Student Voice: Experiencing ASEAN Diplomacy Firsthand

Caitlin Faye Maniti from Maynooth University, Ireland, is participating in our exchange program from Fall 2025 to Spring 2026. In this article, she shares her firsthand experience in ASEAN diplomacy through her participation in the Model ASEAN Meeting held in Tokyo.

“One Vision, One Identity, One Community.” Sound familiar?

Myanmar delegation with the Minister Counsellor front
　　　　　　 the Embassy of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar

This is the ASEAN motto, which became much more meaningful to me after being selected to participate in the Model ASEAN Meeting held in Tokyo on February 19–20.

The Model ASEAN Meeting is a diplomatic simulation where university students take on the roles of government leaders and ministers from ASEAN member states. Through this experience, participants engage in negotiations on regional issues, closely reflecting real ASEAN processes. I had the opportunity to represent the delegation of Myanmar, which made the experience both challenging and rewarding.

Preparation for the conference was intensive. Over the course of a month, I attended multiple online training sessions, conducted extensive research, and worked with my team to draft policy papers and negotiation strategies. By the time the event arrived, I was both prepared and aware of the complexity of the discussions ahead.

Caitlin speaking during session one of negotiations

Delegates and representatives from each ASEAN embassy to Japan

During the meeting, I quickly realised how demanding diplomatic negotiations can be. Debates on topics such as misinformation and regional security required careful wording, quick thinking, and strong collaboration. The discussions were fast-paced, and reaching consensus was not always easy. However, this challenge made the experience even more valuable.

Participating in the Model ASEAN Meeting gave me a deeper understanding of how ASEAN promotes cooperation and stability across Southeast Asia. More importantly, it allowed me to experience firsthand the importance of dialogue, preparation, and compromise in international relations. As I continue my exchange programme, I hope to further develop my interest in international relations and build on this experience.