Written by Coleen Frances Dizon (STELA)
The Global Youth Ambassadors Model United Nations (GYAMUN) was held in Baguio City, Philippines, on August 22-23, 2025, the event was very informative and inspiring, showcasing the youth minds actively engaging in global leadership and diplomacy.
The University of Baguio’s Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (UB BAPS) proudly took part in a prestigious youth conference that brought together aspiring leaders from various institutions. Representing UB as official delegates were Ms. Danella Corin O. David (Delegate of the Netherlands) and Ms. Kyra M. Kelly (Delegate of the Bahamas), both Political Science students. Supporting the event were dedicated volunteer members of the UB Political Science program: Justine De Guzman, Holy Agustin, Isabela Fate Avila, Maria Michaelah Garraez, and Observer-Volunteer Coleen Frances P. Dizon. The conference brought together youth delegates portraying well-known international councils, including UNICEF, ASEAN, INTERPOL, and UNESCO, each representing key areas of global issues and cooperation.
Walking into the venue, the atmosphere was full with enthusiasm, passion and seriousness. The delegates, young but remarkably composed, occupied their respective councils with a sense of purpose. UNICEF delegates focused on children’s rights and well-being, advocating and giving solutions regarding the poverty and hunger faced in some countries. Their discussions for the past two days were passionate, reflecting urgency and empathy. They were two directive resolutions made by the UNICEF delegates, after thorough sessions, they didn’t pass a resolution even with the help of voting. Even with this result, UNICEF delegates poured all their hearts, minds and souls to solve vital issues. On the last day, UNICEF Co-chair Alyana Hontanar made an inspiring message to UNICEF delegates, “ Awards are not the end-all of MUN, the real win is showing up, speaking up, and learning in the process. Some of you spoke a lot, some less— but the truth is what matters isn’t the number of times you raised your placard, but the substance that came with it. One solid speech can leave more impact than ten filler ones”.
It was truly a strong and inspiring message to the youth that speaking up and showing up was the most important thing to do. Quoted from the UNICEF Head Chair, Christianne Gerard Bartolazo, “When you dream big, you start small”. It’s a short yet inspiring quotable quote for the UNICEF head chair, it’s a reminder to everyone of us that having a large and ambitious goal, we should pair it with small and manageable beginning steps. Dreaming big provides us direction and motivation, but starting small helps us overcome and break into the dream we want to.
Meanwhile, the ASEAN Council debated regional cooperation and security in Southeast Asia. Both days of this conference was indeed an intense and thoughtful debate. ASEAN Council sessions were marked by a high level of engagement and negotiation, as delegates tackled a big concern from the prevention of infectious diseases in Southeast Asia. The Debate within ASEAN Council was heated, demonstrating the passionate commitment of the young delegates to find an equitable solution for the interests represented by the member states.
The Interpol council added an edge of complexity and urgency with their discussions focused on eliminating human trafficking and migrant smuggling. These rising global security issues sparked intense yet smooth debates among youth delegates, who meticulously examined the intricate networks and challenges involved in transnational crimes. Interpol delegates tackled the complex nature of human trafficking and migrant smuggling, emphasizing the need for chanced international cooperation and law enforcement coordination.
In UNESCO, the delegates engaged deeply in conversations on education giving importance to global education through digital collaboration. The delegates emphasized how digital technologies can be effective instruments to broaden access to high-quality education across different regions and communities. The conversations amongst UNESCO delegates were smooth and informative. It was full of passion and hope for a progressive vision of education.
Throughout the sessions, delegates showcased impressive skills in negotiating, public speaking, and conflict resolutions. As an observer and volunteer, what impressed me most was not only the organized simulation but also the genuine friendship among delegates, the eagerness to understand different viewpoints yet promoting the interests of their respective countries, and also their common belief that youth can effect change.
The 1st Global Youth Ambassadors Model United Nations that was held in Baguio City, Philippines, was more than just a conference, it was an opportunity to give the next generation a chance to improve their diplomatic skills, make friendships, and inspire optimism for a peaceful and cooperative future.
