Delegates of the 24th Benilde Model United Nations are urged to pursue collaboration in spite of the challenges that threaten to drive a wedge in the global arena.

In a speech, Maria Veronica Templo-Perez, vice president of LaSallian Mission and Student Life, highlighted the importance of cooperation, camaraderie, and creativity in coming up with realistic, evidence-based, and inclusive policy proposals to address pressing international issues.

“We may be living in different parts of the world but in one way or another we are all affected by the mounting challenges. If there is anything that we should learn from this experience, it is that these world problems are everyone’s business, whether you are a student, nurse, a truck driver, or a diplomat. You can be part of the solution,” Perez said.

BMUN, with the theme “Building bridges, transcending boundaries amidst interconnecting challenges,” is a Rotary-sponsored simulation of the operations in the United Nations in the form of a three-day conference that aims to enhance and engage students in the field of diplomacy by fostering the comprehensive exercise and development of students’ skills and practices. It commenced
on-site after two years of online video conferences.

Included in the agenda are topics related to humanitarian aid, equal representation, and opportunities for women, human rights, and climate change.

“Many of these hit close to home. We hope the delegates will be able to discuss them with rigor, passion, and with the welfare of those who are most in need in mind,” Perez said.

Guest speaker former vice president Atty. Leni Robredo reiterated to the delegates the core of the United Nations, where people should treat each other “as human beings that have equal rights and are of equal worth and of equal dignity.”

BMUN is in partnership with the Rotary Club of Makati and the Department of Education. The event will culminate on 4 March with a BMUN traditional diplomatic ball at Hotel Benilde Maison De La Salle at 6 p.m.