On February 12-14, 2021, the xsMUN Secretariat, in collaboration with Stallion, brought the Second Xavier Model United Nations Conference into fruition. The event featured accomplished keynote speakers and virtual committee sessions. This year’s conference had the theme of “Diplomacy as a Unifying Force: Resilience, Recovery, and Reform in a Turbulent World.”

A Model United Nations Conference “simulates how the different UN organisms work.” The conference is a way for participants, in this case, delegates, to work alongside each other to draft resolutions to solve issues of global importance. For the 2nd XMUN, participants from the Philippines (from Xavier School, Saint Pedro Poveda College, Ateneo High School, British School Manila), Indonesia, Malaysia, and Cameroon, amongst others were in attendance.

The 2nd XMUN comprised 6 committees: the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and two new additions to the group: Historical Crisis Committee—The 1986 Cabinet of Corazon Aquino, and the Press Corps.

This year’s XMUN saw the first-ever iteration of the Press Corps, a group of correspondents and editors who reported on the events that transpired during committee sessions based on their assigned news agency. The 2nd XMUN Press Corps, headed by members of Xavier High School’s official student publication, Stallion, is one of the first in the Philippine MUN circuit.

The conference began with the opening ceremony. Fr. Aristotle Dy, SJ, started the program by giving a short message about how problems like vaccine accessibility can be solved through the unity of hardworking diplomatic minds.

Following Fr. Ari was Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines Archbishop Charles J. Brown, who spoke about the bilateral relationship between the Holy See and the Philippines, which dates back to the reign of former President Elpidio Quirino.

Vice President Leni Robredo then took the virtual podium. She expressed her belief and trust in the next generation’s capacity to solve problems through innovation.

Incumbent XMUN Secretary-General Lance Kendrick Dy of 12B also gave his opening remarks, formally opening the XMUN conference. The delegates and correspondents then proceeded to their respective committee rooms to discuss the topics at hand. After the first two committee sessions, the first day of the second XMUN conference came to a close.

On the second day, the committees convened again for two more committee sessions, where resolutions were drafted and approved. After, Marikina District II Representative Stella Quimbo gave a talk about the recent economic struggles the country has been facing. She also stressed the role of the youth in the recent plague of misinformation. Next, former Health Secretary Dr. Manuel Dayrit delivered a speech regarding his involvement in the World Health Organization and shared his experiences in diplomacy and public health.

On the third and final day, committees met for their last committee session to finalize their solutions. In the afternoon, an awarding ceremony was held to recognize outstanding delegates and correspondents.

Xaverian participants also bagged a few awards. Rex Maliuanag of 11E received an Honorable Mention in the UNGA. Press Corps Correspondent Joaquin de Castro of 9B received the Best Article award and was named Best Correspondent.

To close the event, Secretary-General Lance Dy delivered his closing remarks. In his address, he said that the 2nd XMUN was the result of the “blood, sweat, and tears” of the XMUN Secretariat. He also extended his gratitude to all participants.

As Xaverians, we are called to use diplomacy to foster relationships with people of different backgrounds, origins, and cultures. Let us cultivate relationships both local and international that foster peace and unity in our turbulent world.

This article was originally published on the website of Stallion, the official Xavier High School student publication. For more news coverage on Xavier High School events as well as feature articles, literature, and art, visit stallionpub.wordpress.com.