We all love to discuss politics. From the comfort of our homes, we judge governments, critique the UN, and analyze international moves with confident certainty. It’s easy to see the world in black and white when you’re not in the room where it happens. But what if you were in that room? What if you were the UN Secretary-General, balancing impossible choices? What if you were Russia, Iran, or Ukraine, carrying the weight of history, security, and national interest on your shoulders?
This is the core of what makes Model UN so transformative. It’s not about performance; it’s about perspective. And this year, Victoria Ustimenko stepped into one of these perspectives at De Tenebris Model United Nations (DTMUN) 2025. De Tenebris is built by those who understand that diplomacy lives in the margins—in the nuanced amendments, the tense unmoderated caucuses, and the quiet conversations between formal sessions. It’s shaped by the gritty reality of policy, not the polish of performance. Its very inception was born from an inclusive desire: to create a platform for those who might otherwise be silenced, for aspiring diplomats without the means to travel or the opportunity to have their voice heard.
Is life a game? Is politics a big game? Yes, and no. The rules are complex, the stakes are real, but the exercise is one of profound empathy and strategy.
At DTMUN 2025, Victoria embraced this challenge fully, representing the Republic of Cyprus in the Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC). Alongside a cohort of sharp, young diplomats, she tackled one of the most critical agendas of our generation: “Overseeing and Preventing Potential Risks and Weaponization of Artificial Intelligence.” This isn’t a theoretical debate. It’s a prelude to the real negotiations that will shape our global future. We extend our deepest appreciation to the organizers of De Tenebris for providing this unique opportunity—a vital training ground for the big moves we all aspire to make in the world of international relations. The conference may be over, but the mission continues: to understand before we judge, to build bridges before we build walls, and to engage with the complex, human reality of global politics.
