MUN Impact

Behind the Screen: Interviewing Ilyes Zeraiki

By Rishita Ghosh and Nandini Badhan

You can’t stop staring as you look into the mirror. The seriousness of life is staring right back at you. Why can you not find like-minded peers? The fire to bring about change and contribute to the community is so strong that it is now burning you alive. The restlessness is all too similar. Are you doing enough? Is action being initiated? Few realize that not taking action is the equivalent of failing, that also, without honor.

For many, MUN is a platform that has given them a sense of pride and fulfillment required to make their existences an impactful one. As the Covid-19 pandemic ticks, the restlessness and the strive to change amplifies. To feed this hunger, welcoming you with open arms, we present the “MUN IMPACT GLOBAL SUMMIT 2.0”. This second edition of the Summit is an exclusive opportunity to receive those who wish to contribute and impact the world, irrespective of their age, gender, nationality, or identity. 

Participants will get the chance to interact with speakers and mentors from all across the world and engage in a community-driven projects with like-minded peers. Workshops, seminars, and discussions revolving around the SDGs will occur, and the spirit of knowledge will be unleashed. High-profile guest speakers will recount their experiences, and other civilized meetings will broaden your spectrum of awareness. 

We know one thing for sure: NO ONE will be left out in the cold. We always have something new to offer!

The Deputy Head of Secretariat for the Global Summit 2.0, Ilyes Zeraiki, personally encourages you all to dive in. Ilyes himself graced the previous Summit and now essays the role of the Deputy Head of Secretariat. As the Deputy Head, he oversees the Admin Team, the Community Building Team, and the SDG Strands, acting as a bridge between the other secretaries.

While interacting with us, he praises this event’s inclusivity and explains the benefits to its participants. He explains, “I think what’s great about the Summit is that whatever you aspire to be or whatever your interests are, there’s still something for everyone in the Summit. For example, if you are interested in Life on Land or Economic growth, you will definitely find related workshops that will inspire you to bring about change”.

Bringing about change is a primary force that steers the MUN Community. Does this Summit fulfill that responsibility? Answering the same, Ilyes believes that change is definite. According to him, the new addition of the ‘SDG Sandbox’ and the ‘Dolphin Pool’ would allow the participants to come up with their ideas and find a medium to implement them; therefore, you will get the chance to pitch in some projects. He believes, “It’s different to tell the participants what to do, but it’s better to let them figure it out and submit it to the ‘Dolphin Pool’ where experts will give feedback, tweak ideas and add efficiency.” Practicality and independence will be valued. 

Apart from the educational aspect, this Summit also includes more relaxing and sociable activities. Ilyes fondly mentions that during the last Summit what many people enjoyed was the ‘Social Hour.’ The ‘Social Hour’ was designed to take a break from the seriousness of it all and converse with total strangers! It sounds crazy, but many people actually ended up making friends and kept in touch even outside of the Summit.

Well, maybe you’re genuinely considering participating now. But what does the Summit demand of you as a participant? Are you qualified enough? Will newbies make competent contributors? 

“No matter what your experience, just being interested is all we’re looking for. There’s not like a competent or a non-competent participant; anyone who just wants to learn is what we’re looking for. Everyone matters and our focus is to engage as many people as possible,” says Zeraiki.

Still not sure whether it would be worth your time and support your growth? Don’t worry, you have someone to erase your doubts. Ilyes courteously reflects on his journey as he explains how he has grown from a delegate to a mentor. Zeraiki believes that after attending such Summits and events, he is now a better communicator, more knowledgeable and has explored himself better. During his interview, one could tell how much passion he held for the Summit and how eager he is to unite you.

On a final note, what does Ilyes Zeraiki, the Deputy Head of Secretariat want to say? With good intentions, he quotes:

“Every action matters. Whether you’re working towards solving cancer, participating in community service, or even participating in the Summit, you’re always a part of making an impact”

A message from all of us:

“Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

No nonsense meant,

Looking forward to seeing you.”