Diplomacy Beyond Borders: Stonehill Students Shine at NISCMUN Cambodia

Edrian Echague

& Shivani Shah, Mathematics Teachers, MYP and DP

 

 

There is something transformative about stepping into a room full of delegates from around the world, each carrying not only their country’s stance but also their own voice, courage, and perspective.

A Global Stage for Young Diplomats

Stonehill delegates represented a diverse range of countries across multiple committees:

• G77: Anaya (Philippines), Rose (Indonesia)
• ASEAN: Eren (China), Ananya (Indonesia)
• Security Council: Tumaris (China), Dia (UAE)
• Human Rights Council: Kounosuke (Indonesia), Ujas (Philippines)
• UNHCR: Vrishank (Uganda)
• ICJ: Shanaya (Germany)
• ECOSOC: Samarth (UK)
• Chair: Gil (UNHCR)

Each student stepped into their role with determination, navigating the complexities of global issues through debate, negotiation, and resolution writing.

Moments of Grit and Growth

What truly defined the experience were the stories behind the scenes:

• Eren’s perseverance stood out as they approached the approval panel five times before successfully passing their resolution, a testament to resilience.
• Tumaris’ work in the Security Council was recognized by her Chair as producing the best resolution in the committee, earning her an Honorable Mention.
• Eren (M4) was also awarded an Honorable Mention, recognizing both effort and excellence in committee.
• First-time delegates like Kounosuke and Vrishank broke through their initial hesitation, finding the courage to speak confidently in front of experienced peers.
• Gil (M5) made his debut as a Committee Chair using the THIMUN procedure, a significant milestone, as THIMUN reflects the official United Nations style of debate practiced in The Hague. His leadership marked an important achievement not only personally, but also for Stonehill’s growing presence in international MUN conferences.

And in a defining moment of leadership, a guiding reminder was shared:

“There are times when we need the opinion of others… and there are times when we must decide right away. Right now is not the time to be diplomatic.”

This became a powerful lesson, not just about MUN, but about decision-making in life.

Learning Beyond The Classroom

The conference pushed students beyond their comfort zones. They honed essential skills such as:

• Public speaking and confidence
• Diplomacy and negotiation
• Research and critical thinking
• Resolution writing and lobbying
• Leadership under pressure

Adapting to THIMUN procedures, a new format compared to their familiarity with HMUN, added an extra layer of challenge, making their achievements even more meaningful.

Sleep was often sacrificed, with students staying up late perfecting speeches and resolutions, only to wake early for 8:00 AM sessions, proof of their dedication. 

Discovering Cambodia: A Journey Through History and Culture

Beyond committee rooms, Cambodia offered powerful lessons of its own. Students explored landmarks such as the Royal Palace and the Silver Pagoda, marveling at the country’s rich architectural beauty. Evenings brought moments of relaxation and bonding, like their visit to Pizza 4Ps, where Dia’s birthday was joyfully celebrated.

However, one of the most profound experiences came during their visit to the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum. Learning about the atrocities of the Khmer Rouge left students deeply moved, shocked, saddened, and reflective. It was a sobering reminder of the importance of human rights, the very principles they debated in committee.

Heat, Friendship, and Boba Runs

Of course, no trip is complete without its lighter moments:

• Walking nearly a kilometer under Phnom Penh’s summer heat just to get their favorite KOi boba tea
• Staying indoors for online prep sessions to escape the weather
• Celebrating birthdays and sharing laughter over meals

These moments of connection turned teammates into a close-knit community.

Why MUN Matters at Stonehill

At Stonehill International School, education extends beyond academics. MUN embodies the school’s commitment to holistic development, offering students opportunities to:

• Engage with global perspectives
• Network with peers from different countries
• Experience diverse MUN formats
• Reflect on real-world issues through dialogue and debate

NISCMUN Cambodia allowed students not only to compare THIMUN and HMUN procedures, but also to understand how different cultures approach diplomacy and collaboration.

A Journey That Shapes Futures

As their teachers and chaperones, Miss Shivani and I have witnessed firsthand that international experiences like NISCMUN Cambodia offer something far deeper than travel. These are not simply trips, they are transformative learning opportunities that cannot be replicated in a classroom or through tourism alone. They provide students with a unique perspective, one that may not come again in their lifetime.

On behalf of Stonehill International School, I would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the parents who have continuously supported their children’s growth and trusted us to guide them through such meaningful experiences. Your support makes these moments possible, and truly impactful.

This journey shaped not only better delegates, but more confident, compassionate, and globally-minded individuals ready to take on the world.