INOMUN 2024: new technologies and global governance

On December 16, 2024, the 9th edition of INOMUN took place. This event, where students take on the role of country representatives in a United Nations style debate, was about New Technologies and Global Governance. This topic might seem broad, but specific committees like UNESCO and UNICEF were dedicated to exploring different issues linked to the main subject. However, the event was not just about the delegates. INOMUN relies on a well-organized team behind the scenes to ensure its success. Teams like Admin, Socials, Press, heads and Finance play a crucial role in managing logistics, keeping the event running smoothly, and preventing any problems. This collaboration is indeed the key to making the event work.

This one-day event was carefully structured, with several major moments that we will explore throughout this article, from the opening ceremony to the final debates in the General Assembly.

The day started with the welcoming of schools, followed closely by the opening ceremony in the General Assembly. This ceremony aimed to thank participants, motivate them, and encourage them to fully engage in the coming debates. Following this, delegates moved to their committees for icebreaker activities, a fun way to release the building pressure and get into the spirit of the day. The Socials team led these activities, which this year consisted of Kahoot quizzes. These proved to be a hit, helping everyone feel more comfortable. Alix, a member of the Socials team, shared her thoughts:

“It’s such a great experience, and I’m glad to be the one who sets the mood. Plus, it really matches my personality!”

Next came the mock debates, where delegates practiced speaking in front of their groups using simpler topics to help them get a hold of the modalities of the debate. This step was essential in preparing them for the more complex discussions to come. The real debates in the committees were preceded by a lobbying which is essential to form bounds between countries and determine which clause will be the one discussed. While delegates and Heads were busy with the icebreakers and mock debates as well as real debates, the Admins, Press, and Socials teams were going around accomplishing their many missions. For instance, Admins were everywhere, handling requests and making sure everything was problem free. As one Admin explained:

“I love being constantly busy and helping others, but it can get a little exhausting having to be everywhere at once and respond to every request quickly.”

Meanwhile, the Press team captured key moments of the event for social media, ensuring the Instagram feed was updated, and the Socials team, alongside the mascot Mark, kept the mood lively and funny. Around 1 pm, everyone gathered for lunch in the cafeteria. This was an opportunity for delegates from different committees to exchange their impressions on the morning’s activities and relax before the afternoon session. Louise, one of the Chairs who was in charged of the committee debates, reflected on her role:

“I really enjoyed helping the debate run smoothly without having the pressure of coming up with arguments in the heat of the action.”

She also offered a piece of advice for future Chairs:

“If you’re in my role next year, don’t hesitate to assert yourself. Otherwise, the debates can get out of control.In addition if you are more involved the delegates will be too therefore your debate will be more animated than ever !”

After the lunch break, everyone returned to the General Assembly where before the eating they did their lobbying in order to secure their alliances for the main debates taking place in the GA. Globally, The morning is crucial for building confidence and ensuring participants were ready to fully engage as delegates in the quite impressive general assembly.

The General Assembly took place from 2:30 pm until 6:00 pm. Modeled after the United Nations General Assembly, the debate gave students a chance to discuss real-world issues like global governance and the impact of new technologies. Each delegation prepared resolutions, engaged in negotiations, and participated in voting sessions. The focus of this year’s INOMUN was on two main themes: Global Governance and New Technologies. During the General Assembly, the delegates discussed the evolving challenges of international cooperation, including climate change, trade disputes, and the balance of power among nations. They explored the role of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the digital divide, considering their impact on global security and socio-economic equality.

Anouk, the delegate of India, gave us her thoughts and feelings about INOMUN :

What was the most challenging part of representing a country’s perspective during the debates?

“I think the most challenging part about representing a country’s perspective during GA debates was dealing with imprecise opinions and dishonesty. For example, India, as a country, did nothing to strongly oppose AI technologies, and we mostly had to make up with the general guidelines issued by the Indian government, all the while trying to make it appear in a positive light to other assembly members. This often necessitated a strong knowledge of international dynamics, but also, I hope, what has come to be a structured analysis of possible legislations, their effects and consequences on global economies, but most importantly, the ways to leave governments a discrete enough space for adaptative handling of those legislations. Very often, one of the many challenges of General Assemblies is accepting that in diplomacy, transparency is almost never expected of us, and would be quite inappropriate in some situations. Our best weapon in the hemicycle, especially when defending opinions that aren’t ours, stays conviction, and the strength it can bring to our persuasion techniques.”

How did participating in INOMUN change your understanding of global issues like governance or technology?
“Before my first INOMUN, I had practically no idea of how global problems were solved — I actually had pretty much no idea of how international politics worked, in fact, and INOMUN really changed my perception of the world, both as I understand power dynamics way better now, but also as I realised that we, if we unite, can all have an impact on the world and the way it moves forwards.”

What skills do you think you developed by taking part in this conference?
“I think the most serious skills I developed were political analysis and diplomacy. Researching information correctly is equally crucial to preparing MUNs, and we definitely all develop a certain finesse in our research methods over the years. On a more personal note, the most important benefit of INOMUN conferences is the confidence speaking in public has given me. I learned how to express myself, and mark spirits, using all the tools in my possession to convince and persuade my audience. In any case, INOMUN conferences definitely had me develop my taste for theatrics over the years!”

The Closing Ceremony took place from 6:00 pm to 6:40 pm. One of the highlights was a special recap video created by Felix, a student from Montebello and member the Press Team. He managed to edit the video in a very short time, using the pictures taken during the day by the other members of the Press Team.

“I didn’t think I would be able to make a good video in just one day, but in the end, I succeeded.”

The video beautifully captured the spirit of the event, showing standout moments from the debates, the efforts of the organizing teams, and the lively atmosphere throughout the day. It was a touching way to relive the moments that made the conference so memorable.

INOMUN was more than just a debate—it helped students build important skills like problem-solving, cooperation, and leadership. It was inspiring to see the delegates thoughtfully presenting ideas that were both innovative and grounded in the real-world. The level of preparation and diplomacy displayed showed that young people have valuable ideas for solving global problems and creating a better future.

INOMUN is organised by students from the International British Sections of the Lycée International Montebello from Lille and Lycée Henri Wallon from Valenciennes. Therefore, we would like to thank all the students from the organising teams (the Chairs, Socials, Admins, Press, Finance and Secretaries general). Moreover, we express our gratitude to our teachers and head teachers, and to the GPSIBL, the parents association of students in the British International Section of Montebello. This event would not have been possible without the support of the Conseil Régional, which allowed us to use its hemicycle. Last but not least, a big thank you to all the delegates who came to the conference. See you next year !

Written by Tess and Alixe, members of the Press Team.

You can find the article of this edition from La Voix du Nord here !