simulations similar to this one since he was a child. "I would love to work in an international institution to be able to experience firsthand what I am experiencing here," he says.

 

What does your training at Degree in Management Assistance contribute to position and vice versa?

It has facilitated the process of organizing a congress of this size. The knowledge I have acquired in organization and interpersonal relations has helped me to lead and organize a team of more than 40 people. In addition, I have put everything I have learned in the Communication area into practice at internship. Languages have also been of great help financial aid. English, for example, has been fundamental for the development of congress and will also be fundamental during the event, since of the six committees that UNMUN will have for its participants, five of them are in English. 

 

How do you combine it with your degree program?

The programs of study of Degree has provided me with the necessary tools to carry out, together with my team, this great event, which otherwise I might not have been able to do. In addition, with the congress I can transmit this passion for all the inhabitants of the planet and sow social awareness in my colleagues.    

 

Who can participate in UNMUN?

We want everyone to participate, regardless of Degree from programs of study. Plurality enriches the debates and broadens the vision of the participants. Anyone who is interested in the problems of the world and is interested in knowing how diplomacy works, could and should participate, whether they are a doctor, economist or engineer.

 

Why is it important to encourage this subject of activities at the University?

Mainly to raise awareness about the problems that affect our world and find the answer on how they could be solved. It is a space of discussion where hundreds of people share their ideas simulating the most important international organization on the planet. The most interesting thing is that the students must represent the official position of their country in a specific case, even if they disagree with their ideals. That is one of the things that make this activity so special: having to see yourself in the position of expanding your ideas beyond what you think in order to find a solution. 

 

Why participate?

It is an activity where you can put on internship your university knowledge in one way or another. It is a unique and unforgettable experience, not only because of what I have mentioned above, but also because it gives you the opportunity to interact and meet many university students from Spain and Europe with whom you create a very good relationship. This generates contacts for the future.