A couple of weeks ago, I was asked to deliver a speech on behalf of the Okręgowa Rada Adwokacka at the opening of the StetiMUN Conference (Szczecin Model United Nations). What is so interesting about this conference is that it is organised for high school students and by high school students. Moreover, it was held entirely in English, which means all participants communicated in English while trying to solve some of the world’s most difficult problems – such as the armed conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza.

Well, that is a bit more challenging than ordering a takeaway pizza, at least as far as language skills go. And that’s without even mentioning the task of solving such international problems, no matter the language.

That is why I was anxious to say something of real significance in my opening speech. Those kids simply deserved that! I decided to talk about what it takes to solve any problem that concerns humans.

Below is the text of my speech. Please read it and let me know what you think. Do you agree? Would you add something? What is your secret sauce for effective law application?

(I also bolded some expressions that I think may be useful in your everyday practice as a lawyer.)

Hello,
It is a great pleasure to join you at the opening of this year’s conference. Thank you for having me.

You are here today to face the world’s most difficult problems – problems that challenge governments, divide societies, and test our capacity to cooperate. You came here because you want to understand these problems — and because you believe that you can contribute to their solutions.

I believe that I am here today because I’m a lawyer, which means I’m a professional problem-solver. And like every professional, I use tools to do the job. My tool is law. And oh, what a mighty tool it is. It’s a real pneumatic drill! (Thankfully, a bit quieter.)

In fact, law is one of the most powerful tools humanity has ever created for solving problems. Law transforms values into action. Law turns ideas into institutions. Law allows us to organise societies, resolve conflicts, and shape the future.

But law works on many levels — and all of them matter.

On the broadest scale, law allows states to introduce policies that influence millions of people. International law helps countries cooperate when cooperation seems impossible. Thanks to international agreements, the world has reduced nuclear weapons, protected endangered species, safeguarded human rights, and built institutions like the United Nations.

Environmental regulations, for example, are not just technical documents. They are instruments that determine whether we breathe clean air, whether our oceans survive, and whether future generations inherit a livable planet.

These examples show that law — even international law — is not distant or abstract. It is alive. It shapes our everyday reality.

But law is not just a tool for states, obviously. It is also deeply personal. Every day, lawyers use the law to solve problems for individuals — to give someone clarity, safety, or peace of mind.

A father who wants to secure his family in case something happens to him. A small business owner who wants to sign a contract without risking everything. A tenant who needs protection. An entrepreneur who wants to create something new but must do it responsibly.

In these moments, law becomes something simple and human: a way to care for others, to protect what matters, and to build a better life.

And yet — here is the important part — to create law and then apply it effectively, we need something more. Because having the best tools is not enough if you don’t use them wisely. I mean, can you imagine me with a pneumatic drill? I’m sure I wouldn’t even be able to switch it on, let alone actually hold it.

The secret sauce that makes law work is understanding and being understood. Being understood is one of the basic human needs — right after food, shelter (and clean toilets).

Behind every law, there are people with fears, hopes, interests, and experiences. Behind every conflict, there is misunderstanding. Behind every agreement, there is dialogue, empathy, and the willingness to listen.

You — as delegates — will experience this very soon. You will debate, negotiate, disagree, defend your countries, challenge your ideas, and learn from each other.

But if you want to find real solutions, you need to do one thing first: pursue understanding.

Understanding doesn’t mean agreeing, of course. It means being curious: listening actively, asking questions, looking for the human behind the position, and being willing to change your perspective.

Solutions begin where understanding begins. And solutions are more important than victories. In fact, a solution is a victory.

During this conference, you will not just debate policies. You will practise the same skills that shape diplomacy, law, leadership, and global cooperation.

Your ability to understand may influence: 

• whether you build consensus,

• whether you inspire others,

• whether you turn disagreement into progress — or, who knows, you may even agree to… disagree and find peace in it.

Thank you. 

Time for a challenge! Paraphrase the sentences using the words in brackets.

1. The committee discussed different legal solutions. (debate policies)

2. Additional research helped the legislator see the problem differently. (change sb’s perspective)

3. The lawyer’s report played an important role in the final decision. (contribute to sth)

4. The new regulation will show if the company complies with safety standards. (determine whether)

5. International organisations often help states find peaceful solutions. (resolve conflicts)