Bringing Global Debate to Antigua: Ariana Lucero Chacón Pérez and the Story of Antigua MUN

` It was a warm Thursday morning when I met with Ariana Lucero Chacón Pérez in the Antigua International School library to talk about her journey in Model United Nations (MUN), a program that has not only shaped her confidence and leadership but also transformed how global issues are discussed at AIS. Ariana has participated in seven MUN conferences over the past three years, serving in multiple roles, from delegate to administrative support. Her very first experience dates back to 2022, during a trip to Panama for PANAMUN, an international MUN conference. Watching passionate delegates debate real-world issues inspired her deeply. “We saw how MUN worked up close,” Ariana recalls. “It was incredible! We met people from different countries, exchanged ideas, and realized we could bring something like this back home.”When she returned, she and her peers shared the idea of starting a Model UN program at Antigua International School. What began as a spark of curiosity quickly grew into a tradition of collaboration, critical thinking, and community leadership.

Ariana remembers her most memorable conference vividly: ISRMUN, where she was responsible for typing and organizing the final resolutions. “We worked on environmental issues, especially how natural disasters affect developing countries,” she explains. “It was challenging because we had so many ideas, but we had to condense everything into one resolution and defend it.” Although her team faced challenges, particularly representing countries with limited resources, the experience taught her valuable lessons in diplomacy, compromise, and resilience.

Through MUN, Ariana says she’s learned to see global issues through a more human lens. “It’s made me more conscious,” she reflects. “When you represent a country, you represent its people and their struggles, their needs, their hopes. You have to understand their economy, their resources, and their point of view.” She also credits MUN with strengthening her public speaking and leadership skills. “Absolutely, MUN has helped me become more confident when I speak in public,” she says. “It’s also shown me that I can come up with solutions that really help others.”

When asked what makes the Antigua MUN team unique, Ariana smiles. “We’re brave, we’re not afraid to take on challenges.” “We help each other in every way possible,” she says. “That’s the spirit of Antigua MUN: friendship, kindness, and the courage to take on something new.” Looking ahead, Ariana hopes to expand Antigua MUN by incorporating ideas from her international experiences, adding new committees, fresh materials, and more opportunities for global participation. Her message to students who might be hesitant to join? “Don’t be afraid. We’re here to learn and support you in every way.”

Even though Ariana doesn’t plan to pursue a career in diplomacy, she says MUN will always be part of her journey. “It’s such an enriching experience,” she says. “It teaches you to listen, to collaborate, and to care about the world around you.” Through leaders like Ariana, Antigua’s Model UN continues to grow, proving that global awareness and local action can start with just one student and one powerful idea.