The Sydney University United Nations Society takes part in various Model United Nations Conferences throughout the year, traveling nationally as well as internationally to all ends of the globe. Members enjoy opportunities to participate in a culturally enriching and intellectually challenging experience as delegates become exposed to University students of a truly universal creed. In 2012, this Society will be especially involved in three main events: WorldMUN, AMUNC and SydMUN.
Information about registration, costs and committees of events will be posted as information comes to hand. For now, get excited and read a brief summary below.
WorldMUN 2012
“WorldMUN was founded in 1991 by several Harvard students who were looking to create a different Model United Nations experience. It was only natural that the conference’s first session would be in Miedzyzdroje, Poland, a city that had just had its borders opened with the fall of the Iron Curtain. There were about 300 delegates in 18 committees at the 1992 conference. WorldMUN grew for several years, and, in 1997, the conference partnered with its first host team, the Budapest University of Economic Sciences. With the introduction of the host team, the conference began to develop its social activities to expand the conference experience beyond committee: Global Village, with delegates bringing food, drink, songs and traditions from their homelands, and Cabaret, a global talent show, began to bookend the conference as much as Opening and Closing Ceremonies did.
From the conference’s 10th year on, it began to venture beyond the traditional cities of Europe into Asia Minor, South America, North Africa and the Middle East, East Asia and even North America. As the conference moves into its 20th year, it has grown to represent the most diverse university conference in the world. WorldMUN was founded in a spirit of idealism and today’s conference represents that philosophy in a way that promises a unique experience to its more than 2,200 delegates from over 65 countries.” (Available at <www.worldmun.org/page/history>)
This year, WorldMUN will be hosted by the University of British Columbia in the beautiful city of Vancouver between 11-15 March 2012.
Positions in the SUUNS delegation for 2012 have closed have unfortunately closed.
“The Asia-Pacific Model United Nations Conference is an annual event bringing together students from all over the region to participate in a Model UN. Each year roughly 25 committees (based on real UN committees such as the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees) sit down to tackle some of the world’s biggest issues from breaches of human rights law to climate change, monetary policy and UN institutional reform through a mix of debate, negotiation and resolution formation.
AMUNC is the largest regional Model UN in the world and is run through the Harvard University system. What distinguishes AMUNC most from other Model UN conferences is its committee sizes. Committees at AMUNC are smaller than in many others, often as low as 25 – 30 members. Countries are represented by individual delegates rather than in groups. This means that each individual is given a much greater opportunity to engage in committee sessions and play a larger role in forming resolutions.
AMUNC has grown over the years to incorporate other forums of global negotiation beyond typical committees. In the Crisis Council, historical events are recreated for delegates to act out in real time. The International Criminal Court gives delegates opportunities to play characters on trial and prosecute international leaders in past, present or potential future scenarios. This year’s AMUNC is continuing the trend of attempting to incorporate new bodies into Model UN by hosting a World Regional Forum comprised of supranational bodies such as the European Union, African Union and the Arab League.
Along with the committee sessions, the conference boasts amazing social nights, engaging speaker events and memorable ceremonies. It is not only a chance to engage academically, delegates will form friendships and networks with like-minded individuals from around the region. It lasts for 6 days and takes place during the winter, non-teaching semester break in early July (in 2012 8th – 13th) at the host university. AMUNC is run entirely by students, for students and has been since its creation in 1995 by the University of New South Wales Model UN Society.” (Available at <http://amunc.net/home/about/conference/>)
This year, AMUNC will be hosted by La Trobe University and the beautiful city of Melbourne. Registrations, committee applications, accommodation information, costs and the fee schedule will be available soon. The Society will keep you updated with all the information you need so that you able to take part in this amazing opportunity. In the mean time, click here to read all about AMUNC’s secretariat, the Committees on offer and the all important socials that will keep the fun going way into the night.
SydMUN
SydMUN is a weekend of intense debate, negotiations and passionate diplomacy where delegates represent countries on simulations of United Nations organs and multilateral institutions. Throughout its five year history, SydMUN has been known for its high quality of debate.
In 2011, SydMUN included 8 Committees, with topics ranging from legal, humanitarian, security and the press. Stay tuned for a full list of committees.
Held at the University of Sydney, the SydMUN Secretariat will aim to widen your academic and professional horizons, while showcasing the best that Sydney has to offer.
If you have any question concerning any of the conferences, feel free to contact our Conferences Director: Vidushee Deora at conferences@usydunsociety.org