Iloilo City – A Foreign Service student from the University of San Agustin’s College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education, has made history by winning at the prestigious Jakarta International Model United Nations (JMUN) 2024, one of the leading Model UN conferences in Southeast Asia. Kyla Presmei Ciubal Depakakibo, a third year Foreign Service student, represented the University of San Agustin during the event. This marks the first time that the university has sent a delegate to JMUN, and it was also Ms. Depakakibo’s first international competition and Model United Nations experience, making the victory even more remarkable.
Held from August 23 to 25, 2024, in Jakarta, Indonesia, the JMUN gathered students from across the world to simulate the proceedings of various United Nations councils. In this educational exercise, participants play the role of diplomats representing different states or non-state actors, engaging in debate, negotiation, and resolution drafting on critical global issues. Ms. Depakakibo participated in the conference’s Press Corps, a special council where delegates act as journalists for international news agencies. Representing Fox News, Ms. Depakakibo was tasked with covering key events in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and the World Water Forum (WWF), contributing two hard news articles and one opinion piece during the conference.
This is the first time the University of San Agustin has sent a representative to JMUN, marking a significant milestone for the university’s growing participation in international diplomacy and leadership simulations. While the university sent an official delegation to the Harvard World MUN earlier in March 2024, JMUN presented a new opportunity for students to engage with other Southeast Asian and international institutions. JMUN is renowned for its rigorous simulation and is a key platform for aspiring diplomats and international relations students across the region.
Ms. Depakakibo has mentioned that her Indonesia win marked many firsts for her, and her win at the competition was unexpected but welcome.
Unlike other councils where delegates represent states, the Press Corps simulates the work of journalists from major global media outlets. As the delegate for Fox News, Ms. Depakakibo reported on the key debates and developments in the UNSC and WWF, two vital global forums discussing international security and water resource management.
For the pre-conference assignment, Ms. Depakakibo submitted a video report on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific region, providing analysis on geopolitical challenges and implications of the issue through the lens of Fox News. During the conference, they wrote two hard news articles and one opinion piece, covering the resolutions being debated in the UNSC and WWF and providing timely analysis of global events.
“I was challenged to depict my news agency’s bias,” Ms. Depakakibo recalls of the experience. “On a technical level, I stepped outside my comfort zone by filming and editing the video all by myself.”
The University of San Agustin is no stranger to Model United Nations competitions. Its own San Agustin Model United Nations (SAMUN) has grown in popularity over the years, with its sixth iteration expected to take place during this academic year. The university’s participation in MUNs has steadily increased, providing students with the opportunity to develop diplomacy, public speaking, and critical thinking skills.
The university’s recent participation in both Harvard World MUN 2024 and now JMUN 2024 reflects its commitment to expanding its global presence and preparing its students to engage with the world’s most pressing issues.
With this victory, Ms. Depakakibo joins the ranks of young leaders poised to make a mark in international relations, acknowledging that this achievement has given her recognition from the university and beyond.
The University of San Agustin continues to nurture the next generation of diplomats, journalists, and changemakers ready to engage with the global community.
The University of San Agustin celebrates Ms. Depakakibo’s success at JMUN 2024, marking a significant achievement in international diplomacy and educational leadership for both the student and the institution.
Foreign Service is under the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education. It is led by Dr. Nenelyn de la Fuente, its dean, whilst Foreign Service is under academic supervisor, Dr. Sonia Daquila, and Mr. Ralph Angelo Misola, assistant academic supervisor.
For more information or media inquiries about the Foreign Service program, please contact the College of Liberal Arts, Sciences and Education at cas@usa.edu.ph.
