Letter from the Secretary-General

Dear Delegates and Faculty Advisors,

My name is María José Lama Verástegui, but you can call me Majo. I am the Secretary-General of Recoleta Debate Team (RDT) for 2025, and it is an honor to welcome you to RecoMUN’s fourth edition.

I am 17 years old and a student of the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme at Colegio SS.CC Recoleta, an amazing community I have been part of my whole life. When I am not studying, you can find me spending my time on my hobbies, such as writing, singing, dancing, and practicing martial arts. I love outdoor activities with my friends and going to the beach— there’s just something very soothing about the sound of the waves. I would describe myself as a passionate person who enjoys having a good laugh and building close connections with those around me.

How did I end up here? It all began in 2021, when a random letter arrived at my school email inviting me to join RDT. At the time, I had no clue about MUN, but I thought, “Why not? Let’s try it out!” Fast-forward five years, and I think I transformed into a completely different person thanks to Model United Nations.

Indeed, MUN is beneficial to developing soft skills and an array of abilities that can propel you toward your goals. Personally, it has enhanced my confidence, diplomacy, and leadership abilities in teamwork. Nevertheless, these were not the most valuable learnings. The experience of competition taught me much more. I became a more resilient individual as I navigated the challenges that arose. The most difficult aspect of MUN is not the debate itself, but having to accept the ups and downs that come with it. Emotional intelligence, often overlooked as a crucial trait for a MUNer, should not be underestimated. In any endeavor, resilience is vital for success.

In this conference, I encourage you to give your all as competitors, while also embracing the opportunity to bounce back from challenges and emerge even stronger. Let go of fear and frustration, because you have the skills to succeed. Rely on your team —your family— who will be your most trusted support throughout this journey. Ultimately, what matters more than the award, is how you grow in the process. I’m excited to meet you in April! 25th, 26th and 27th!

Best wishes,

María José Lama Verástegui

Secretary General

Recoleta Model United Nations 2025