Monash International Affairs Society (MIAS) is an apolitical student society at Monash University, Clayton that works towards establishing a network for students passionate about international affairs and relations.
MIAS aims to develop students’ skills in vital areas such as debating, negotiation, leadership, problem solving and understanding of international affairs. We aim to do this through a number of different national and international projects, conferences, ventures, internships and summits. MIAS aims to deliver an opportunity for Monash University students to be part of a society that promises to produce networking opportunities, academic and educational progress and most importantly a chance for students to realise their full personal potential. MIAS is open to students from all disciplines who share an interest in international affairs.
History
MIAS was formed in 2012 as a base for Monash University students who have an interest in international affairs and Model UN.
Within the first year of our existence, MIAS along with Monash University and RMIT hosted the Harvard University World Model United Nations Conference, the largest Model UN conference in the world. Since then, MIAS has sent delegations to various international Model UN conferences, supported by Monash University. These include:
- 2014 to 2020 National Model United Nations Conference (NMUN) in New York;
- 2014 Brussels WorldMUN;
- 2015 Seoul WorldMUN;
- 2016 Rome WorldMUN;
- 2016 Kuala Lumpur AMUNC;
- 2017 Montreal WorldMUN;
- 2018 Panama City WorldMUN;
- 2018 Sydney AMUNC;
- 2019 Madrid WorldMUN;
- 2020 Tokyo WorldMUN.
MIAS delegations have received various awards, being the premier MUN society in Australia. Our rich MUN culture led to the establishment of the Monash University Model UN Conference (MUNash). Being held over the last seven years, MUNash has brought together students from across Victoria to discuss important issues over two days.
MIAS has also hosted a plethora of speakers at Monash University. These have included Ambassadors and High Commissioners from both large and small countries. Operating under Chatham House rule, our members have heard from important dignitaries who have shared their both national policies and their own personal opinions.
At the end of 2017 and in 2018, MIAS was re-branded with a new logo and revitalised social media accounts, including a new website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram presence. MIAS continues to modernise online platforms so to make them more access friendly and interactive to members.
In 2018, MIAS established PIVOT, a student publication that gives members the chance to have their articles on various matters of international affairs published. Since then, PIVOT has published over 150 articles and reached 70 countries.
MIAS continues to grow. With a committee of 11 members, as well as a Marketing Subcommittee and a new Atlas Coordinator MIAS continues to focus on developing and growing – attracting more members and creating a variety of events to cater to a cross-section of the wider-community.