On March 24 and 25, 2026, students from Universidad Santo Tomás de Aquino, Bucaramanga campus, from the Faculty of International Business, participated in the Crisis Committee of the Model of the Organization of American States (MOAS).

The Canadian delegation, represented by Victoria Mosquera and Andrés Ibáñez, and the Venezuelan delegation, represented by Darling Plaza and Antony Sierra, played an outstanding role in one of the most challenging and dynamic committees of the conference. As the only committee conducted entirely in English, the Crisis Committee required advanced diplomatic skills, critical thinking, quick decision-making and constant negotiation.

Throughout the sessions, delegates addressed two major topics: “Venezuela in Crisis: The Fight for a Democratic Transition” and “Evaluating the Repeated Use of States of Emergency and Their Impact on Human Rights in the Americas.” Representing both Canada and Venezuela allowed students to analyze different political perspectives and engage in meaningful discussions on democracy, human rights, migration, institutional strengthening and international cooperation.

Canada’s Role

The Canadian delegation presented a Private Draft Resolution (PDR) focused on the reactivation and expansion of the PICAD-MV program, an initiative developed within the framework of the Organization of American States to strengthen the capacities of member states in combating human trafficking, migrant smuggling and organized crime linked to the exploitation of Venezuelan refugees and migrants.

The proposal emphasized international cooperation, border security, human rights protection and support for vulnerable migrant populations. Through this participation, the Canadian delegation demonstrated academic preparation, diplomatic leadership and a strong commitment to democratic values and regional cooperation.

For Victoria Mosquera, representing Canada in a fully English-speaking committee was an opportunity for both academic and personal growth. The experience strengthened her public speaking, negotiation, teamwork and critical thinking skills, while also allowing her to better understand the importance of diplomacy and multilateral dialogue in addressing regional crises.

Venezuela’s Role

The Venezuelan delegation presented a Private Draft Resolution (PDR) focused on democratic transition and the institutional crisis in the country. Their preparation involved extensive research, including a review of OAS resolutions, reports from UNHCR, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the Inter-American Democratic Charter and successful international cooperation programs.

The delegation developed strong diplomatic skills by building coalitions, delivering persuasive speeches and negotiating technical assistance from electoral institutions across different countries. Their final proposal focused on institutional strengthening, electoral assistance and judicial training, while respecting the principle of national sovereignty.

Representing Venezuela was a demanding academic challenge. Delegates had to gain an in-depth understanding of the country’s political and humanitarian crisis, defend national interests under pressure and participate actively in intense debates on democracy and human rights.

The effort, preparation and commitment of Darling Plaza and Antony Sierra were recognized during the conference, as the Venezuelan delegation was awarded Best Delegation in the Crisis Committee. This achievement highlighted not only their academic rigor but also their teamwork, leadership and diplomatic performance.

A Transformative Academic Experience

The participation of Universidad Santo Tomás students in the MOAS Crisis Committee reflects the importance of experiential learning in International Business education. These academic simulations allow students to strengthen essential professional skills such as negotiation, public speaking, research, leadership, decision-making and intercultural communication.

More than a simulation, the Crisis Committee became a space for students to understand the complexity of international relations and the relevance of multilateral diplomacy in addressing regional challenges. Experiences such as MOAS prepare future professionals to contribute to global discussions with critical thinking, ethical responsibility and global awareness, promoting cooperative solutions throughout the Americas.