Written by MANSOURI Nihal
In the heart of challenges, hope always lies. My mother used to always tell me, « You’re not just an ordinary person, you have the power to make a difference, to build bridges between cultures, and you carry hope in your heart. » Over time, I started to realize how her words were a guiding light along my path. My father, Mohamed, taught me that diplomacy isn’t just about spoken words ; it’s an art of bringing people together at one table, with understanding and mutual respect.But the truth is, the dream wasn’t just a wish—it was a vision that became reality when I, Nihal Mansouri had an opportunity to attend and participate at the FWWMUN conference held in New York from April 2 to 9, 2025.
Participating in this global event was more than just an academic training ; it was a defining moment in my journey, where I had the chance to represent Senegal at one of the biggest diplomatic forums, proudly wearing my traditional Moroccan attire. The event wasn’t just a platform for learning, but a space for cultural dialogue, and exchanging ideas among youth from all around the world.
At the heart of diplomacy, the rhythm of change
My journey started in the Economic and Social Committee (ECOSOC), where lively debates unfolded among participants from various countries. Every word I spoke carried within it the identity of my country, a Moroccan proudly representing Senegal, another African country, and our unique position on the international stage. The discussions that often heated up required us to be more than just representatives of our nations ; we had to be voices that called for understanding, cooperation, and practical solutions to global issues.
New York : the city that unites cultures
I still remember standing in the heart of New York, the city that never sleeps, where people from all different backgrounds live in harmony and sometimes in conflict. The moments we spent visiting iconic places like the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building symbolized the realization of a distant dream. The city reflected perfectly the diversity of minds and ideas, with each one of us carrying a torch of hope and a shared goal.But what stood out most were the friendships formed with young people from around the world, countries like Italy, India, Nigeria, Ukraine, and others. The bonds we created were more than just diplomatic relations. They were genuine human connections, built on mutual respect and the exchange of knowledge. In every conversation and manifested cultural influence, we learned how different ideologies could come together to create new ideas that would lead to innovative solutions.
The true art of diplomacy : between laughter and deep thought
One of the things that made this experience unique was when we laughed together after intense sessions. In the midst of pressure and seriousness, there was always room for a little light-hearted Moroccan humor. We shared jokes and stories that eased the atmosphere and reduced the tension, because true diplomacy isn’t just about serious talks—it’s about creating moments that bring hearts closer and dissolve barriers.And if you didn’t find a chance to laugh, all you had to do was remember one of those « morning conferences » we attended, where I would wish for a bottle of water not just to hydrate, but to prepare for more « strategic diplomatic decisions » that needed a dose of caffeine !
The Moroccan spirit in every step
Throughout this journey, Ms. Hajar Askour, our supervisor, was the shining star that illuminated our path. Thanks to her, we learned the meaning of commitment, determination, and how success isn’t just a goal—it’s a journey of hard work and mutual collaboration. She made us believe that we could do anything if we dared and challenged ourselves. She embodied the essence of leadership, showing us that every role we play matters, and that we are part of something much larger.I also cannot forget Dr. Mounir Boukaa, our spiritual coach, who taught us how to overcome fear and step into the world with confidence. His advice always focused on the power of public speaking, how confidence could be the secret to making a lasting impact.
