Making Every Delegate Count: SOCHUM Chair Encourages Wider Participation

Day two of the Lifelink Model United Nations (LTMUN) continued with another engaging session in the Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM). As delegates settled into the first session of the day, the Chair, Suleman Yusuf, took an intentional approach to ensuring that the room was not dominated by the most vocal delegates.

During the session, the Chair called on specific delegates to read their respective working papers according to their working groups. At one point, he made it clear: “Those who haven’t spoken, you will speak today,” and, “I’m only calling on those who haven’t spoken.”

The statements reflected the way the committee was being managed. To avoid the same delegates dominating discussions, the Chair sought broader input, and his aim was to ensure everyone could contribute.

For some delegates, speaking during committee sessions can be intimidating, especially when surrounded by more outspoken delegates. This calling-on moment can boost confidence by encouraging quieter delegates to find their voices.

At the end of the day, it is not only about producing a working paper or making submissions. It is also about participation, learning, and gaining the confidence to speak up, so giving delegates the opportunity to be heard helps. The SOCHUM Chair ensures no one becomes an audience member watching others perform. Everyone experiences the LTMUN spirit through each submission, one at a time.

Elsie Makafui Fafa Afriyie
Skyline News, International Press Corps (IPC), LTMUN 2026