Photo Courtesy of Ceasar Ian A Quiñones
Ceasar Ian A Quiñones, a 4th-year AB International Studies student, is one of only two Filipinos to have received a Verbal commendation award during the 33rd Harvard World Model United Nations Manila, held from 16 to 20 March 2025 at the SMX Aura Convention Center. He was a solo delegate representing the United Arab Emirates (UAE) under the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC) of the United Nations during the said event.
Photo courtesy of Harvard World Model United Nations Secretariat
He was also the only delegate representing a university from Mindanao at the intercontinental conference, participated by delegates from six continents - Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America, and South America.
Photo Courtesy of Ceasar Ian A Quiñones
He recalls that the conference is a surreal experience, noting that it was his first formal Model United Nations conference. He enjoyed collaborating with delegates of different backgrounds and personalities and considers having a diplomatic mindset the key to his successful stint.
“At first, I was worried because I was a solo delegate. I also did not have adequate MUN experience to fully excel from the get-go. While it was at first difficult to make friends, especially since most delegates were of different nationalities, as each day passed by, I felt more comfortable, and realized that this is where I wanted to be. I just had to start with small steps - initiating contact with other delegates, being upfront of my ideas, but also being considerate of others’ positions.”
The Harvard World Model United Nations is a prestigious international conference dubbed the “Olympics of Model United Nations,” which travels to a different city every year. It aims to embody the ‘WorldMUN spirit,’ a guiding principle that encourages friendship and cooperation across borders, along with a deeper understanding of cultures and perspectives beyond one’s own. Some notable milestones of the Conference include addresses from Pope Francis in Rome (2016) and King Felipe VI of Spain (2019). For its 33rd iteration, the Harvard World Model United Nations was conducted in Manila, Philippines.
Congratulations to Mr Quiñones!
For more information about WorldMUN, visit https://www.facebook.com/harvardmun or https://www.worldmun.org/.