CSB MUN: What is Model United Nations and why is it important?  Interview with His Excellency, the ambassador of Pakistan, Mr. Zafar Iqbal

written by  Sânziana Constantinescu Junior Editor Nine O’Clock and Head Journalist and Chief of Press at Cambridge School of Bucharest 

In an age where increasing amounts of global exposure tends to lead to hyperawareness of international crises, Model United Nations encourages and supports youth to pursue a diplomatic career and to attempt to make a difference. MUN is a platform that allows students from all around the world to participate in debates centred around important, pertinent topics while fostering leadership, diplomacy and communication. Students take the role of delegates representing member states in simulated United Nations conferences, preparing speeches and drafting resolutions with the ultimate goal of reaching a consensus.

At Cambridge School of Bucharest, CSB MUN is a very important event. Organised 100% by students and completely free for all participants, the hope is to give anyone an opportunity to have this experience. Last year, we welcomed over 100 participants from various high schools in our 5 committees. This year, we had the honour of welcoming His Excellency Zafar Iqbal, the ambassador of Pakistan as a speaker. He has allowed us to interview him on the topic of diplomacy as part of our mission to bring together the great minds of the youth in the 2023 edition of CSB MUN.

Sanziana C. – Mr Ambassador, Hello, it is very nice to meet you!

H.E. Mr. Zafar Iqbal – Hello, nice to meet you too!

Sanziana C. – I’m curious, what inspired you to become a diplomat?

H.E. Mr. Zafar Iqbal – My inspiration? Some senior friends went into this service. This was when me and three of my classmates had this idea. All four of us are now in this service. It is considered a good service in Pakistan, and one that makes parents happy.

Sanziana C. – So would you consider it a shared passion between you and your friends?

H.E. Mr. Zafar Iqbal – Yes, you could say that. It gives you the opportunity to move around, see the world and meet people, so that’s why I like it.

Sanziana C. – And what would you say was the most difficult moment in your career?

H.E. Mr. Zafar Iqbal – Luckily, I don’t find anything especially difficult. The basic thing that matters in life is your attitude. The attitude that I have is to always move forward. It’s the idea ‘that heavens never fall’. We are born empty-handed, and everything we receive in life is a bonus. If you are a good person, usually you won’t have difficulties. If you focus on the things that you are required to do, nobody will bother you. Even when bad things happen, if you have a positive attitude, you can handle everything.

Sanziana C. – You stated earlier in your speech that life is all about negotiations and that the most important part is the human connection. When you encounter opposition that disagrees with you, do you find it difficult to maintain this attitude?

H.E. Mr. Zafar Iqbal – Yes, sometimes it happens. But again, if you study the history, from ancient times people kept a good kind of working environment even with their opposition in order to keep the communication open; controlling our emotions, how we behave, reflects our previous training, how much are we able to navigate through difficult pathways. If you can’t make the other side feel that they are also getting something, they will not cooperate. Both sides of the table need to feel that they are leaving the room having won something.

Sanziana C. – I understand. And what would you say is your proudest accomplishment?

H.E. Mr. Zafar Iqbal – The basic satisfaction you get in life is from your own self-accountability. In government service you are part of a whole, so you cannot say that an accomplishment is only your own. There is a hierarchy in this occupation where each of us fit. Sometimes you feel like you cannot put your own ideas into practice but you’re not always supposed to – you are in charge of your own sphere of influence. The biggest accomplishment you can have in life is peace of mind, and that you did something for your country or for your organisation. This way you can be proud of yourself.

Sanziana C. – But how do you deal with the pressure of making decisions as a representative of your country?

H.E. Mr. Zafar Iqbal – Many decisions flow from the political leadership and we only execute them, but of course, we ensure an environment of cordiality which helps in implementing them. For example, in my position in Romania I need to keep the Romanian side in good spirits so if we request something, they have a positive attitude towards my request.

Sanziana C. – By being nice to them?

H.E. Mr. Zafar Iqbal – Yes, at the end of the day, diplomacy is human and if you consider me a good person maybe you will think about helping me. At our own level, whatever decisions we make must be informed and made quickly because one single decision can affect a lot of lives. There are always chances that you can make a bad decision but there is no other way. Not making any decision because you are afraid of making mistakes helps no one. Even if you make a bad decision, if your intentions are good, people will understand.

Sanziana C – So it’s about being a good person.

H.E. Mr. Zafar Iqbal – Yes. I remember a time when something happened relating to human resources. I had to put penalties on someone. Some were fired and others were demoted due to this but me and him (the man in charge of the penalised section) still keep in touch. I explained to him from my position why I had to do it and he understood. We laughed about it. After all, in life we play roles. You can criticise a person but you have not been in their role so you don’t know their perspective. The impression that you make is important.

Sanziana C – Do you consider that MUNs develop useful skills for future diplomats?

H.E. Mr. Zafar Iqbal – I think so. MUNs are a good example to show what happens in diplomacy. You can also relate it to the real world. Like I said, life is about negotiations. You negotiate everywhere, from the moment you are born. You negotiate when you go to buy something or when the police stop your car.

Sanziana C. – Or when you want your parents to let you go out.

H.E. Mr. Zafar Iqbal – (laughs) Exactly. These skills can help you in many areas. The people you meet at MUNs can also help to make friends and connections.

Sanziana C. – Lastly, do you have any words for the future generation?

H.E. Mr. Zafar Iqbal – I consider that the future generation is living in tougher conditions than what we had. Some people say they have it easier, that they have more resources, more facilities but I look at it differently. Life in our times was simpler. In reality, more choices also means more confusion, more awareness also means more comparisons and more job opportunities create more anxieties. Life in essence is simple. We as humans tend to make it complicated. If you keep focus on what you want to do, take feedback and have discipline you can get anywhere.

Sanziana C. – I’ve never thought of it that way. Thank you very much., Your Excellency!

His Excellency, the ambassador of Pakistan, Mr. Zafar Iqbal, Sânziana Constantinescu, Eva Hustiu and Sofia Zah

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About Sânziana Constantinescu 

Sânziana Constantinescu Junior Editor Nine O’Clock and Head Journalist and Chief of Press at Cambridge School of Bucharest, is an 18 year old high school student in her final year. She has collaborated with several ONGs over the years in order to organise events that encourage donations and volunteer work with a special focus on youth and the homeless. Beyond this, she has participated in the Model United Nations hosted by Cambridge School of Bucharest for two years in a row, this year as the Head Journalist and Chief of Press, conducting an interview with His Excellency Mr. Zafar Iqbal, ambassador of Pakistan as well as managing her staff to gather information and opinions for the publication purposes. She takes on the role of leader, creating safe and communicative spaces for the free exchange of ideas.

About Nine O’Clock

Nine O’Clock was the first exclusively daily publication to appear in English language in Romania. The first issue of the Nine O’Clock newspaper came out 32 years ago. On October 9, 1991 a group of foreign-policy Romanian journalists came up with the initiative to release, for the first time in Romania’s history, a publication solely in English. We have a large number of premium readers consisting of ambassadors, the diplomatic corps, the central administration, bankers, Executive Directors, Owners, Managing partners,  Financial directors, foreigners: expats in Romania & foreigners in various other countries and decision makers from Romania. They all share an interest in all things Romania.

About Cambridge School of Bucharest

Founded in 1994, Cambridge School of Bucharest has grown from a modest student body of just few students to a leading international British school in Bucharest. In August 2020, the school moved to its new home in the metropolitan area of Bucharest. The purpose-built facility, set in the heart of Baneasa forest, is a flagship international British school, delivering premium education in its custom-built facilities and state-of-the-art classrooms. CSB occupies a unique space in the metropolitan area of Bucharest, and our students and staff enjoy the outdoor environment, and safe and secure premises. In the coming years we are expanding our school with four major developments. This will include an extension to Primary School. Alongside more classrooms, a recreation room, canteen and IT & STEM labs.

Sânziana CONSTANTINESCU – Head Journalist and Chief of Press at Cambridge School of Bucharest