GLOBAL VILLAGE MODEL UNITED NATIONS

Transcription

1 GLOBAL VILLAGE MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2018 Model UN conferences are an authentic academic simulation of UN conferences and committees, and other multilateral/regional bodies which introduce students to the world of diplomacy, negotiation, and decision making. At Model UN, students take on the roles of diplomats from different countries, representing their nation in discussions and debate on a particular agenda in the conference. These agendas reflect current issues taken up by the UN for discussion, ranging from relatively general topics such as rights of religious minorities in a General Assembly (HRC), to specific issues such as improving accident safeguards surrounding nuclear plants in the IAEA. They prepare draft resolutions, plot strategies, negotiate with supporters and adversaries, resolve conflicts, and navigate the UN s rules of procedure all in the interest of resolving problems that affect the world. Before playing out their ambassadorial roles in Model UN, students research the particular global problem to be addressed. Model UN delegates learn how the international community acts on its concerns about peace and security, human rights, the environment, food and hunger, economic development, and globalisation. Delegates must research their allotted countries in great detail, understanding their own foreign policy and thus the considerations and compulsions that determine state behaviour on the international stage. They must also research their committee agenda, fully exploring the

2 intricacies of the issue at hand, including the background, history, its treatment in the UN system, resolutions passed on it, major countries involved, causes, consequences, past action and more. Finally, delegates must research and propose innovative and feasible solutions to the problem, within the framework of the organ or agency they are simulating. The entire debate is carried out through formal rules of procedure that require students to truly step into the shoes of UN delegates. Model UN delegates look closely at the needs, aspirations, and foreign policy of the country they will represent at the event. The insights they gain from their exploration of history, geography, mathematics, culture, economics, and science contribute to the authenticity of the simulations once the actual role-playing gets underway, and ensures a lively and memorable experience. Preparing for, and participating in, a Model UN conference can help students and young people develop leadership skills besides improving their writing, public speaking, critical thinking and problem solving skills. The imperative of devising solutions that are acceptable to a majority of the states present tests their skills of deft negotiation, conflict resolution, compromise and cooperation. The popularity of participating in Model UN has contributed to the rapid growth of this activity over the past few decades. Many Model UN

3 participants are repeaters, since the spirit of these simulations creates an appétit for this activity more commonly known as M- U-N Fever. In fact, quite a few of today s leaders in law, government, business, and the arts participated in Model UN during their academic careers from former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to former judge and president of the International Court of Justice Stephen M. Schwebel, from U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer to former first daughter of US Chelsea Clinton, from former US National Security Advisor Tom Donilon to American journalist Joel Stein, from American Actor-Producer Samuel L. Jackson (Pulp Fiction) to American television personality Ryan Seacrest. As many states move to implement standards for global citizenship, Model UN is proving to be an innovative resource to prepare students for career and college success.

4 UN HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL "All victims of human rights abuses should be able to look to the Human Rights Council as a forum and a springboard for action." The Human Rights Council is an inter-governmental body within the United Nations system responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and making recommendations on them. It has the ability to discuss all thematic human rights issues and situations that require its attention throughout the year. It meets at the UN Office at Geneva. The Council is made up of 47 United Nations Member States which are elected by the UN General Assembly. The Human Rights Council replaced the former United Nations Commission on Human Rights, on 15 March 2006 by GA Resolution 60/251. AGENDA: Evaluating potential human rights infringements by technological development

5 UN ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL The United Nations Economic and Social Council is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations, responsible for coordinating the economic, social, and related work of 15 UN specialised agencies, their functional commissions and five regional commissions. ECOSOC serves as the central forum for discussing international economic and social issues and formulating policy recommendations addressed to member states and the United Nations system. A number of nongovernmental organisations have been granted consultative status to the Council to participate in the work of the United Nations. AGENDA: Achieving the SDG 2030 Goals 2 and 6