Presiding Officer: H.E. Mr. Matic Gumpot

The Interceptor: Matic before we begin, is there anything you'd like to say about yourself?

MG: Not really, I am a private and shy person.

The Interceptor: Okay, anything besides faculty? MG:MUN. Classical music for relaxation, reading books for when I have the time. That is it, long and short.

The Interceptor: Why did you choose to apply for the role of the Presiding Officer (PO)?

MG: I have been on enough of the simulations to know how important it is to have the Presiding Officers who are familiar with the procedure. I believe I have been on enough conferences and mock sessions that I have a good overview how to deal with it. Without a good leadership the assembly could be in chaos. Gašper and I have enough skills to execute these matters in a good way. Honestly I would prefer to be a delegate, because it is much less work, and much more fun. Problem with the position of the PO is that there are always so many things you see that you could or should do, if you were a delegate, but one has to be impartial as a Presiding Officer, and not interfere in content.

The Interceptor: Do you think you'll be able to cope with the challenges of this role as it is said it's an important one.

MG: I do not think in this class there is anybody else who has more experience than Gašper and me. We applied together, as a team, and we can rely on each other. We know what to do, and how to do it. I have all the confidence we will be perfectly capable of presiding over the simulation.

The Interceptor: What do you expect from the GASIM?

MG: I expect the delegates to enjoy being in the role of states, I expect the delegates to get really into that mindset of 'what my country wants to achieve', 'what is my country's position on the certain topic’, and then to see delegates make that happen. Most important is to enjoy in the role. If enough preparation will be put in the simulation, it should proceed smoothly. When the delegates are familiar with the rules, they can use more time for the substantive matters. Gašper and I are working in a way, that it will be easier for the delegates to get familiar with the procedure beforehand as much as possible, so they can focus on the content during the simulation itself.

The Interceptor: Is there anything in particular you are looking forward to?

MG: I generally enjoy simulations where the debates are constructive, because one can really see all the potential, and energy the delegates have. Their determination to make a change for the better. It makes you proud.

The Interceptor: How do you think working in pair, with your fellow presiding officer, will turn out?

MG: As I have mentioned before, Gašper and I have already done this many times before, and it is really important that we trust each other and rely on each other, meaning when we say something will get done, it will, indeed, get done - each of us knowing exactly what, and how shall be done. And in turn, delivering result on the level expected, as well as in time.

The Interceptor: Agenda has now been set for a while, do you think any of the topics may prove to be especially difficult – in a sense to reach a consensus on?

MG: Each topic has its own challenges. It depends on how capable, and interested the delegates are. At the moment none of the topics in particular really sticks out as a ''problematic'', yet, as always it is down to the delegates what they make of it. My first personal experience at an international simulation was as a delegate of Pakistan in the Human Rights Council on the topic of child marriage, but I managed to get the unanimous support for my resolution ... It is not that much about the country one represents, or its policy, or the topic on the agenda. But rather it is about how one approaches the topic, and fellow delegates. Nothing is impossible.

The Interceptor: Is there any specific advice you would like to give to the delegates?

MG: Do attend as many mock sessions as possible, practice indeed makes perfect. Learn the rules of procedure by practicing them. Once you practice them it is really easy to focus on the content, and the substance. Research as much as possible, into, and around the topic. It is so much easier to talk if you actually know what you are talking about. Also, it is extremely important to remember to separate the people in private life - from what hose very people are doing during the sessions when they are representing a country (if they are doing something weird, funny, or against your personal beliefs, they are doing so in accordance with their mission as a delegate). And also, do speak, be heard! Final peace of advice: be polite, be diplomatic, do not hold prejudices.

The Interceptor: Do you think any unusual states may arise through these issues, any new/unexpected actors?

MG: As in unexpected “stars” of the Assembly? I think it is not so much depended on the countries, but rather on the delegates. All of the countries are equal, but it is a delegate’s skills that can make a country shine during the simulation.

The Interceptor: So do you think those who are in the MUNSC for a while will have a big advantage?

MG: Yes, they surely have a good head start in terms of procedure, confidence when it comes to speaking, but that does not mean that other people cannot get to that level or even beyond. And I would really like to see all the delegates perform well, and enjoy the experience.

#PresidingOfficer #GASIM2017 #interview