ECOFIN Feature Interview - Karla Hrebenciuc

The Economic and Financial Committee is often present at MUN conferences, giving delegates the opportunity to learn more about the importance of money and of its proper circulation in the world, and for some delegates, such as Karla Hrebenciuc, it can quickly become one of their favourite committees. Karla is one of the more experienced members of the Romanian MUN community, amassing over 17 conferences both as a delegate and a chairperson, and she has kindly offered to give us an insight into her ECOFIN experience, what it means to her, and some tips that might come in handy at your next conference, whether you choose to join this prestigious committee or not.

Q: Hi, thank you for sitting down with me, to begin with, can you please tell us a bit about your ECOFIN experience?

Karla: It hasn’t been that many times, I’ve been in the ECOFIN committee as a delegate, I guess, twice, and chaired twice as well, so that’s four conferences in total.

Q: And overall, what do you think that you’ve learned from this, both from chairing and delegating?

Karla: Well, the ECOFIN committee has so many sides, and that’s why it’s my favourite, maybe also because my first ever committee in which I was given an award was this one, but I think overall, I’ve learned that economics is quite interesting. International relations are so based on economics and money and statistics, and it’s just so interesting, and I think everyone should have at least one ECOFIN experience, but a really good one, with a great study guide and great chairs that really know how to manage through the debates.

Q: You mentioned that you noticed just how economics can shape the world, so in what ways do you think that it actually makes the world go round?

Karla: Let’s start with the fact that money, in general, changed how our society works, from the first time it was invented and put out for people to use. And let’s not forget that most of the wars that countries are having right now are economic, and it’s so powerful because the last one, and the last biggest one, was the one between China and the United States, which has an impact on all of the other countries, not just those two, so of course economics, in general, has a great impact, because money flows, and money flows everywhere, it doesn’t stop at any point, and that’s why it’s so important to know how to deal with it, and to have a clearer perspective on how it’s all flowing and how it works.

Q: So in a way, do you think that ECOFIN is one of the more important committees in the General Assembly, especially when looking at it from a more global perspective?

Karla: It’s the 2nd committee of the GA, so of course it’s one of the most important ones, but I guess the problem with it is that it’s a little bit misunderstood by delegates and by people in general because when you think about economics, you think about mathematics, and not a lot of people are into it, myself included. But if you can understand how it works, not the basics or the mathematics, but the actual economics, the overall rules, and how it works around the world, it does become really important.

Q: You mentioned this, and I think it’s very important, that many people are hesitant to join this committee because they think it’s really mathematical and technical. What would you tell them to show them that actually there’s more to it than just that?

Karla: Throughout my MUN “career”, I’ve managed to get my hands on a lot of people and bring them into the ECOFIN committee, while chairing, and I think I’ve managed to change their perspective, because there are some little tips and trick in this committee that really help you understand the topic and have a great flow in the debate. One of them would be to use statistics, a lot of statistics, numbers, even though I said before that maths isn’t important, if you say a percentage during the debate, it’s much more comprehensive for the other delegates. They’re able to better understand what you’re saying, and you can be more disruptive during your speeches. Also, the ECOFIN committee is both economic and financial, and that’s an extremely broad area. I’ve been in a committee with wars, one with agriculture subsidies, and so on, and because money flows in each and every area of society, you can tackle more issues than you first see in the topic. And just do your research before skipping this committee, because it can actually have some really interesting debate, so just give it a try. That’s important as well.

Q: I’m glad that you mentioned a few topics you’ve debated before, are there any that you’ve found particularly interesting, that you’d maybe like to share with us today?

Karla: My last ECOFIN committee was in March last year, so that’s a long time ago, but mainly, the flow of the debate is more interesting in the topics where you involve other committees, so, for example, you can call upon the Security Council. I can’t remember an interesting one right now, but I mentioned the war between the USA and China, I think that was my favourite of all. Other than that, it’s great to be able to tackle issues other than just the economic part, which is really nice, but is harder for delegates that aren’t used to how ECOFIN works.

Q: I understand that, and I think it’s good that you brought up the US-China trade war, since it still has repercussions today. The thing is though, that many delegates, when they see ECOSOC and ECOFIN, tend to lean towards ECOSOC, because they think it’s more humane. If you had to persuade them to go the other way, what arguments would you make?

Karla: I’ve been in both committees, and actually my first ever committee was ECOSOC, which was an interesting experience even though I had no idea what I was doing. But I’d say, don’t get stuck in this loop, because usually, as far as I’m aware, a MUN wouldn’t have both committees, but if it happens, ECOSOC tends to be easier for first- or second-timers, and ECOFIN tends to go towards the harsher parts of a MUN, since the topics are harder, but it’s much more interesting and you gain more experience afterwards, especially if you have a good chair. And just be aware of what you like, because I cannot persuade someone if they don’t like the financial part, and in ECOSOC you can maybe also throw in some social speeches in the debate and make it more friendly. It’s each delegate’s choice in the end.

Q: I like that you also gave some more advice, but as a final question, I know that there are a few myths about this committee, about how it’s all boring or all you ever do is shout numbers at each other. Are there any that you’ve heard that you could debunk? Karla: Actually, I’ve not really heard these myths, but I guess that that thing with throwing numbers is not true, I mean the most fights I’ve had in any committee were actually in ECOFIN. That’s where I’ve felt like I’ve grown the most, because I was able to actually research on facts, not just imagine things like I’d do for example in a crisis committee, not that I don’t like the other committees, but just factually, I’ve learned stuff that will help me in my future development. Just go in the ECOFIN committee, and actually debate with your heart, because it’s just amazing and my experiences speak for themselves.

Q: I’m gonna be very honest, now after you’ve spoken to me, you’re kind of convincing me to maybe try ECOFIN at my next MUN, and I’m sure that it might be the case for many other people as well. Is there anything else that you would like to add, now at the end?

Karla: Just take part in as many MUNs as possible and don’t stop after high school. Just continue and participate in as many conferences as possible. And be happy!