United Nations Association: First Year Representative

Hi everyone!

I’m Zubaida, and I’m standing to be your First Year Representative for the United Nations Association. As someone who’s genuinely passionate about international affairs, diplomacy, and public speaking, I believe MUN offers a brilliant opportunity to explore global issues while developing confidence, leadership, and communication skills. I want to ensure every first year or MUN first timer feels welcome, supported, and inspired to get involved whether you’ve taken part in MUN before or are completely new to it.

If elected, I’ll focus on three key priorities

1. Inclusivity and Engagement: I’ll make sure that every first year has a say in how the society develops, through regular feedback, accessible training sessions, and plenty of opportunities to participate in debates and conferences.
2. Community and Connection: I’ll encourage the  organisation of social  mentoring events that bring first years and MUN first timers together with experienced members, making MUN not just intellectually rewarding but also a friendly, supportive community.

3. Confidence and Growth: I’ll work with the committee to run more workshops so that everyone can build their skills, gain confidence and feel ready to shine in committee rooms.

   I’m standing because I care deeply about helping  everyone find their voice within MUN. Together, we can make this society a place where everyone’s ideas are valued and everyone feels empowered to speak up.

Fellow voters,

When choosing your representative, a dilemma arises: whether to choose someone experienced, who knows what they are doing but may be too comfortable with the status quo, or a fresh face, with inverse risks.

Considering there are only 3 First Year Rep positions, we also can't balance our way out of the dilemma.

Or can we?

On one hand, I have by far the most experience with this society out of any new undergraduate. I smashed expectations as Germany to SOTF (Expert) at UCLMUN 2023 - at only age 16. Now that I am 18 and in uni, I am carrying forward this legacy by actively driving UCLUNA life - spontaneously making some of the most memorable speeches, reinterpretations of life, and most importantly, mix of sincerity and humour, of our training sessions and ULMUN delegation.

Instead of continuing to describe my past 6 years of MUN in the US (chairing, delegating, club refounding, etc.), this is where I highlight how much I am still learning with you. From UCLMUN 2023 to now, I am still shocked at how our socials are almost exclusively alcohol-centric - I will push for varied, meaningful socials. While I have only a few connections to MUN at US universities, my ongoing role in restarting UCL’s American Society encourages me to increase UCLUNA engagement with (M)UN in the US - the host of UN Headquarters. And, I have and will be approachable (in English, Mandarin, etc.) on so much - MUN-life balance, your ideas, or my usual “long chat”.

Roy - competence and innovation!

Dear members of the UCLUNA society,

Hi everyone, my name is Sara and I'm running to be your first year student rep.

I first started MUNs a few years ago, hoping to improve my public speaking skills and confidence. But somewhere along the way, between awkward speeches about global crises I knew nothing about and ridiculous amendments, I discovered how fun MUNs actually are. I met amazing people along the way, and I'd love to help recreate the same friendly upbeat energy here at UCLUNA.

I know first-hand just how daunting it can be to speak up in such unfamiliar settings and this is why I'm campaigning for first year rep.

I want UCLUNA to be a safe and inviting space, where everyone feels free to express themselves, regardless of your level of study or previous experience.

Everyone is welcome, complete beginners and experienced members alike!

If I'm elected, I aim to be a friendly face, someone you can talk to about your concerns, questions or anything else, be it completely unrelated. I'll be checking in regularly and forward any ideas you guys may have to the committee. I want to make sure everyone feels heard and has their say in the running of the society.

I'll help organise the session and socials to make them as inclusive and welcoming as possible.

I aim to be approachable and open, and I'll help you to the best of my abilities.

Let's make UCLUNA a community where everyone feels welcome!

Vote Sara for first year rep!

Hi, I’m Tanmaye Shagotra, and I’m asking for your vote to serve as your First-Year Rep for the UCLUNA.

Like many of you, I’m an enthusiastic MUNer, having participated in over 25 conferences during high school and awarded at prestigious events including HMUN and Princeton MUN. As a member of my school’s UNA Committee, I’ve seen the excitement and challenges faced by delegates — from first-time speakers to seasoned delegates — and I want to make sure every first-year feels confident, included, and heard.

 I will:

* Amplify first-year voices: Take weekly feedback (in-person and online) on how I and the UNA can better serve your interests, your special interests or any specific issue you may be facing. My email and phone will be accessible to every first-year.

* Expand participation opportunities: Holding specialised committees in weekly sessions regularly and organise guidance sessions tailored to issues raised in feedback.

* Enhance mentorship: Connect first-years with other first years and experienced delegates who share their niche interests.

* Build beyond borders: Aim to expand intercollegiate bond beyond London, to other colleges in the UK and abroad.

Together, we can make UCLUNA not just a society, but a platform where every student can think globally and act locally.

Hi y'all! My name is Olivia Kao, and I am a first year BSc Politics and International Relations student here at UCL. I would love to be a first year representative because I believe I would be a good voice for my fellow first years who either wish to compete in Model UN or learn more about international relations. I know how important it is for everyone's voices to be heard and am eager to work with both the committee and members of the United Nations Association to make this society a positive experience for everyone. Since I am also new to the concept of Model United Nations and international relations in general, I feel that I am a good candidate to accurately represent the best interests of first year students, new and experienced, especially those that are eager to learn, but don't know where to start. I want to foster a fun, enjoyable community within the United Nations Association, and I believe that being a first year representative is the best way to participate and make an impact within UCL. 

It is no secret that I attend our weekly sessions for the fun of it. Usually, I pick countries such as China or Iran to play Devil's Advocate and find it to be a great stress relief. As a first-year rep, I want to help ensure that our weekly sessions continue to allow for both Stress relief and serious MUN work, such as resolution writing. I intend on doing this by collaborating with the heads of our society and helping them keep our topics nice and spicy.

As any Chinese delegate, I do have an ulterior motive...

Being a STEM student, I find it frustrating when many important events, such as the LSE Halloween session, occur during my lectures. As a rep, I plan on helping ensure that events happen when everyone is free, rather than a select group of students. This way, more of our society (including me!!!) can attend socials and other special events 

Apart from my motives, like all my fellow candidates, I also have experience as a Prefect, leading teams, etc ofc and if you want to contact me to ask about anything, feel free! My email is [email protected]

PS: I swear I can't find any other good recent photos for my Candidate photo I don't normally dress up as MJ

As we are very much an interdisciplinary interest group, I believe it is vital that open and equal discourse runs amongst us. Being far-flung in our areas of specialism, we have a strong insight into a range of topics that are diverse in region, scope, and substance. Our society considers everything from geopolitical tensions to technological disruption, meaning a welcoming environment for discussion is central. Hence, I consider it essential for our representative to be well-spirited in collaboration and participation, as well as having a good understanding of the work involved.

For this, I am eager to represent the voices of my peers as first-year representative, such that we may contribute fresh perspectives to this ongoing discourse about international affairs. I hope to make everyone feel heard and understood, as well as raising those several pressing issues which are already being considered. Having served as Student Vice-President and Iftar Event Director at sixth form, and also having experience in MUN conferences around the country, I am well-placed to convey student voices across the board, as well as to work closely with other committee members to make UCLUNA safe, fun, and welcoming.