Limaben Jamir
Model United Nations (MUN) is a simulation of the different United Nations organs and other forums of international relations and asks young people to take on the role of world leaders. Taking on the role of an Ambassador to the UN, participants experience the complexities of international policy formation at first hand. Each delegate represents the viewpoint of a single Member State of the United Nations or non-governmental Organisation (NGO), researching that country’s or NGO’s policy and advocating these views to other delegates.
Every year thousands of students around the world participate in Model United Nations conferences. Model UN conferences have been steadily growing in India in the past 3 years but still new to North East India. There are approximately 400 Model UN conferences worldwide and students can participate as early as 18 years to about 25. To pre¬pare for a conference, students thoroughly research the topics assigned to their committee, as well as the geography, culture, politics and history of the country they are representing. They then develop positions on each issue, taking into consideration the particular needs and goals of their country. The conferences usually last from about 3 days to about a week.
Model UN is a transformative experience that deepens participants’ understanding of the world and their place within it. Delegates emerge from Model UN with open minds, fresh ideas and new friends. With the skills they develop in speaking, writing, negotiating and diplomacy, many have gone on to become community and world leaders. Ban Ki-moon, the current Secretary- General of the United Nations was a former Model UN delegate.
During an MUN conference a whole spectrum of issues are dealt with; from issues of Security, to Development or Human Rights. The objective is to reach consensus and pass a statement of the international community’s response to a particular area of concern. Using the knowledge, experiences and the relationships students form through MUN, it is hoped that that next generation of world leaders and thinkers will be able to work effectively to find solutions to future global problems that are compatible with the aims and principles of the United Nations and promote the spirit of cooperation.
Knowledge of Global Politics is important not only for students of International Affairs but also to future leaders and thinkers in Academia, Business, Law, Medicine, Science and the wider civil society. MUN encourages the development of skills essential to all fields of study and employment, such as: strong leadership, initiative and expertise in public speaking; negotiation, mediation and consensus building; and the ability to form relationships rapidly with people of alternative backgrounds and viewpoints. Model UN aims to build an understanding of global challenges amongst young people that crosses borders of background, culture and nationality.
“You are here to step into the shoes of UN ambassadors — to draft reso¬lutions, to plot strategy, to negotiate with your allies as well as your ad¬versaries. Your goal may be to resolve a conflict, to cope with a natural disaster or to bring nations together on an issue like climate change. You may be playing a role, but you are also preparing for life. You are acting as global citizens.”
— United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to the 2008 Global Classrooms® Model United Nations International Conference
Currently North East India Model United Nation is looking for 8 young professionals and students between the ages 18-25 to participate in the Indian International Model United Nation 2013.
The deadline for the Indian international Model UN, open to all Naga students is the 27th April 2013. Please do recommend capable students.
IIMUN 2013 will be held in Hyderabad from 31st May- 2nd June.
- Applicants should be between 18-25, just out of college or currently enrolled anywhere in India.
- Should be based in Nagaland in the month of May 2013
- Interested in learning about United Nations, Social Affairs, Global Politics and debating
- North East India Model UN will train all selected
students..
Interested?
1. Please email us your resume. Mention your Name, age, educational qualifications, any experience in debates, elocution contests, leadership roles held and any other extra-curricular activities.
2. Write a 100 words essay on why you are interested in being part of the Model United Nation.
For any kind of queries contact North East India Model United Nation page on Facebook, or email us at northeastindiamun@gmail.com
Limaben Jamir, 23 most recently completed her Masters from University of London in Political and Social Psychology. Currently a summer intern at Youth Net, she also serves as the co chair of the UN General Assembly on the Executive Board of Indian International Model United Nations.
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