TOBBMUN,hosted by Türkiye Odalar ve Borsalar Birliği Fen Lisesi Model United Nations Conference, is a young and academically oriented international conference for bringing together young minds who share an abiding passion for diplomacy, international affairs, and constructive dialogue. TOBBMUN, held in Antalya, Turkey, seeks to provide a setting in which delegates feel encouraged to think critically, speak with confidence, and discuss some of the most pressing matters of the day in a constructive and articulate fashion. Far more than a simulation, TOBBMUN represents a context in which ideas must be challenged and the minds of its participants must be opened.
Founded by a committed group of students and educators, TOBBMUN was created out of the conviction that young people must be engaged actively in the understanding and management of the international system. Right from the design and the ideals that permeate the conference format, it is apparent that the Models are committed to the values of excellence, inclusion, and integrity in knowledge and conduct. Every TOBBMUN conference is designed to provide the participants with the realistic model of the United Nations conference experience and to also leave them feeling encouraged and inspired.
Essentially, TOBBMUN is all about the application of both theory and practice alike. Delegates are encouraged to delve as much as possible into the factors and issues that prevail worldwide and are equally anticipated to familiarize themselves with the underlaying factors that exist beyond the issues that are raised. By participating as a country or individual that is foreign to them, delegates are expected to think beyond the boundaries of their own perspectives and learn to think with respect and from the angle of others as well.
In TOBBMUN, apart from its solid academic background, it is officially partnered with the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Youth and Sports, also referred to as the Gençlik ve Spor Bakanlığı. This partnership shows that the conference is in line with the national aims of youth development, leadership, and participation. Being partnered with the Ministry further supports TOBBMUN’s aim of being more than just a student-led activity, as it is now a known national platform that impacts the intellectual, social, and personal development of the youth. It also shows the commitment of the conference to running the event in a professional, responsible, and educational manner.
The academic format utilized in TOBBMUN aims to test its participants while being open to everyone, no matter what level of experience is possessed. Committees are established based on current global topics to ensure that the delegates are forced to assess complex topics, interact with other delegates, and strive towards a comprehensive solution to a problem. At this conference, formal debates, guided debates, unguided debates, negotiation, and preparation of resolutions are all carried out following a set format that is used in model UN meetings.
Indeed, it is beyond a doubt that one of the most important aspects of TOBBMUN is the development of the individuals who attend. Public speaking skills, the ability to persuade, teamwork, and leadership are not merely theoretical concepts, but they are skills honed during the conference. The skills learned during this conference include the ability to put their points across, reacting to counter arguments, all while being respectful. Such skills are vital, especially outside the conference setting.
One of the hallmarks of the TOBBMUN experience is the sense of community which pervades it. Students from diverse schools and cities gather with one aim in mind, instilling an environment of cooperation as opposed to competition. Communication flows as it should, with all parties respecting each other. The community instills an ability in students to make genuine links with others that present possibilities long after the final speeches are made.
The sense of belonging is one of the principles of TOBBMUN.
TOBBMUN is also aware that learning is not only acquired in a formal manner. The experience of the event might be enhanced in a social manner, and it is necessary to ensure that the event will include opportunities for social interactions, sharing, and other moments in which participants will be able to relax, reflect, and commemorate their success.
The vision behind TOBBMUN also involves more than just one conference. This conference will encourage those who take part to continue to be interested in all that happens in this global community and to take action when they return to their own. This will help create a generation that can meet all the complex problems facing this global community with insight and integrity. With a world in a state of ever-escalating change where global collaboration has never been so crucial, TOBBMUN presents a chance for young minds to learn how to engage in conversation and problem-solving in a way that is both authentic and safe. The conference is a shining example of what can be achieved when young people are empowered and a space created to share their ideas. Whether it is the first time taking part in this organization as a delegate or as an accomplished one, every person who joins TOBBMUN is included within a collective effort for a deeper understanding of the world and for the conception of better futures. Within a spirit fueled by academic integrity and guided by affiliation with institutions, TOBBMUN has, indeed, continued to flourish as a distinguished Model UN conference.
