From Milan to Porto: An Interview with the External Co-Chair
From Milan to Porto: An Interview with the External Co-Chair
Emilia Braga Orbach, OPOMUN Media Team
Meet our external Social Committee Co-Chair, Serena Marchelli, from Milan. Marchelli had been to three other MUNs before and has quite a lot of experience being a Chair and Co-Chair. She started off strong by stating the journey of the past MUNs that had led her to this one. Serena explained in detail how the school where she was first introduced to MUNs was where she truly cultivated her passion for being a Chair, as well as how this MUN is quite different from others she has attended so far. This was due to her being an External Chair in a country whose native language was not the same as hers, making the experience feel slightly out of her comfort zone, but still a challenge she was willing to take on. Serena attended her first-ever MUN in the ninth grade and, like almost every other delegate, felt terrified.
The main responsibilities of a Chair or Co-Chair include making sure that everything is constantly organised properly, ensuring that delegates are following procedures, all whilst the other Chair is leading the discussion and the overall debate. The Co-Chair is always there to ensure everything is going smoothly, as well as keep track of what the delegates are doing, such as how many points of information (POIs) make and how many people are responding.
Although becoming an External Co-Chair for this year’s OPOMUN is already a huge accomplishment, one moment from Serena’s first MUN experience as a chair truly stayed with her. At the end of the debate, all the delegates went around and shared what they liked and disliked about the MUN. She felt particularly fulfilled when they mentioned the Chair being welcoming and making them feel calm and safe. Serena’s main goal as a Chair member at MUNs is to ensure that people feel welcomed and secure, and that they are not judged for what they say or the clauses they present. Knowing she was able to accomplish this made her feel much more confident for the upcoming MUNs.
Do not fret, a badge and a hoodie are not all that will be taken home from OPOMUN; experiences, skills, and advice that last a lifetime are also gained. Serena emphasised how many important skills she has developed through MUNs and how they have changed her approach to daily life, including organisation, public speaking, and the crucial value of kindness, compassion, and empathy.
OPOMUN Chairs and staff work hard to keep everything stable and running smoothly. When Serena was a delegate, her role was simply to do her part and leave. Now, she has a much bigger role in terms of preparation and organisation, which is very different from what most participants are accustomed to. Serena discussed her view on whether middle and upper school students should have more exposure to MUNs and why. She concluded that middle and upper school students should, in fact, have much more exposure to MUNs and similar events, given the impact they can have on confidence, the ability to form friendships, and awareness of globalised issues.
It truly has been an inspiring experience for our External Co-Chair at OPOMUN, and we are only halfway through! Having her here has enriched our understanding of the MUN world and connected us to global perspectives. Serena’s journey highlights the valuable lessons and opportunities awaiting everyone involved, demonstrating how OPOMUN helps shape future leaders and leaves a lasting mark long after the final debate.