un model conference 2015
As a member of the RIghts and Freedoms class you have been invited to participate in our very first UN model conference- held in Humanities Studio 1.
There are several things you will need to know and do before next Tuesday to be prepared.
What is a Model United Nations Conference?
Model United Nations Conferences (or Model UNs for short), are authentic simulations of the debates and deliberations of UN bodies such as the General Assembly or the Security Council, during which participants (known as delegates) step into the shoes of country ambassadors to the UN to discuss the contentious global issues on the UN's agenda.
The objective of a Model UN is to find the best possible solution to the problem at hand through dialogue, negotiation and multilateral diplomacy. A successful Model UN is achieved when delegates can reach a compromise based upon their countries' national interests, international responsibilities and humanitarian obligations. The outcome is formalised in the adoption of a sound resolution (official UN document).
Watch the following three clips for further info:
How does the United Nations work?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBh_RaX0gvs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=268ROcmJjLU
Conference Aims:
The issue of refugees has become one of the most debated topics in the world. It is an emotive topic that sparks passion and arguments. Your topic for this UN model conference is surrounding the question:
'Who is responsible for the world's growing refugee population?'
There are several things you will need to know and do before next Tuesday to be prepared.
What is a Model United Nations Conference?
Model United Nations Conferences (or Model UNs for short), are authentic simulations of the debates and deliberations of UN bodies such as the General Assembly or the Security Council, during which participants (known as delegates) step into the shoes of country ambassadors to the UN to discuss the contentious global issues on the UN's agenda.
The objective of a Model UN is to find the best possible solution to the problem at hand through dialogue, negotiation and multilateral diplomacy. A successful Model UN is achieved when delegates can reach a compromise based upon their countries' national interests, international responsibilities and humanitarian obligations. The outcome is formalised in the adoption of a sound resolution (official UN document).
Watch the following three clips for further info:
How does the United Nations work?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aBh_RaX0gvs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=268ROcmJjLU
Conference Aims:
- Increase knowledge and understanding of the United Nations and its member states
- Deepen awareness and understanding of humanitarian and other key global issues
- Promote a global outlook, tolerance and respect for diversity and difference of opinion
- Foster a greater interest in international affairs
- Highlight the importance of dialogue, diplomacy, negotiation and empathy for conflict resolution
- Encourage active citizenship
The issue of refugees has become one of the most debated topics in the world. It is an emotive topic that sparks passion and arguments. Your topic for this UN model conference is surrounding the question:
'Who is responsible for the world's growing refugee population?'
use the following steps to guide you through preparation for the conference....
step one: answer these questions and watch the following clips
1. How many countries are there in the world?
2. What defines a country or state?
3. What is the definition of a refugee?
4. What is the definition of an asylum seeker?
2. What defines a country or state?
3. What is the definition of a refugee?
4. What is the definition of an asylum seeker?
step two: get into pairs and choose a country
Once you have a partner, come to the front and choose a country. Remember your partner will be your fellow countryman so choose wisely!
Step THree: begin your research
There are four areas that you need to research about your country:
1. Physical
2. Cultural
3. Political
4. Economic
Start by making a country profile, answering the questions on this handout.
Your country profile should look like this:
Loas Country Profile
You should this website as a starting point for your research. However, there are countless other websites that will help you find the information you are looking for. Try the UN website, SBS world guide or even wikipedia.
1. Physical
2. Cultural
3. Political
4. Economic
Start by making a country profile, answering the questions on this handout.
Your country profile should look like this:
Loas Country Profile
You should this website as a starting point for your research. However, there are countless other websites that will help you find the information you are looking for. Try the UN website, SBS world guide or even wikipedia.
step four: history
You will also need to know how your country has changed in these four areas over time. If you were conducting this research 50 or even 100 years ago, how would your answers be different?
step five: write your position paper
The Position Paper is a one or two page document that is essentially a summary of your knowledge of the issue of refugees and the position your country plans to take when it enters committee.
It typically contains three sections:
1. Background of Topic,
2. Past International Actions,
3. Country Policy & Possible Solutions.
The key starting points for researching each section are listed below. They will help you get started with participating in your first Model UN conference, but you will want to dig deeper as you develop more experience.
It typically contains three sections:
1. Background of Topic,
2. Past International Actions,
3. Country Policy & Possible Solutions.
The key starting points for researching each section are listed below. They will help you get started with participating in your first Model UN conference, but you will want to dig deeper as you develop more experience.
- Background of topic: Background guide of the topic provided by the conference, Google, the news, Wikipedia (to frame the topic)
- Past international actions: UN website, your committee’s website, key treaties or resolutions mentioned in your background guide, UN or NGO reports
- Country policy and possible solutions: CIA World Factbook, your country’s foreign ministry website, domestic programs within your country, your country’s voting record on key treaties or resolutions, NGO or think tank policy recommendations, and your own creativity
step six: opening speech
The Opening Speech typically lasts about 1 -1.30 seconds and is the first speech you give to the committee. It is the best opportunity for you to explain your country's policy towards refugees and the key sub-issues you would like the committee to focus on. Opening Speeches is a main way for countries to determine who they want to work with, so it’s important to prepare a speech that conveys this. There are many tips and strategies on how to deliver an Opening Speech, but use your Position Paper as a guide when you are starting out. The most important action is to just be brave and make your first speech.
Each member of your delegation does not have to speak but both have to develop what will be said.
Each member of your delegation does not have to speak but both have to develop what will be said.
step seven: Preparation done...the conference!
Next Tuesday will be the conference.
Here is what you'll have to bring:
1. Your country profile
2. Your position paper
3. Your opening speech
You will be guided through the rest of the instructions during the conference.
Here is what you'll have to bring:
1. Your country profile
2. Your position paper
3. Your opening speech
You will be guided through the rest of the instructions during the conference.
