Be the Change the World Needs | My AWMUN Experince
By: Nicole John A. Gonzales (Philippines)
AWMUN-UNESCO Delegate of Italy
Asia World Model United Nations (AWMUN) II is the second AWMUN organized by International Global Network, a foundation based on Indonesia which focuses on youth capacity development. AWMUN is the platform where youth mentality in leadership, negotiation and diplomacy will be developed in Model United Nations. Furthermore, youth are required to think critically, learn diplomacy, develop network, compromise, provide a perspective in debating, and also improving skills in communicate with international delegates and executive board from diverse academic background.
There are no words that can describe how I am fortunate to be one of the delegates from the Philippines and of the world to attend Asia World Model United Nations II. Among almost twenty five thousand (25,000) interested applicants, we are only more than 1,206 selected successful youth participants to join the said event. I was able to attend this International conference with the help of Provincial Government of Isabela and assistance from our beloved school, Saint Ferdinand College. Entering its second annual session, AWMUN II aims to bring together more than 1,206 young people from all across the world to experience diplomacy in multiculturalism. With the theme: The Worlds Dilemma: Enhancing World Action on Climate Change. AWMUN 2019 is held in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, from 30th of January until 2nd of February, 2019. They offered unique experience for delegates participating in AWMUN to gain MUN skills that are needed for the conference. In order to familiarize how MUN works, especially for the first-timers, they have conducted an extensive and detailed MUN 101 and Zero Conference before the competition starts. Guided by experienced and friendly Directors and Assistant Directors from different countries, delegates experienced a comprehensive diplomacy experience as well as gained new knowledge.
Asia World Model United Nations II provided 7 councils with interesting topic in each council discussed on the conference. I was assigned to be part of the UNESCO Council. Here are some glimpses of the councils:
1. World Health Organization (WHO)
Topic: Climate change and Global effort on reducing the distribution of vector-borne diseases.
2. International Monetary Fund (IMF)
Topic: Providing solution of the Unequal Burden of rising temperatures in Low-income countries .
3. United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural (UNESCO)
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) based in Paris. Its declared purpose is to contribute to peace and security by promoting international collaboration through educational, scientific, and cultural reforms in order to increase universal respect for justice, the rule of law, and human rights along with fundamental freedom proclaimed in the United Nations Charter. It is the successor of the League of Nations' International Committee on Intellectual Cooperation.
Topic: Improving Strategy to Protect World Heritage Caused by Climate Change
Description: World Heritage is our properties that have to be preserved and protected. World Heritage properties serve as climate change observatories to gather and share information on applied and tested monitoring, mitigation, and adaptation practices. The global network of World Heritage also helps raise awareness of the impacts of climate change on human societies and cultural diversity, biodiversity and ecosystem services, and the worlds natural and cultural heritage. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) may be the forefront of the world to improve the way institutions or individuals should taking care, protect, and preserve the World Heritage that we already have. The Asia World Model UN II will bring this topic into the table as the assigned topic in this committee to discuss Improving Strategy to Protect World Heritage Caused by Climate Change.
4. World Trade Organization (WTO)
Topic: Increasing Energy Efficiency for Sustainable Trade and Environment
5. International Labour Organizational (ILO)
Topic: "the Challenge of Global Green Economy plan on creating equal Job opportunity in Developed and developing countries"
6. International Organization for Migration (IOM)
Topic: Migration as Climate Change Adaption Strategy
7. United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
Topic: Displacement, Human Mobility, and Climate Change
The delegates of AWMUN II were warmly welcomed on day 1 with an opening ceremony in which a number of agendas were held. Opening ceremony had social event which includes non-formal activities like:
Delegates have dinner together with other delegates from their own councils, as a preliminary stage to get to know each other and expand the networking of the delegates. Delegates began to experience multiculturalism through foreign countries.
Asia World Model United Nations II provides MUN 101 and Zero Conference before the committee session begins with the aim to learn how MUN works and understand the Rules of Procedure deeper. This MUN 101 and Zero Conference were delivered by our Board of Dais. They have explained to the delegates step-by-step procedure of the MUN and some fun topics in the Zero Conference.
To make the evening lively, there we had some entertainment sessions during the event. Be it another cultural performance, contemporary performance, or fun icebreaking, the delegates were able to enjoy the moment through the evening.
Asia World Model United Nations II provides Grand Symposium with the theme The Worlds Dilemma: Enhancing World Action on Climate Change. We had some outstanding speakers during the session.
Delegates were assigned as representatives of country on each council that have chosen by delegates to discuss the particular topic in their council. Delegates were moderated by Board of Directors during the committee session.
The venue: Well Hotel (10, 10/3 Sukhumvit 20, Klongtoey Bangkok 10110), Windsor Suites Hotel (10/1 Sukhumvit Soy 20, Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok, Bangkok), and Prince Palace Hotel (488/800 ถนน ดาํรงรกัษ์ Khwaeng Khlong Maha Nak, Khet Pom Prap Sattru Phai, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10100, Thailand)
Bangkok City Tour is held in order to refresh delegates minds after the meetings sessions. Delegates are expected to enjoy the magnificent culture destinations in Bangkok. Delegates had the chance to visit 4 destinations. These destinations are:
One of Bangkoks most beautiful temples is the Wat Benchamabophit, also known as the marble temple or Wat Ben. As it is classified as a first-class Royal temple, it is also a temple of significant importance. The official name of the temple is Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram, which means the Monastery of the fifth King near Dusit Palace, the fifth King being King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V).
One of Bangkoks most beautiful temples is the Wat Benchamabophit, also known as the marble temple or Wat Ben. As it is classified as a first-class Royal temple, it is also a temple of significant importance. The official name of the temple is Wat Benchamabophit Dusitwanaram, which means the Monastery of the fifth King near Dusit Palace, the fifth King being King Chulalongkorn the Great (Rama V).
Delegates will visit the Erawan Museum which one of Thai Culture and history at two inspiring Bangkok attractions. Explore over 200 acres of beautiful Thai culture, architecture and history at Ancient SiamAt. A huge complex of buildings come together to recreate ancient Thailand at Ancient Siam, get a special insight into Thai culture and religion at the Erawan Museum and Be greeted by a colossal three-headed elephant statue that stands over the entire Erawan Museum. All inside and out, it's a fascinating space and well worth a visit.
Wat Saket or the Temple of the Golden Mount, Bangkok, is an ancient temple dating back to the Ayutthaya Period. Previously called Wat Sakae, the name was changed to Wat Saket during the reign of King Rama I. The Golden Mount, built under the rule of King Rama V, is 77 meters tall and at the top reside many of Buddhist relics found at Kapilavastu ancient city
Delegates will have the opportunity to showcase the culture of their origin countries, by performing traditional songs, dances, and other attractions in the main stage.
There are more than 72 countries which participated in Asia World MUN II which consist of:
1. Youth with maximum age of 25 years old from across the globe 2. Students in High School/University or graduates of High School/ University 3. Youth who are enrolled in International Organizations/ Institutions/Companies. 4. All delegates should choose maximal 3 council preferences and 3 country Allocations. 5. All matters regarding country allocation and council preference will arrange based on the decision of director and co-director of each council.
With all of these things, we can make the world a better place to live in. we are what the world needs. I can say that I am proud to be a Filipino, I am proud to be an Isabelino, and a proud SFCian!
