I played the role of a UNHCR representative. Prior to the simulation, I felt very prepared because my group and I reviewed the material and possible actions we would like to take. Our short term goal was to gain funding to first help improve the refugees living conditions. Our long term goal was to try and find a permanent settlement for the Rubits, where they would feel safe from religious persecution. My favorite part about the simulation was how well everyone played their roles. No one gave in easy just because the resolution process became difficult. Everyone worked hard to represent their country/party and made sure that some of their goals were being achieved. The main struggle for me was miscommunication. During some parts of the informal talks, I felt like there was a little misunderstanding between parties on certain agreements. However this aspect made it much more realistic and made me value the importance of truly listening. I think it would be more beneficial to have a longer period of informal talk in the beginning of the simulation. Through the simulation, I learned the realistic nature of trying to solve the common goods problem, and how sometimes finding a resolution that works for everybody is close to impossible and that’s okay. The point is that people are talking things out rather than immediately jumping to violence and war as the answer.
