Lionel; The Delegate Who Does it All
Lionel; The Delegate Who Does it All
Madalena Reis, OPOMUN Media Team
At OPOMUN, Lionel Cisrow stood out as a delegate who fully embraced both the academic and social sides of Model United Nations. From debating complex international law cases in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to becoming a memorable presence at conference social events, Lionel’s experience reflects the diversity and energy of MUN conferences.
Lionel participated in OPOMUN as an advocate in the ICJ, a committee that differs significantly from traditional MUN committees. Instead of representing a single country, ICJ delegates act as lawyers, presenting legal arguments based on international law. During the conference, Lionel worked on two separate cases. In the first case, he argued on behalf of Iran in a dispute involving the United States and the shooting down of a civilian aircraft. His role required him to demonstrate how international law had been violated and to explain how accountability could be enforced. In the second case, Mexico v. Ecuador, Lionel represented Ecuador in a case concerning embassies, asylum, and state sovereignty.
In addition to his academic role, Lionel also took on a much lighter, but equally memorable, position during OPOMUN’s social events. He became known as “the bartender,” serving drinks, dancing behind the bar, and contributing to the relaxed atmosphere of the conference. According to Lionel, his homemade drinks (Fanta) were popular enough that someone even paid him a euro, a moment he proudly recalls as one of the highlights of the event.
OPOMUN was not Lionel’s first Model United Nations experience. Before this conference, he attended an MUN in Milan, while studying at ASM, the American School of Milan, where he currently studies. He describes his first experience as extremely fun, though not without its challenges. At the time, Lionel was still learning how MUN worked and admits that he struggled with following procedure. He talked too much, interrupted others, and was even removed from committee more than once. Despite this rocky start, the experience left a strong impression on him and motivated him to continue participating in MUN.
Lionel expresses that OPOMUN shows how much he has grown as a delegate compared to his first MUN experience. He is now more confident, better prepared, and more effective in debate, especially in the ICJ, which he considers his favourite committee due to its focus on international law rather than political negotiation. He found OPOMUN more realistic and engaging than the previous conference, noting its unique committees and higher levels of participation.
His motivation for MUN comes from his interest in politics, government, and public speaking, as well as the opportunity for personal growth and social interaction. Lionel was particularly interested in the Mexico v. Ecuador case, which he found more balanced in terms of countries perspectives, allowing for stronger arguments on both sides.
Through OPOMUN, Lionel developed a deeper understanding of international law and improved his ability to construct arguments and ask effective Points of Information (POIs). He learned the importance of asking complex, open-ended questions rather than simple yes-or-no ones, advising new delegates to speak up, not fear making mistakes, respect procedure, and enjoy both the academic and social aspects of MUNs.
Come back anytime, Lionel!