Learning to See the World Through Different Lenses: Reflections on a Model United Nations Journey in Malaysia and Singapore

By: Nabil Rifqi Nidhomi
Social Welfare Study Program, UIN Sunan Kalijaga Yogyakarta

In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to understand different perspectives has become an essential skill for young people. Yet, in our daily lives, we often view social and political issues through lenses shaped by our own experiences, identities, and environments. My participation in the International Youth Exchange (IYE) program in Singapore and Malaysia in August 2025 taught me a valuable lesson: understanding the world requires more than simply seeing it from our own position.

One of the main activities in the program was the Model United Nations (MUN), a simulation of United Nations sessions that brings together participants from diverse backgrounds to discuss global issues. During the conference, I had the opportunity to serve as a delegate representing Myanmar in discussions on international migration within the ASEAN region.

At first glance, the assignment seemed straightforward. In reality, however, it was far more challenging than I expected. As an Indonesian citizen, I am accustomed to interpreting issues through the social and political realities familiar to me. Representing Myanmar required me to set aside my personal opinions and instead understand the country's domestic conditions, political dynamics, social challenges, and national interests that shape its stance on migration.

The challenge became even more complex considering Myanmar’s ongoing political instability in recent years. These circumstances have not only affected the country's internal affairs but have also influenced migration patterns and Myanmar’s relationships with other ASEAN member states. To effectively present arguments during the conference, I needed to study the country's current situation and examine how Myanmar might approach migration issues within a regional forum.

This experience taught me that international issues are rarely black and white. In discussions about migration, for example, each country brings its own priorities, concerns, and interests to the table. Destination countries may emphasize security and economic capacity, while countries of origin often focus on protecting their citizens abroad. Transit countries face challenges of their own, many of which are rarely highlighted in mainstream discussions.

The MUN forum vividly demonstrated how these differing perspectives coexist within the same discussion space. Participants were not merely expressing personal views; they were striving to understand and represent the official positions of the countries they had been assigned. Through this process, I came to realize that diplomacy is not fundamentally about determining who is right or wrong. Rather, it is about finding common ground among diverse and often competing interests.

For me, the experience also offered an important lesson about empathy in a global context. Empathy is often understood as the ability to understand another person's feelings. However, in an international forum such as MUN, empathy takes on a broader meaning: the ability to understand how others think, particularly when they come from different political, social, and cultural backgrounds. It is this capacity that allows meaningful dialogue to continue despite significant differences in viewpoints.

Interestingly, the most memorable part of the experience was not the debate itself but the preparation process. Researching and developing Myanmar’s position taught me that understanding a country requires examining the many factors that shape its policies and decisions. This approach helped me appreciate that many global challenges cannot be addressed solely through normative judgments; they require a deeper understanding of the contexts from which they emerge.

The experience became even more meaningful when I received the Best Position Paper Award during the conference. To me, the award represented more than recognition for constructing a strong argument. It affirmed the importance of understanding perspectives different from one’s own as a foundation for productive and constructive dialogue. More importantly, it symbolized a personal journey toward moving beyond a narrow worldview and embracing a broader understanding of global issues.

As a Social Welfare student, this experience is closely connected to my academic field. Social welfare fundamentally requires the ability to understand individuals and communities with diverse circumstances, backgrounds, and needs. Listening carefully, understanding context, and viewing issues from the perspectives of others are essential foundations not only for social work practice but also for meaningful engagement in society.

In today's rapidly globalizing world, young people are expected to possess more than local academic knowledge. They must also develop the ability to think across perspectives and engage with global realities. An increasingly complex world demands individuals who can appreciate differences without losing their own identities. Representing Myanmar in the MUN conference taught me that understanding another perspective does not mean abandoning one’s beliefs; rather, it enriches the way we interpret and respond to the challenges around us.

Ultimately, the most important lesson I learned from the experience was not merely about international diplomacy. More profoundly, I learned that the world will always be shaped by diverse and sometimes competing perspectives. The real challenge is not determining who is most correct, but learning how to build understanding amid those differences. Perhaps it is precisely from that point that meaningful dialogue begins.