harvard world model united nations - rmit …mams.rmit.edu.au/ewekcarh1i2bz.pdf · worldmun host...

HARVARD WORLD MODEL UNITED NATIONS

Committee Chair Guide

WorldMUN Host Cities

1992 Miedzyzdroje, Poland

1993 Prague, Czech Republic

1994 Luxembourg

1995 Geneva, Switzerland

1996 Amsterdam, The Netherlands

1997 Budapest, Hungary

1998 Brussels, Belgium

1999 London, England

2000 Athens, Greece

2001 Istanbul, Turkey

2002 Belo Horizonte, Brazil

2003 Heidelberg, Germany

2004 Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt

2005 Edinburgh, Scotland

2006 Beijing, China

2007 Geneva, Switzerland

2008 Puebla, Mexico

2009 The Hague, The Netherlands

2010 Taipei, Taiwan

2011 Singapore

2012 Vancouver, Canada

2013 Melbourne, Australia

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION………………………………………………………………………. 03

History of WorldMUN……………………………………………………….. 04

Model United Nations Conferences…………………………………04

MELBOURNE 2013 - REINVENT YOUR WORLD……………...… 05

Our Host City - Melbourne………………………………………...….….. 05

Delegate Profile: WorldMUN’s Global Reach…………....……. 06

The Harvard World Model United Nations Conference…. 07

PRESIDENT’S NOTE……………………………………………………………….. 08

COMMITTEE CHAIR ROLE……………………..…………………..………….. 09

Training Schedule……………………………………………………..….….. 09

Academic Overview……………………………………………….......……. 09

EXPECTATIONS ……………………………………………………………….……. 10

INCENTIVES…………………………………………………………....………….……. 10

HARVARD WORLD MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE

INTRODUCTION For over 20 years, the Harvard World Model United Nations has provided an arena for students from all over the world to come together to share information, exchange perspectives and strive for a common purpose – to devise solutions for the problems that confront the global community.

As the world’s largest student-led international meeting, WorldMUN is founded on the notion of the ‘Spirit of WorldMUN’. Simply, the Spirit of WorldMUN strives to achieve cooperation across borders and a deeper understanding of cultural perceptions beyond one’s own.

In 2013, the World Model United Nations Conference will be hosted in Melbourne, Australia, for the first time the conference’s 22-year history. Considered the “Olympics of MUN”, the combination of committee sessions, social events, city tours and workshops has rendered it more than a conference, but an experience.

The Melbourne Host Directorate committee is comprised of students from Monash University and RMIT University who, after either experiencing or being informed about WorldMUN’s core objectives, decided to bring WorldMUN to Melbourne. The Host Directorate’s passion, determination and desire to see WorldMUN 2013 succeed has been galvanised by support from Monash University, RMIT University, Harvard University and the State Government of Victoria.

Ban Ki-Moon

“Young people everywhere deserve the power to get

information, connect and ask hard questions – about

justice, equality and opportunity.”

Secretary-General of the United Nations

HISTORY OF WORLDMUN WorldMUN was founded in 1991 by a group of passionate and dedicated Harvard University students looking to create a unique, diverse and truly global Model United Nations experience.

At that time, the spirit of freedom had just penetrated the ‘Iron Curtain’, providing the impetus for a unified Europe and a global community conscious of the need to communicate, cooperate and compromise. It was only natural, then, that the first session of WorldMUN was held in Miedzyzdroje, Poland, a host city that manifested WorldMUN’s vision of an integrated global community working beyond the bounds of culture and ideology.

Beginning with an initial cohort of 300 delegates, WorldMUN grew steadily over the years – not just in numbers, but also in quality and substance. The conference has since been described in The Times (UK) as an initiative “superior to any other university program in the world”.

MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCES Model United Nations Conferences (‘MUNs’) seek to simulate the United Nations.

For the duration of the conference, students assume the position of United Nations delegates and represent assigned Member States in committees and forums, debating, discussing and attempting to resolve some of the world’s most pressing and complex problems.

The purpose of the conference is to engage and educate delegates about contemporary international politics, international relations, diplomacy and the inner workings of the United Nations. Delegates are required to undertake comprehensive research on a number of topics and must apply their knowledge in a variety of contexts as they represent their assigned Member State.

WORLDMUN COMMITTEE CHAIR GUIDE FROM MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA | 04

MELBOURNE 2013 - REINVENT YOUR WORLD For the first time in its lucrative history, WorldMUN will have a theme – the Millennium Development Goals (‘MDGs’). Conceived prior to the new Millennium and implemented upon its arrival, the MDGs set targets for global development and include:

The eradication of extreme poverty and hunger;

Achieving universal primary education;

Promoting gender equality and empowering women;

Reducing child mortality;

Improving mental health;

Combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases;

Ensuring environmental sustainability;

Developing a global partnership for development; and

Provide Universal Education.

As the leaders of tomorrow, delegates will be inspired to reinvent their world as they are presented with material that encourages them to communicate, cooperate and think critically about the world they inhabit as the global community moves towards a new era in development.

Believing that we are the authors of our own future, the Melbourne Host Directorate, via the WorldMUN MDGs Committee, is intending to facilitate dialogue between delegates in relation to the possible avenues for development following the expiration of the MDGs in 2015 and will utilise its various Partnerships to ensure that the concerns of the youth of today do not go unanswered.

OUR HOST CITY - MELBOURNE

There is a lot to love about Melbourne—just ask the locals. Melbourne is very much about lifestyle, so it is no

surprise to residents that the city has been ranked the world’s most livable city.

As the proud home to over 140 different nationalities, Melbourne will provide delegates with an unparalleled

cultural experience characterized by art, fashion, food and social events.

Melbourne is a welcoming, outgoing and confident city, a reflection of the generous and inclusive spirit of its

people. This spirit embraces change while respecting heritage; celebrates diversity while sharing a common

sense of place and pride; and aspires to a rich, lovely and peaceful future.


DELEGATE PROFILE: WORLDMUN’S GLOBAL REACH

Just like the United Nations itself, the WorldMUN Spirit has successfully transcended the borders of a number of

counties and embraces students from a diverse range of academic disciplines. It is this unparalleled diversity that

distinguishes WorldMUN from other MUNs, and it ultimately serves to enhance both the quality of debate and the

delegate experience.

THE HARVARD WORLD MODEL UNITED NATIONS

CONFERENCE 2013

ITINERARY

Monday 18th March 2013

9:00am – 2:00pm Registration

Melbourne Convention Centre

3:30pm – 5:00pm Opening Ceremony

Melbourne Convention Centre – Plenary 2

9:00pm – 1:00am Global Village

TBA

Tuesday 19th March 2013

9:00am – 12:00pm Committee Session 1


12:00pm – 2:00pm Lunch

Workshops/Seminars

In-Conference Trips

2:00pm – 5:30pm Committee Session 2


8:00pm – 1:00am Charity Cabaret

TBA

Wednesday 20th March 2013




Half Day Conference Trips

Workshops/Seminars

Networking Afternoon

6:00pm – 10:00pm Spring Racing Carnival

TBA

Thursday 21st March 2013




Workshops/Seminars

In-Conference Trips

2:00pm – 5:30pm Committee Session 5


5:30pm – 7:00pm Committee Dinners

8:30pm – 1:00am Melbourne Night

TBA

Friday 22nd March 2013



12:00pm – 2:00pm Half Day Conference Trips

Workshops/Seminars

Networking Afternoon

4:00pm – 6:30pm Closing Ceremony

Melbourne Convention Centre – Plenary 2

9:00pm – late Farewell Party

TBA


PRESIDENT’S NOTE

As the President of the Melbourne Host Directorate, it is with great honor that I announce that the 22nd session of the Harvard World Model United Nations Conference will be held in Melbourne in 2013. For over 20 years, Harvard WorldMUN has provided an arena for students from all over the world to come together, exchange perspective and discuss prominent global issues. In a world, where human rights, security and the general well being of individuals is too often compromised by conflict, famine and poverty, a united approach towards a common purpose is more imperative than ever in achieving long lasting solutions to these prominent issues. More importantly, with a greater understanding of key concerns and recognition of distinctive perspectives, this common approach can be made increasingly effective and ultimately successful. As leaders of tomorrow, delegates of WorldMUN strive towards these goals in a conference bolstered by authentic educational learning and great cultural diversity.

It was this shared vision that initially inspired the Melbourne Host Directorate to place an application in order to secure the rights to this conference for the city of Melbourne. Our success is reflective of the dedication, passion and competency of the students who helped make this dream a reality.

As a student led initiative, the World Model United Nations depends on substantial dedication and contributions from students of all disciplines. In a time where youth empowerment is rising on the United Nation’s agenda, there has never been a better opportunity to capitalise on an initiative that strives to create the leaders of tomorrow by joining us in making the 2013 conference a success.

The Melbourne Host Team is currently recruiting students to fill the positions of Committee Chairs and Interns. Assuming a position on the Host Team is bound to be a very exciting and rewarding experience, but that is not all! Being a member of the Host Team also provides key career opportunities, whether it be the possibility of receiving official recognition for your efforts or being presented with important networking opportunities. Working alongside governmental organisations, multinational private entities, key educational bodies and prominent student networks, guarantees to be a rewarding experience. It is therefore with great pleasure for me to invite students from all disciplines to join us in this venture as we work to make the conference in 2013 an unforgettable experience for all.

Siamak Sam Loni

President, Host Directorate World Model United Nations 2013

Monash University

COMMITTEE CHAIR ROLE Committee Chairs will be responsible for facilitating debate and caucus during committee sessions alongside the Harvard Chairs. Committee chairs have an important role in analysing the foreign policies of the member-states and assisting the chair in addressing delegate concerns. Committee Chairs are critical in ensuring the smooth progression of the caucus as well as upholding of the highest quality of the debate.

Committee Chairs will have the opportunity to participate in academic training that will cover the most relevant international issues and will be exposed to the procedures of the United Nations. Each Committee Chair will receive a letter of reference for their contribution and participation and will have the opportunity to attend the social events to network with international delegates.

COMMITTEE CHAIR TRAINING SCHEDULE A succession of weekly lectures and seminars will prepare committee chairs for their role in WorldMUN 2013. Successful completion and attendance of these lectures and seminars will endow committee chairs with research and leadership skills to lead the committees, which they are placed in. Topics include; History of the United Nations; Development; Arms control; Ethics of global conflict; Theories of international relations and foreign policy etc. The summer program includes training in committee rules and procedures; Drafting and marking working papers and resolutions; leadership skills, management skills and skills in moderating debate.

ACADEMIC OVERVIEW LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Understand the core values and principles of the United Nations and be able to evaluate how current events will continue to shape these principles and values;

2. An understanding of how the various committees and offices of the UN interact to achieve their goals;

3. Understand the core values and principles of International Law and be able to evaluate how current events will continue to shape these principles and values;

4. Knowledge of core international law treaties and their operation;

5. Develop the ability to identify and critically analyse legal issues;

6. Understand the process of creating International Law instruments;

7. Have developed practical skills in recognising, researching and solving international law issues;

8. Have further developed legal research, writing and legal argument skills by undertaking systematic

research, including empirical research and the application of theory, into current issues relating to International Law; and

Have acquired skills in order to lead and manage a committee, in particular, application of commit tee rules. Furthermore, the ability to assess delegates work;


The lecture/seminar schedule for committee chair training may be subject to change. Academics, scholars and prominent experts that possess extensive knowledge in key international issues will conduct the lectures over the summer period to prepare the Committee Chairs for the conference in 2013.

The course will be conducted in lecture/seminar style based on materials set out in the General Reading Guide. Committee Chairs will be expected to read prescribed materials and/or relevant class exercises in advance and generally be prepared to participate in training session/seminar discussions.

Training sessions will be held every week, commencing at the end of November after the final examination period. The tutorials are designed to apply the principles studied in lectures to practical scenarios. They also provide an opportunity for the students to create networks with fellow Committee Chairs.

EXPECTATIONS Committee Chairs are expected to be professional and fair in their conduct and reflect the spirit of WorldMUN. This includes being considerate of other cultures and acknowledging the importance in strong cross-cultural communication skills and furthering the goals of the conference.

Committee Chairs will also be involved in drafting of the final briefing papers for the two agendas that are allocated to their respective committees, which will be provided to all delegates participating in that committee. Chairs are required to attend all training seminars and participate in the full week of committee sessions during the conference.

INCENTIVES WorldMUN 2013, is a once in a life time opportunity for Australian tertiary students. With WorldMUN being held in Australia for the first time in 22 years, as Australian tertiary students, you would be contributing to the wider vision of youth empowerment and development. Your commitments and efforts will not go unanswered as we prepare together for a conference that will be both unique and exciting for student leaders around the world. In joining the Melbourne Host Team, you would truly be making a difference.

“I strongly support WorldMUN, which offers delegates from around the world a

unique opportunity not only to experience the challenges of international

negotiation and diplomacy, but also to come together and learn about one

another’s country and culture.” Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Julia Gillard

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harvard world model united nations - rmit …mams.rmit.edu.au/ewekcarh1i2bz.pdf · worldmun host...

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