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As a student, participating in the Model ASEAN Meeting was a fascinating event that gave significant insights into the realm of diplomacy and international relations. Two key factors that jumped out during this simulation were the significance of consensus-building and the problems of combining national objectives with regional collaboration. We were able to experience the complexity and advantages of diplomacy directly by engaging in constructive discourse, attentively listening to varied opinions, and seeking common ground. This event highlighted the need for collaboration, mutual understanding, and cultural diversity in tackling global concerns. Reflecting on my experience at the Model ASEAN Meeting has pushed me to pursue a career in international relations. The simulation fueled my personal and intellectual development, instilling a love of diplomacy and a strong understanding of ASEAN's role in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia and beyond.

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Another key theme that arose from the Model ASEAN Meeting was the problematic balancing of national interests and regional cooperation. As ambassadors, we were tasked with preserving the welfare and interests of our respective countries. However, we understood the need to work together to achieve common goals and address regional difficulties. This balance was frequently difficult to achieve. On the one hand, we needed to speak vigorously for our national interests while also taking into account our citizens' worries and ambitions. On the other hand, we had to recognize the importance of regional collaboration in solving transnational concerns like climate change, economic inequality, and security threats. Keeping this delicate balance in check needed deft discussion and compromise. It was intriguing to watch how member countries engaged in conversations in search of win-win solutions that would benefit both individual countries and the ASEAN community as a whole. This experience showed me the value of diplomacy in identifying common ground and creating trust among nations, even when interests appeared to be diverging.

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The importance of consensus-building in diplomatic discussions was one of the essential conclusions from the Model ASEAN Meeting. During the simulation, I immediately understood that reaching a consensus among varied member nations was a difficult but necessary endeavour. Each country had its own set of objectives, beliefs, and interests that frequently clashed with those of other countries. It became apparent during the negotiations that effective diplomacy requires patience, active listening, and the capacity to discover common ground. We had to participate in constructive discourse, assess the concerns of all member nations, and make concessions that were consistent with ASEAN's overall goals. This approach showed me the value of diplomacy in overcoming divisions and establishing international collaboration. Furthermore, the Model ASEAN Meeting emphasized the significance of cultural sensitivity and encouraging inclusion. We got the opportunity to learn about one another's customs, traditions, and viewpoints as students from other nations. This exposure increased mutual understanding and promoted the notion that different points of view might contribute to more comprehensive and well-rounded policy judgments.

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Participating in a Model ASEAN Meeting was a rewarding experience that expanded my knowledge of regional diplomacy and the intricacies of international relations. As a student, this simulation gave me the opportunity to put myself in the shoes of a diplomat and engage in meaningful dialogues with my classmates. In this reflection article, I will highlight two critical aspects of the Model ASEAN Meeting that have made an indelible impression on me: the necessity of consensus-building and the problems of balancing national interests with regional collaboration.