UNA Youth Essex MUN (MUNEx) 2015 Secretariat strongly believes that the foreign policy manifesto published by UNA-UK genuinely matches our spirit - that is, the promotion of a safer, fairer and more sustainable world. In line with the 70th anniversary of the UN Charter, the MUNEx 2015 Conference, held on 20 – 22 March 2015, was directed towards the promotion of this manifesto.
This year’s edition of MUNEx International
Model United Nations has been extremely successful, as it has brought the Conference, the Society, as well as the university’s names on an international level. Having welcomed delegates from Greece, France, Nigeria and Nepal, and of course, delegates from across the UK as well as from our own university, MUNEx 2015 has become a global platform.
As delegates travelled back to their home universities, we are extremely optimistic about the positive impact that this Conference has had on students. They have not solely had the unique opportunity to develop numerous skills through public speaking and debate; problem-solving and negotiations; but have also had the opportunity to enter into dialogue with different cultures and nationalities, making connections that will outlive the conference.
“Drafting a Resolution is hard work” - Ruairi Hipkin, student representing Russian Federation at UN Security Council
As one of our delegates has pointed out, these three days have been extremely hectic: students were put in an environment which encouraged negotiation, discussion, debate, and compromise. Through a comprehensive and human rights-based approach, as the MUNEx 2015 Secretariat reads the resolutions which have been issued by both committees, we genuinely feel that we have managed to promote the UNA-UK’s foreign policy manifesto during the entire duration of the Conference. This has been done not solely through the choice of topics discussed by the Committee Directors, but also through the theme adopted for the Conference itself.
As this year’s edition coincides with the 70th anniversary of the UN Charter, the need to promote progressive new development goals; to protect human rights internationally; to develop a comprehensive strategy to prevent mass atrocities; and to strengthen engagement with UN peacekeeping have been at the heart of the debates.
“MUNEx 2015 made me genuinely aware about issues around the world. It was a fun way to learn unique leadership skills and meet people from all around the world!” - Yasmeen Dufils, student representing Côte d’Ivoire at the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC)
Yet, as it has been pointed out several times, MUN is also about fun and meeting people from across the globe. In fact, MUNEx 2015 did not solely provide an interactive and engaging way to raise awareness on international affairs and promote proactive behaviour. It was above all a true representation of the Essex spirit, reflecting its global outreach in a challenging environment, promoting progress and never accepting the status quo in order to acheive 'a safer, fairer, and more sustainable world'.
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Miss. Yasmin Afina |
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