Honourable chairs, fellow delegates, distinguished directors, and most esteemed guests,
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the 12th annual MUN@UWCSEA conference, dedicated to our theme, “Calling for Collegial Contention”. In a world overshadowed by conflict, violence and polarisation, it is more important than ever to recognise that respectful disagreement is the cornerstone of global diplomacy. This year’s conference is a reminder that by displaying mutual respect to those with differing perspectives, we can celebrate our differences to come together as a global community. Clashing opinions are not reasons to shut others out; they are bridges that invite understanding and compassion, opportunities to see through the lens of someone who thinks differently.
True diplomacy does not require uniformity or absolute agreement, it demands understanding and empathy. The essence of collegial contention is rooted in our ability to challenge each other with civility, debate passionately but respectfully, and recognise that the ‘opposition’ will also live in the world we choose to create. When delegates engage in discourse not to prove a point, and instead to engage in genuine dialogue, they embody the spirit of the United Nations: unity through diversity.
Across these two days, remember that diplomacy does not begin with the loudest voice, but with the most open mind. When someone holds a differing opinion, listen to them before shutting them out. The conversations you engage in, the resolutions you draft and most importantly, the compromises you make for the greater good will reflect more than negotiation, they will reflect a possibility of peace over pride. Let this conference be a testament to what collegial contention can achieve on a global scale.
We hope that your experience at this year’s MUN@UWCSEA conference will inspire you to carry these values beyond the committee room. It is no lie that the world is far from perfect, but through true empathy, cooperation and dialogue, we all can get a lot closer. For if we do not try, then who are we to complain?
We look forward to seeing you all at MUN@UWCSEA 2025,
Sincerely,
Videep Agarwal,
Secretary-General
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to the 12th annual MUN@UWCSEA conference, dedicated to our theme, “Calling for Collegial Contention”. In a world overshadowed by conflict, violence and polarisation, it is more important than ever to recognise that respectful disagreement is the cornerstone of global diplomacy. This year’s conference is a reminder that by displaying mutual respect to those with differing perspectives, we can celebrate our differences to come together as a global community. Clashing opinions are not reasons to shut others out; they are bridges that invite understanding and compassion, opportunities to see through the lens of someone who thinks differently.
True diplomacy does not require uniformity or absolute agreement, it demands understanding and empathy. The essence of collegial contention is rooted in our ability to challenge each other with civility, debate passionately but respectfully, and recognise that the ‘opposition’ will also live in the world we choose to create. When delegates engage in discourse not to prove a point, and instead to engage in genuine dialogue, they embody the spirit of the United Nations: unity through diversity.
Across these two days, remember that diplomacy does not begin with the loudest voice, but with the most open mind. When someone holds a differing opinion, listen to them before shutting them out. The conversations you engage in, the resolutions you draft and most importantly, the compromises you make for the greater good will reflect more than negotiation, they will reflect a possibility of peace over pride. Let this conference be a testament to what collegial contention can achieve on a global scale.
We hope that your experience at this year’s MUN@UWCSEA conference will inspire you to carry these values beyond the committee room. It is no lie that the world is far from perfect, but through true empathy, cooperation and dialogue, we all can get a lot closer. For if we do not try, then who are we to complain?
We look forward to seeing you all at MUN@UWCSEA 2025,
Sincerely,
Videep Agarwal,
Secretary-General