In early April 2025, the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid (UPM) opened its doors to students from across the EELISA network for a weekend of diplomacy, debate, and discovery at the latest edition of UPMMUN—a Model United Nations conference, on this edition supported through the 3rd EELISA Joint Call.
Participants from diverse academic backgrounds took on the roles of international delegates, explored global issues, and exchanged ideas in an environment that blended academic rigor with cultural connection.
In this #EELISANarrators story, one student reflects on how UPMMUN challenged her to push beyond her comfort zone and inspired new confidence in her leadership abilities. From navigating unfamiliar topics to drafting resolutions and engaging in meaningful negotiations, this is a powerful example of how EELISA opportunities can shape both personal and professional growth.
Read her full reflection below.
As an international business student, I haven’t been deeply exposed to the technical side of global affairs – especially topics like deepfakes and cyber intelligence. That’s exactly why I chose the UNODA committee at UPMMUN. I’ve always believed that the main purpose of Model United Nations—and any event, really—is to grow, challenge yourself, and broaden your perspective. So, I deliberately chose a topic that was unfamiliar to me.
While researching the agenda items, I not only explored the specific topics but also gained insight into the position and perspective of Cuba, the country I was assigned to represent. But reading articles and watching videos can only take you so far. The real transformation happened when I flew to Madrid: meeting fellow delegates from around the world, engaging in intense debates, and exchanging perspectives was a complete game changer.
Although I’ve attended several MUN conferences before, this one felt truly unique. From the academic depth to the cultural exchange, UPMMUN wasn’t just about winning—it was about stepping out of my comfort zone and growing through it.
During this conference, I decided to take on a leadership role, something I had never done before at an MUN. Instead of staying in the background as I had in previous conferences, I pushed myself to actively lead the drafting of a resolution and engaged in negotiations with other delegates. It was challenging but incredibly rewarding.
That’s the beauty of events like these: you’re placed in a completely new environment, surrounded by people you’ve never met, which gives you the freedom to reinvent yourself. And if it works out, you return home not only with new experiences but with proof that you’re capable of more than you ever imagined. For me, this experience helped me realize that I can lead, contribute meaningfully, and step into roles I used to shy away from.
One of my favorite parts of UPMMUN was knowing that our work wouldn’t just be forgotten on a laptop but would actually be forwarded to key UN bodies, with our suggestions being taken into consideration. It was a powerful reminder that youth can have a real and global impact—not just on a small scale, but in ways that truly matter.
Winning the Best Delegate award wasn’t just a trophy—it was a moment of realization that I’m capable of far more than I thought, and that stepping up is always worth it.
Beyond the academic achievements, I was fortunate to expand my network and meet wonderful people who I can now proudly call my friends. I also had the chance to experience the vibrant, beautiful energy of Madrid—a city that can’t even be fully captured in words.
I honestly didn’t expect this weekend conference to have such a profound effect on me, but it’s something I think about every day. It was an opportunity I’ll never take for granted—and one that has changed me in ways I never saw coming.
Yara Amer is an Egyptian International Business student at Friedrich-Alexander University in Nuremberg, Germany. She is passionate about diplomacy and entrepreneurship, with the goal to bring both worlds together and make a real difference.
