An Interview with MMUN 2016 Secretary General Marko Simovski

With MMUN just around the corner, we thought it would be a great opportunity to let all delegates and fans of MMUN 2016 get to know our 2016 MMUN Secretary General, Marko Simovski, a little bit better. We all know it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to get chosen for this position, so it is our pleasure to learn more about this individual and share with you his journey, experience and future plans.

1. Marko, what is your previous experience with MMUN?

Prior to becoming the Secretary General of Macedonia Model UN, I have not been involved with the conference, although I certainly do not lack MUN experience. I have had the opportunity to attend the London International Model United Nations in 2014 and 2015, representing Hungary in ECOFIN and Somalia in UNEP respectfully, as well as the Oxford International Model United Nations 2014, where I represented Mexico in DISEC.

Chairing the Economic and Social Council at last year's Sofia International Model United Nations shone a different kind of light on to my MUN experience and definitely upgraded my skills and knowledge. 2. What motivated you to apply for Secretary General?

The simple quest for knowledge and experience is what motivated me the most to apply for the position of Secretary General, knowing that it offered me the opportunity to learn and grow as a person, as well as professionally. 3. Why do you think MMUN is a marvelous opportunity and experience for young leaders? The young people of today are the leaders of tomorrow. It is my personal belief that engaging yourself with a conference such as MMUN will make the foundations on which you base your beliefs on tremble, disturbing the status quo and bringing change to your mindset and the way you perceive the world. Having a global mindset is what makes a person grasp the gravity of the current global issues and how we can affect them, shifting us from being a part of the problem to being a part of the solution.

4. What do you think about the current situation with the Zika virus? It is yet unclear how big of a threat it poses to humanity, although one thing is certain, the World Health Organization and the UN need to be alert and ready to act. The country of origin happens to be quite experienced in viruses, tracking and containing them, so definitely the Uganda Virus Research Institute should work closely with WHO in order to prevent future outbreaks and the Zika virus from spreading.

5. If you could live in any country, which would it be and why?

Cosmopolitan, [koz-muh-pol-i-tn], a person who is free from local, provincial, or national bias or attachment; citizen of the world; cosmopolite. This word precisely describes how I feel regarding this question. It is my firm belief that no human being is born to live at one place during his or her lifetime.

6. What are your expectations of this year’s conference? First of all, I expect the delegates to have a great time, learn, share, explore and develop their potential before, during and after the conference, have fruitful debates and hopefully come to a resolution regarding the specific topics.

Furthermore, from the organizing team I expect dedication, honesty, cooperation and strong will to make this conference a truly wonderful experience for everyone involved, motivating other people to step forward and take our roles the following year. At last, from myself I expect to perform my duties in the best possible manner, justifying the faith put in me by the organizers, overcoming the obstacles on the way and proving to myself that I am up to the challenge.

7. What do you think are the biggest issues facing our world today?

I wish I could name a few, but that may be impossible. Maybe reading the Preamble of the United Nations Charter will prove successful in reminding everyone why the Organization of the United Nations was formed in the first place, then compare the current situation of the world and see, not if, but when and where, we went wrong. Wars in the Middle East, the rise of Daesh, specifically the war in Syria and the refugees flooding neighbouring countries as well as Europe, the outbreak of the Zika virus in South America, these are all very pressing matters. As much as it pains me to say, the list goes on. Specific issues I personally would like to point out are income inequality and the distribution of wealth and power globally. This, in my opinion, should be addressed and resolved, although I am well aware of the challenge it poses.

8. Do you consider the UN as a crucial organization in the social structure? The UN has played a crucial role in creating the World Order as we know it today, after WWII. It has an unrivaled place in resolving global issues and allocating its resources among the bodies and organizations it oversees, making sure that help is given to those in need. Nevertheless, the UN has its flaws and failures and plenty of opportunities for improvement. In my opinion, although the United Nations' role in international affairs is sometimes questioned and undermined, it is my strong belief that the UN has a lot more to offer, contribute and develop where no organization previously could. The people standing behind this Organization have committed their lives in service to society and as such should be shown gratitude and respect for their work.

9. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

This is such a popular question, although I have never truly found an answer for it. Currently I have ambitions to pursue a career in diplomacy and international relations, although that may change. What I am certain of is that I am nurturing my passion for international affairs and being constantly interested in the field. What I aim to achieve is to successfully lead a fulfilling life, while utilizing my potential and developing myself and the people around me. 10. What would your message and recommendation to the future delegates in MMUN be?

Distinguished delegates, it is a pleasure and honor to preside over the Secretariat of Macedonia Model UN. This conference is an excellent place where you could develop yourself personally, as well as professionally, and further explore and develop your leadership potential. I would highly recommend to use this opportunity to learn, grow, share ideas and debate and make sure that you leave this conference being a better person than you were before. Always bear in mind that MUN is FUN, so let that thought guide you during your time at MMUN.

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