SPMUN 2024 takes over Menton

From November 15 to 17, the Ummah hosted the 2024 edition of the Sciences Pistes Model United Nations on our sunny Mediterranean campus. Participants from all corners of France that Sciences Po spans across—Paris, Reims, Le Havre, Poitiers, Nancy and Dijon—arrived in Menton for a dynamic engagement with the theme of “Defending Democracy: Institutions at Work.” The several months of hard work and dedication of the MUN teams were rewarded when over 200 participants enjoyed a weekend of insightful encounters and fruitful debates, all with a splash of limoncello and the fresh breeze of the sea. 

On Friday, November 15, the weekend was kicked off with an impeccable atmosphere at the welcome cocktail and opening ceremony. Attendees were immediately immersed in the vibrant Menton experience, with touching musical performances, refreshing drinks and Mediterranean delicacies. The cheery crowd then settled to listen to the anticipated opening speech by Monsieur Jean d’Haussonville, Ambassador of France to Monaco. The ambassador highlighted the importance of cultural diplomacy, a field in which he has an impressive record, through his work relating to the Louvre in Abu Dhabi and the national domain of Chambord. The MEDMUN team welcomed all participants to our little lemon town, without forgetting to remind them to enjoy the Mediterranean sun, a rare opportunity for our envious northern colleagues. Friday ended with a bar night at the iconic Menton beach spot, Les Incompris, where Sciences Pistes mingled before getting some well-deserved rest before an early Saturday morning. 

After spending the nights at benevolent hosts’ houses around Menton, the delegates were guaranteed an energized start to both Saturday and Sunday. Sciences Pistes enjoyed a delicious breakfast in the sunny Mediterranean weather, where the scarcity of pain au chocolats was the only worry in sight. The beloved Boulangerie Jean Luc Pelé treated hungry participants to fresh and mouth-watering meals throughout the entire weekend, offering a large variety of choices, including pizza, pichade, quiche and sandwiches. The vegetarian dishes even received an honorary mention from attendees. The meals and breaks were definitely a highlight of the Menton spirit, allowing dedicated delegates to relax and enjoy each other’s company. There was something for everyone as music was heard in English, French, Spanish, Italian and Arabic— sparking excitement for dancing and singing! 

After a nutritious meal and an energizing dance, delegates returned to committee sessions to discuss themes such as the Catalonian Independence Crisis at the European Council, and the Siege of Baghdad, 1258 and Digital Democracy in Tiktok in Crisis committees. Weddings, trivias, brat interventions, coups d’état, protests, dance battles, arrests and fraud were some key crisis moments that we are sure delegates will forever remember. Other committees, such as the historical committees, were highlighted as well because of their topics; even if they were set on events of the past, bringing them back for discussion highlighted their modern echoes in current political debates.

Saturday, November 16, provided participants with the perfect intermission to the intense committee sessions. At night, Sciences Pistes were packed at Inky Bar, one of the Menton spots that guarantees an overload of fun! Cultured Menton students were definitely aware of this, as the intense fight for extra tickets had them sold in less than a minute. Dressed in the SPMUN colors of red and white, Sciences Pistes instantly created a party-appropriate atmosphere where music and dance brought together people from all over France and the world. The efficient MEDMUN team took care that everyone had a good time, and some Menton students even introduced other Sciences Pistes to the privilege of being able to walk to the Italian border in the early hours of the morning after a wild beach party…Surely well-rested and relaxed, delegates kicked off Sunday with a morning of committee sessions before ending the conference at the closing ceremony. 

The Sunday, November 17, closing ceremony brought the SPMUN 2024 conference together one last time. The occasion was honored by an insightful speaker, Madame Isabelle Rosabrunetto, Director General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Principality of Monaco. She enlightened the attendees with a presentation on diplomacy and democracy, giving an inspiring demonstration of the more abstract political challenges of the modern day and of the profession of the diplomat. This was a spot-on conclusion for the conference of aspiring diplomats and this year’s theme, “defending democracy.” The ceremony lightened the mood for the delegate awards distributed by committee chairs. Finally, MEDMUN Secretary General, Éléonore Blanchet, pronounced the final words, and participants were ready to head on their long journey back home. The tireless effort of the MUN teams yielded enthusiastic and rapturous feedback from delegates who acquired great memories for the whole weekend’s worth from our little lemon town.