Pietro Galeone Discusses Conference and Public Relations

By JESSE JAMES STEELE, AL JAZEERA

Pietro Galeone joined the Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN) staff last year as an assistant director, and this year he has returned as the Director of Conference and Public Relations.

Most of the requirements that his position entails come prior to the conference. Galeone works with his colleagues to find keynote speakers, as well as individuals to come speak at each committee, while also managing logistics for the featured charity and the Social Venture Challenge.

When the conference begins, Galeone is tasked with ensuring each day runs smoothly and any problems get dealt with accordingly. His position also entails working closely with faculty advisors by making sure they are having an enjoyable time, but also that all their concerns and complaints are being heard.

“The most challenging part is probably the lack of sleep,” Galeone said. “Rarely we’ll have clashes between delegations that we have to sort out, so it’s not always the most pleasant job, but it’s generally nice.”

While he does not participate on the intercollegiate Model UN team at Harvard, Galeone finds ways to stay involved outside of HNMUN. Under the International Relations Council, Galeone also works with the high school conference, Harvard Model United Nations, and following such he will be assisting with World MUN, an independent organization, in South Korea.

“The most pleasurable part of my job is interacting with people, sitting down and chatting about where people are from,” Galeone said. “How they are interacting with other people, how they are finding Model UN, and just being helpful I guess.”