Mock Sessions
As the saying goes: “practice makes perfect” - and indeed it does! Every week our delegates dedicate 3 hours to putting their newfound skills to the test through participating in mock MUN simulations. While three hours may seem like a substantial amount of time, it often isn’t enough time to debate a topic in depth, while diplomatically negotiating and writing resolutions for the conflict at hand. We therefore oftentimes dedicate two Mock Sessions to debating one topic, thus resulting in six hours of debate.
The Leiden MUN Delegate Trainers carefully select a study guide from a previous MUN conference, usually the same conference that the current delegation is preparing for, and assign each delegate a United Nations Member State they will represent for the subsequent two Mock Sessions. It is the delegates’ responsibility to prepare for this, and do a substantial amount of research before each Mock Session. The debates are chaired by two Board Members, however, we may occasionally ask an alumnus to guest chair a Mock Session, so that delegates become familiar with differing chairing styles.
Mock Sessions are the best way to practice the four key skills delegates learn as part of the Leiden MUN programme. During the weekly mini-MUN debates, you will have the opportunity to practice your public speaking, lobbying, negotiation and researching skills. There is no better way to become the best delegate you can than to be practicing consistently before the conference which, the Mock Sessions provide for!