Imagine this: you walk into the committee as Pakistan, but in reality you’re a proud Indian. The agenda? Cross-border terrorism. Your heart says one thing, your placard says another. So what do you do? That’s the real MUN moment.

Here’s the kick. MUN isn’t about what you believe. It’s about how well you can step into someone else’s shoes and defend their stance. Personal bias is natural, but portfolio representation is the real skill. When you speak, you’re not “you” anymore. You’re the voice of your country, its policies, its diplomacy.

And this isn’t just a roleplay. Even in the real UN, leaders of countries with opposite stances sit across the same table. They may not agree, but they still negotiate because development and peace are bigger than personal opinions.

That’s the beauty of MUN: anyone can give a speech on what they already agree with, but a true delegate can argue for what they don’t. Because in MUN, the game isn’t about proving yourself right, it’s about proving your country believable. 

Why Your Country’s Perspective Matters

So first things first, MUN is basically role play but on a global level. Think of it like you are cosplaying a diplomat. You are not here to spill your own opinions, you are here to channel the official vibe of the country you are representing. That is what keeps the whole debate fair and real.

Now, about credibility. Picture this. Someone representing Saudi Arabia suddenly goes “let us ban oil tomorrow.” Everyone’s brain is gonna scream cap. But if that same person goes “look, we rely on oil, but we are also putting money into renewables,” boom that is believable, that is smart, and the judges eat that up. It is all about sounding like your country actually would.

And here is the real tea. Authenticity is what separates the award snatchers from the crowd. Judges are not just impressed by loud or dramatic speeches, they vibe with delegates who show they have actually done their homework. If your speech could fit any random country’s placard, then it is generic and that is not what wins.

When Your Views Clash With Your Country

This clash is where a lot of delegates trip. Imagine you are super passionate about gender equality but you get assigned a country that has a sketchy record on it. Or maybe you care deeply about human rights but your portfolio makes you defend restrictions. Suddenly it feels like you are betraying yourself in front of the whole room.

I once saw this delegate who had done insane research on women’s rights. He pulled Iraq as his portfolio and just froze because he could not bring himself to defend restrictive policies. His speeches lost confidence, his alliances fell apart, and it all went downhill. The lesson is simple. If you let your personal feelings take over, your performance takes a hit. The best delegates do not panic at the clash. They adapt and argue exactly the way their country would.

How to Stay True to Your Portfolio

So how do you actually pull it off? Here are a few hacks that make the switch easier:

• Start with research

Check your country’s official websites, UN statements, and government press releases. Quoting their words makes you feel like you are channeling their voice instead of betraying yourself.

• Switch “I think” to “Our country believes”

That small change literally rewires your brain and makes your arguments sound official and polished.

• Flip the clash into a tactic

If you feel torn, acknowledge the other side’s point but explain why your country cannot take that stance. Example: “Some nations may support an immediate oil ban. However, as a leading energy exporter, our country’s priority is…” Balanced and diplomatic.

• Squad up with allies

Diplomacy is a team sport. Find countries in your bloc or region who share your perspective. Standing with them makes your stance stronger and less isolating.

The Diplomatic Advantage

Once you get the hang of setting your personal bias aside, something cool happens. You actually start thinking like a real diplomat. You build empathy because you are viewing the world through another country’s eyes. You sharpen critical thinking because you are defending policies that are not easy to back. And you earn respect because everyone notices the discipline it takes to rep a country properly.

Think of it like role play with a purpose. You are not just acting for fun, you are literally training yourself in the same skills diplomats use every single day at the United Nations.

Conclusion

At its core, MUN is not just about flexing fiery speeches or chasing awards. It is about learning how to think and act like a diplomat. Diplomats do not argue for themselves, they speak for their nations. And every single time you step into committee, that is exactly what you are practicing.

So when you feel that clash between your own beliefs and your portfolio, do not resist it. Step into the role and own it. MUN is literally the UN in action and you are one of its reps.

That is what makes the whole thing powerful. It is what will make you not just a stronger delegate but also a stronger leader outside the committee.

Good luck at Indraprastha MUN. Walk in ready to think, speak and negotiate the way your country would. Do that and you will not just be repping a nation, you will be carrying the actual spirit of diplomacy itself.