Autor: nmuntuebingen

A Journey of Learning, Exchange, and Shared Perspectives

     In February 2026, we, the NMUN Tübingen delegation, travelled to Geneva, one of the world’s most important centers of international diplomacy. Over the course of three days, we not only gained valuable first-hand insights into the work of international organizations, but also experienced what it means to engage with global governance beyond the classroom.

Our program began on Wednesday with a series of meetings at key international institutions. At the World Trade Organization (WTO), we explored the complexities of global trade governance and the challenges of balancing economic interests with international cooperation. This was followed by a visit to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), where we engaged with pressing issues such as global displacement and the protection of refugees. In the afternoon, we met with representatives from the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), gaining insights into digital governance and the role of technology in shaping global connectivity.

On Thursday, we continued our program with a visit to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), where we discussed sustainable development and international cooperation in practice. We then had the opportunity to meet with the Permanent Mission of Germany to the Conference on Disarmament, which offered a particularly valuable and realistic perspective on diplomatic negotiations and state-level decision-making.

A highlight of our trip was the guided tour of the Palais des Nations. Walking through the historic halls where international negotiations take place made the world of diplomacy feel tangible and real, and reminded us why we engage in Model United Nations in the first place.

On our final day, we met with UN-Water, where we explored global water governance and the importance of coordinated international action in addressing shared challenges.

Beyond the academic program, the trip also brought us closer as a team. Between meetings, conversations, and shared moments,  including our group dinner in Geneva, we strengthened not only our knowledge, but also our sense of community.

Overall, our visit to Geneva was both inspiring and motivating. It deepened our understanding of international cooperation, connected theory with practice, and reinforced our commitment as we continue our journey towards NMUN New York.

A Day of Debate, Exchange and Shared Perspectives

On January 30th, 2026, the NMUN Tübingen delegation took part in the Hohenheim Castle Model United Nations (HCMUN), set in the impressive and historic surroundings of Hohenheim Castle. The unique venue created an inspiring atmosphere that perfectly complemented a day filled with lively debate, collaboration, and international exchange.

This year’s conference focused on two pressing global challenges: ensuring equitable and inclusive access to education and implementing a circular economy for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). After a series of engaging opening speeches and initial discussions, delegates voted to concentrate on the first topic.

Throughout the sessions, it quickly became clear that education was seen by many as a cornerstone for a more sustainable and just future. Delegates brought forward a wide range of ideas, from improving funding mechanisms in lower-income countries to expanding access in rural areas. Particular attention was also given to the potential of digital solutions, such as artificial intelligence and mobile technologies, to create more inclusive and accessible education systems.

The conference, organized by students of the University of Hohenheim and joined by participants from the University of Heidelberg, stood out for its especially open and collegial atmosphere. Delegates engaged in thoughtful discussions, built alliances, and respectfully navigated differing perspectives, reflecting both the challenges and the potential of multilateral cooperation.

Despite the limited time, motivation remained high throughout the day. Delegates stayed fully engaged until the very end, working intensively to develop and refine their ideas. For the NMUN Tübingen delegation, HCMUN 2026 was not only an opportunity to apply academic knowledge in practice, but also a chance to grow as a team and gain new perspectives on global challenges.

We are grateful for this enriching experience and look forward to carrying these insights into our continued journey towards NMUN New York.

On 24 January 2026, the Tübingen Model United Nations delegation took part in an intensive speech training session titled “Effective Communication: Speak with Impact”, held at the Institute of Political Science (IfP), University of Tübingen, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The training was led by Dr. Marco Behrmann, psychologist and founder of XRubicon, whose professional background in negotiation psychology, organisational development, and executive coaching provided valuable insights into effective communication in diplomatic settings.

The session focused on communication as a multidimensional process that extends far beyond spoken words. Participants explored how delivery, posture, and presence shape credibility and persuasive power, particularly in negotiation contexts. Drawing on concepts such as cooperative dynamics and tit-for-tat strategies, the training highlighted how subtle behavioural cues, including eye contact, voice control, and body language, can decisively influence how messages are received, especially under pressure.

The training was highly practice-oriented and structured in two main parts.

In the first segment, participants delivered short speeches on randomly assigned, contemporary topics, such as whether university professors should be regularly evaluated by students or whether a second foreign language should be mandatory in Germany. Each speaker was given ten minutes to prepare and ninety seconds to deliver their speech, simulating time-constrained decision-making and spontaneous argumentation.

The second part built directly on the delegates’ ongoing committee work within NMUN. Participants prepared and delivered speeches on committee-specific scenarios, including situations related to the NPT Review Conference. With limited preparation time and a predefined diplomatic context, this exercise closely mirrored the communicative demands of real Model United Nations sessions and multilateral negotiations.

A defining strength of the training was its multi-layered feedback structure. Participants not only received detailed feedback, but also actively evaluated one another, focusing on aspects such as content structure, intonation, lexical choice, and overall delivery. This collective feedback process fostered reflection, sharpened awareness of individual strengths and areas for improvement, and reinforced learning through observation.

Overall, the training underscored that effective public speaking is not solely about argumentation, but about clarity, composure, and conscious self-presentation.

We are deeply grateful to Dr. Marco Behrmann for his commitment, expertise, and engaging approach. His contribution added significant value to our preparation for upcoming conferences and provided insights that will extend far beyond Model United Nations.

TMUN – A Day of Debate, Diplomacy, and Collective Achievement

The historic halls of the Große Senat in the Neue Aula at the University of Tübingen once again provided an inspiring backdrop for the Tübingen Model United Nations (TMUN 2026). With remarkable dedication and professionalism, the TMUN team organized a conference that combined academic rigor with an open, motivating, and genuinely welcoming atmosphere, one that left participants tired, but deeply satisfied and proud of what they had achieved together.

This year’s conference featured two highly relevant agenda items: Topic 1: Disarmament and Development and Topic 2: Sustainable Tourism. Following deliberation, the committee selected Sustainable Tourism as the focus of debate. Delegates then engaged intensively with the economic, social, and environmental dimensions of tourism, examining how sustainable development, environmental protection, and local community empowerment can be reconciled in an increasingly interconnected world. The discussions highlighted the responsibility of states to promote tourism as a driver of economic opportunity while safeguarding ecosystems, cultural heritage, and social cohesion, an approach that resonated strongly across delegations and led to thoughtful, forward-looking proposals.

Throughout the sessions, the atmosphere in the committee was marked by focus, mutual respect, and an unmistakable sense of collective purpose. Delegates debated passionately, negotiated patiently, and collaborated constructively, embodying the spirit of multilateral diplomacy. Despite long hours and demanding negotiations, motivation remained high, proof of both the relevance of the topics and the excellent moderation and organization by the TMUN team.

A particular strength of TMUN 2026 was its inter-university character. Alongside students from the University of Tübingen, delegates from Hohenheim University and the University of Heidelberg took part in the conference, contributing diverse academic perspectives and enriching the quality of debate. The constructive and respectful exchange between students from different institutions underscored the collaborative spirit of the conference and demonstrated the value of cross-university dialogue in addressing global challenges. Reflecting the significance and success of the event, the conference also attracted public attention, with the Schwäbisches Tagblatt reporting on TMUN 2026 and highlighting the strong engagement and professional conduct of its participants.

A defining moment of the conference came at the conclusion of formal debate: all five draft resolutions were successfully passed. The applause following the adoption of the final resolutions was loud, sustained, and heartfelt, a shared moment of relief and accomplishment that captured the essence of the day. It was a clear sign that, despite differing national positions, consensus and cooperation had prevailed.

The conference concluded in a more informal but equally memorable setting at the Neckarmüller, where delegates, chairs, and organizers came together to reflect on the day. Conversations shifted from clauses and amendments to laughter, shared experiences, and new friendships. Everyone was visibly exhausted, but happy.

TMUN 2026 was not only a success in procedural terms, but also a powerful reminder of what student-led academic initiatives can achieve: meaningful debate, real collaboration, and a strong sense of community. Thanks to the outstanding organization of the TMUN team and the commitment of all participants, the conference once again demonstrated that dialogue, respect, and cooperation remain at the heart of effective international governance.

This weekend marked the official beginning of an exciting journey: 16 students from the University of Tübingen have set out on their path into international diplomacy, preparing to represent Indonesia at the National Model United Nations (NMUN) in New York. 🇮🇩

Our very first simulation conference laid the foundation for what lies ahead, intense debates, strategic negotiations, and above all, a shared commitment to global responsibility. From the very first speeches to the final negotiations, one thing became clear: diplomacy is in good hands. What started as individual motivation has already grown into a strong, supportive, and highly motivated delegation.

What makes this delegation especially unique is its interdisciplinary strength. Our team brings together students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, including international business, political science, law, economics, social sciences, and cultural studies. This diversity allows us to approach global challenges from multiple perspectives and to develop nuanced, realistic diplomatic solutions.

Throughout the coming months, we will continue to sharpen our skills in further simulations, deepen our understanding of Indonesia’s foreign policy, and strengthen our teamwork,  all in preparation for the world’s largest academic diplomatic simulation in New York.

This weekend was only the beginning. We are excited for every debate still to come, every challenge ahead, and ultimately, for standing together as Team Indonesia from Tübingen on the international stage.

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New York, we are on our way.🌍🤍