TMUNJ News Blog

Welcome TMUNJ News Blog. Get your daily updates on the happenings of 2014 TMUN Junior Conference!

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Security Council: Failure to Act on Urgent Crisis in the Middle East

A Syrian soldier wearing nuclear–biological–chemical warfare mask. Photo Credit: http://tinyurl.com/mgzvd3v

On December 13, 2014, Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS) spokesman Abu Mohammed al Adnani claimed to possess Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) in a public statement, requesting for the withdrawal of the Western military from the Middle East in two days, especially US-led coalition. Concern over the incident was soon aroused among delegates with Nigeria doubting the accountability of Adnani’s statement.

During a high-level debate on whether to withdraw the troops, divisions were seen between two blocs led respectively by Russian Federation and USA. China and Russian Federation, sponsors of DR 2/2, urged USA and all the other Western powers to consent to the request proposed by ISIS, thus, ensuring the safety of all civilians and earning more time for information gathering and combating mission.

However, questioned by USA, one of the sponsors of DR 2/1, “How can we be sure that ISIS won’t attack us after the Western military withdraws from the Middle East? The obligation of the US government is to ensure the safety of our civilians. Any potential threats to the international security would not be tolerated.”

There continued to be significant gaps in the viewpoints adopted by two blocs, which foreshadowed the failure of reaching consensus on the crisis in the Middle East. The voting on DR 2/1 and DR 2/2 both showed seven member states in favor and seven against and both with vetoing from the permanent member states. As a result, SC passed no resolutions in today’s session.

Apart from the failure in responding to the urgent crisis, one DR has been forwarded to the Dias this afternoon, striking to solve the problems in Syria with short-term and long-term solutions.

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DISEC Delegates Divided Over Moves To Disarmament

Momentum picks up as delegates at the United Nations General Assembly First Committee — Disarmament and International Security (DISEC) were divided between considerations for two draft resolutions that differed in the balance between disarmament and development.

While both proposed resolutions the floor heard drove a strong message of disarmament of nuclear, biological, and chemical weapons, they differed fundamentally on the actions to be taken to disarm and develop. On one hand, the proposed draft resolution sponsored by Gambia, Japan, Pakistan, Philippines, Russian Federation, Sudan and the United States of America (USA) promoted a cycle between disarmament and development. By proposing a reduction of a fixed percent of every nation’s military expenditures, the resolution aimed to channel the surplus towards financial and educational development needs.

The proposed resolution also based itself on the framework of the United Nations Development Programme, using fund contributions to aid those member states in need, encouraging a healthy interaction between developed and developing countries on issues such as trade and renewable energy.

On the other hand, in a proposed draft resolution sponsored by Iraq, Libya, Morocco, and United Kingdom, international disarmament is due to be achieved through transparent checks and balances. It also believed that cultural education will be the key to lower the possibility of civil war by promoting cooperation and mutual understanding. Iraq emphasized that the proposed resolution is not about cutting spending, neither is it about weakening power statuses. Instead, it focuses on a reallocation of resources than a cut.

Calling the proposed draft resolution sponsored by Iraq as “unbalanced”, Sudan questioned the balance of the resolution as majority of its backing came from developing countries. In return, Morocco questioned the feasibility of the proposed draft resolution sponsored by Sudan as the call for international expenditure cut on military has been ongoing for decades, yet it yielded no visible results thus far.

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ECOSOC : Unresolved Debate Over Environmental Issues

Chair guided delegates through draft resolutions during the suspension of meeting.

Three draft resolutions with purpose to provide real opportunities for youths to involve in discussions that affect youth education and youth development were coded by the Dais. Setting up Youth Council or making amendments to existing ones to regional and national level earned respective support among delegates. But all delegates affirmed that the priorities of Youth Council is to raise youth awareness on various aspects, to extend their spectrum of knowledge and to learn to observe one’s body-mind-spirit health. Meanwhile, whether urban environment is adequate for youths’ development was mentioned by multiple member states. Youths should be provided with sound resources and have a voice on urban planning to put forward their needs. China suggested that governments should make use of suburban areas to ensure progress but Mauritius questioned if over-urbanization will bring positive impact on youths.

In this session, delegates stuck on debate over environmental issues and couldn’t raise effective interaction or combine a programme with concrete structures. However, United Kingdom recommended sending youths with professional skills from developed countries into developing countries to support and bridge with local youths, bringing something practical on the floor for all member states to discuss. With delegates unable to reach a consensus, whether the final session will go smoothly for ECOSOC lies unsure.

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Social Event: POParazzi

The night opened with the enthusiastic tap dancers from National Chengchi University (NCCU) Tap-dancing Club, unveiling the wonders of Moulin Rouge. Extended by wondrous performance of NCCU Magic Club, delegates simmered in upbeat atmosphere. As Ballroom Dance Club brought out their splendid skills, the dance spirits of all participants were triggered, escalating tonight’s event to a climax.

Delegates on the runway for Best Dress award.

Delegates then grooved to the beat and rythm of the DJ as they partied the night away. Some of the delegates TMUNJ News Blog spoke to enjoyed the music decked out by the DJ, others were equally impressed by the decor of the dance hall. Doris Wu, delegate of Republic of Korea to the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) remarked, “It’s really interesting to see the venue hall being transformed into such a beautiful place. It is the first time I have been to a formal dress party and it felt really good.”

Having their fill of fun for one night, the delegates left with memories etched not only into their minds but also Instax photos that captured the glamorous moments, which will linger long after the curtains descended.

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Setting Goals For The Future At Career Salon

Kelly Hou sharing her thoughts with TMUNJ delegates.

     For her, it took a year of accommodating to her less desired university environment, before deciding to take a gap year while working towards the school of her choice. Powered by what she deemed as a better education environment, she strived and succeeded in getting into National Chengchi University, not only by just passing the entrance examinations, but also being the best transfer student in her year. 

     “I thought it was a good idea to share my tale as it was a major decision (to transfer) for me as a freshman, as it would be too to anyone in the same situation.” Kelly Hou is now a graduate from the Department of Finance and will begin work next January with Ericsson as a Human Resource (HR) executive. “Life is ever-bending like a river, and we should never see any setback as a permanent failure. That is the message I wish to put across.”

     Also present as guest speakers at the career salon were fellow NCCU graduates Jessica Wang, currently an Associate Accounts Executive with Ogilvy, and Valerie Hou, an Administrative Assistant under Burberry's HR & Administration Department. The exchange session lasted for three hours, filled with not only fun moments, but also solemn ones when the speakers convey their beliefs to the audience. Delegates present at the salon prepared questions for the speakers enthusiastically, with questions ranging from choices and decision-making, to even asking one of the speakers if she was wearing a Burberry coat!

Valerie Hou helping delegates discover their personal attributes through interaction.

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Crisis Game: The Chosen One

     With nine wanderers roaming the corners of L.A., each of who held clues to cracking the case, teams moved back and forth the buildings to put together the puzzles. The situation got so intense that several wanderers were reported to receive aggressive interrogation from team members. After tremendous efforts striking to save Marianne, the long-haired girl with the perfume, was found murdered the following morning. As the occurrence of this shocking incident lifted the whole investigation to a new level, more clues were released with spilled lies and untold truths.

     Reaching the time limit of solving this crisis, delegates speeded up the discussion by sitting down in circles, with three teams successfully pointing out the correct murderer at the end.

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Security Council: One Working Paper Brings Together All Nations' Efforts

Syrian Demonstration Douma Damascus

Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons

     First mentioned by China, the idea of transitional government aroused intense discussion within the committee, as support and suspicion surrounding China’s proposal diversified nations’ prior concerns. Later reminded by USA that Geneva Communiqué already provided a foundation, upon which peace talk between Bashar Hafez al-Assad, President of Syria, and new opposition power could be established. However, Jordan, Nigeria and Luxembourg doubted the willingness of the involved parties, such as the Assad government and the Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS), to cooperate. “If necessary, we plan to implement financial sanction as a resort to urge the involved parties to join the peace talk,” replied by Russian Federation in a public statement.

     As varied as the viewpoints were, the existing blocs reached consensus by incorporating every delegates’ ideas and efforts within one working paper, striking to deliver solutions that would be satisfactory to most participating nations. Approaching the end of the 1st session, Australia, Chad and Lithuania drew the committee’s attention back to a long-term solution, the one through education. Lack of concrete and detailed implementations concerning education, however, left SC with more to work on in the following session.

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DISEC: A Call to End Nuclear Weapons

     Sudan urged strongly for an end to all nuclear weaponry. Long riddled by strife and conflicts, Sudan also stressed on the importance of disarmament before peace and development could take place. This call came with strong backing by the United States of America, who further elaborated that development cannot take place without disarmament. However, despite being part of the "New Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (New START)" which saw both United States and Russia pledging to reduce nuclear powers, Russia remained firm in its position that all countries should maintain their basic power to respond security crisis, should it arise.

               President Barrack Obama and then President Dmitry Medvedev signing the "New START" treaty in Prague.  Photo Source: http://tinyurl.com/l3vqye6                               In midst of all countries engaged in the discussion,  Japan, also part of the coalition of  Non-Proliferation and Disarmament Initiative (NPDI), pointed out itself as being the only victim of nuclear bombing, further reaffirming its stance on calling out to all states to accede to the disarmament of all nuclear weapons.

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ECOSOC Focuses on Youths Entering the Workforce

     Meanwhile, Columbia mentioned that companies might not be willing to pay inexperienced workers and that the government should start up programs and cooperate with cross-continent enterprises. An example will be such as the Canadian government has partnered with the Clinton Giustra Enterprise and has granted scholarships and job internships to youth in developing regions within Columbia which has successfully produced paid employment opportunities as well as lower percentage of at-risk youth.

                         Photo Source: Clinton Giustra Enterprise

     However, Nigeria mentioned that not all governments can afford the costs of starting nationwide program to assist youths and called for developed countries and international enterprises to help; seconded by France, who believed that enterprises should take up the responsibility of forging programs for youths since when company invest in youths, they benefit from discovering distinguished workers and are able to cultivating workers’ ability to help building promising future for company. Italy introduced the ongoing Vocational Education and Training (VET) program within European Union and suggested it to be modified then implemented throughout the world. Delegates diverted discussions from cultivating rudimentary skills youths need to deal with the workplace environments to the workplace environment itself.

     The Chair, in a statement made as the session ended, reminded all delegates to be broad on topics but specific about regional factors.

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Taipei Model United Nation Junior 2014 Conference Commences

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5 tips for the first timers at an MUN!

With TMUNJ just less than a week away, our staffers here have worked out a list of tips and pointers for some of the first-time “MUNer” to ensure a long and exciting adventure ahead. It worked for some of us here at TMUNJ, so why don’t you give it a try as well?

It’s 9 in the morning, normally you would still be in your pyjamas, sipping milk tea in a cozy corner but you are already suit up and prepared to start a session debating vital incidents on behalf of your country now. Take some iced Americano to refresh yourself. Caffeine calms you down, gets you focused and keeps you lively. 

(2) Some sparkle might do the trick

Having trouble being recognized? The most awesome part of MUN is getting to know many people, however with delegates on behalf of countries around the world, it’s hard for people to remember each other’s name in short periods of time. Pop yourself up by wearing elegant ties or necklets with bold color. Help people remember who you are, be impressive.

  (3) Speak now, act now

Don’t be afraid to voice out your country statement during the very first speech. Any viewpoint, however significant or insignificant, can make you attention of the crowd. Before you’re heard and seen, you need to get enough nerve up to speak and show.

  (4) Give some zeal during roll call MUN is a game, yes, together you solve international issues but who says you can’t have fun? Show a hand. Be creative. Whether you want to shout out the country’s name with native language, wave national flags or even cosplay a little bit. Bridge the gaps between nations and honor cultures!  

  (5) Act up tough

Even though it’s your first time attending a MUN, nobody like to be viewed as rookie. If someone asks you how many times have you participated in an MUN? Give them a vague answer. Experiences do mean something but your performance is the real deal. 

  Be confident, you are prepared; remember that even the smallest person can change the course of the future. Speak up, because now it’s the time to have your voice heard!