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General Assembly Hall, United Nations Headquarters, New York

22-25 August 2017

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MUN YOUTH ASSEMBLY

Proudly Introducing:

UNITED AMBASSADORS

MUN 2017 Youth Assembly Theme:

The Correlation between Education, Youth Development, Model UN, and Agenda 2030 - Let's Make MUN Change the World.

 

Model United Nations is a youth-focused educational extra-curricular activity that represents a prominent intersection between education, youth development, and potential advocacy for the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. It educates students about the goals, values, and decision-making process of the United Nations. It is a strong development platform for skills that provide an advantage to young people's future college or professional careers.

 

Committees and Topics: The underlying theme of all topics at the MUN Youth Assembly is the link between Education, Youth Development, and the United Nations 2030 Agenda.  The Model United Nations "Youth Assembly" by United Ambassadors aims to bring together young practitioners of Model UN from around the world, to analyze the correlation between MUN and the achievement of the SDG's, and propose practical ways by which this correlation can be strengthened. The MUN Assembly aims to increase awareness and sense of ownership of the UN's actual targets today among today's Model UN practitioners and opinion leaders.

 

 

The MUN Youth Assembly is a real  UN-based Assembly, designed to provide a platform for leaders, experts, and achieved veterans in the Global Model UN landscape to discuss real MUN related trending topics and issues of concern from a conference organizer's perspective. Participants share views on how Model UN as a global educational activity can practically contribute to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and how MUN conferences can evolve or structurally improve in order to achieve this objective while analyzing the evolving landscape and the future of Model UN worldwide. The theme of the MUN 2017 Youth Assembly is "The Correlation between Education, Youth Development, Model UN, and Agenda 2030 - Let's Make MUN Change the World.." Throughout the conference, participants represent their actual MUN organization/ conference/ club. Delegates discuss advanced MUN strategy topics in a real conference setting. They discuss real topics that relate to the advancement fo the Model United Nations Community.  The objective of each committee is to produce a resolution with practical recommendations on each topic that follow the same format of a UN resolution. These resolutions are considered valid documents. Participants are encouraged to implement them in following years and their recommendations are seriously considered when setting criteria to select the finalists for the MUN Hall of Fame, a competition launched to recognize the world's most achieved leaders in the field of Model United Nations.  This is how MUN participants can realistically drive a change to make conferences and educational program participants more actively engaged with the United Nations' goals and values.

 

Committee 1 - SDG Action:  MUN & Field Advocacy for the Sustainable Development Goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Download the Committee 1 Secretary-General Report Here.

 

Points of Discussion

 

  • Evaluating the power of education platforms including MUN in fostering awareness on the SDG’s.

  • How education, youth development & SDG advocacy can be linked.

  • Address the limitations of Model UN as a field today in effectively promoting the SDGs or tangibly contributing to their achievement.

 

Questions to Address:

  • How many Model UN teams/ conferences are currently implementing practical campaigns promoting the UN 2030 Agenda? Why?

  • How can similar initiatives be popularized in the MUN circuit worldwide and how can they gain traction?

 

Practical Recommendations (Action Points) to Address:

  • How MUN societies can initiate field projects/ campaigns that advocate for the SDGs.

  • How Model UN conferences can incorporate the SDG’s academically, and within conference structure.

  • How cooperation/ partnerships between Model UN institutions and other youth organizations on SDG advocacy campaigns can be developed.

 

References for Delegates of the Committee:

Topic: Education, Model United Nations & SDG Field Advocacy (All SDG's).

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Introduction: Educational & youth development platforms like Model United Nations can be a useful platform for learning about the UN or developing leadership skills. However, the current percentage of initiatives in the Model UN arena that directly target SDG promotion requires evaluation. The members of this committee will be discussing how Model UN as a field, as well as educational/ youth development programs & communities, in general, can implement field projects that aim to promote the Sustainable Development Goals. 

Committee 2 - SDG Action: Female Empowerment in the Global Economy (SDG #5).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Download the Committee 2 Secretary-General Report Here.

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Points of Discussion

  • Statistical evaluation of the current disadvantages women and girls face around the world in schools, workplaces, households, and society.

  • Evaluating the power of education platforms including MUN in the empowerment of girls and their preparation for the workplace or to play stronger roles in society or the international relations field.

  • Address the power and limitations of Model UN as a field today in effectively empowering girls & preparing them for success.

 

Questions to Address:

  • Is there/ has there ever been a gender divide in Model UN? How so/ Why not?

  • Should there be positive discrimination towards girls in MUN (ex: assigning females leadership roles based on their gender)? 

  • Do girls face more difficulties in MUN leadership posts?

 

Practical Recommendations (Action Points) to Address:

  • How to provide access to Model UN to girls in unfavorable social/ economic conditions.

  • How Model UN conferences/ societies can address the topic of Female Empowerment effectively.

  • How MUN can play a role in the empowerment of females and prepare girls for successful careers as women contributing to the global economy.

  • How can cooperation/ partnerships between Model UN institutions and other youth organizations/ NGO's on this topic be developed?

 

References for Delegates of the Committee:

Topic: The role of education & youth development in the empowerment of girls and advancement of women's leadership in the global economy.

 

Introduction: Female empowerment is a rising issue of concern around the world and at the United Nations today. The impact that a young girl’s education/ upbringing can have on her future life course is immeasurable. This is where platforms for youth development and education, especially ones that develop diverse lifelong skills and provide challenging opportunities for growth and confidence building like Model United Nations, can be so valuable in contributing to SDG #5. The members of this committee will be discussing how education & youth development platforms, including Model UN, can play a role in the empowerment of girls, and the advancement of women in the global economy, the workplace, and social order 

Committee 3 - SDG Action: Fostering Global Citizenship through Model United Nations (SDG #16).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Download the Committee 3 Secretary-General Report Here.

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Points of Discussion

  • Dissecting the Model UN experience - Evaluating the value of an international MUN experience in enabling cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.

  • Evaluating the power of international education & youth development platforms like MUN in developing cultural awareness, and global citizenship.

  • Evaluating the power of international education & youth development platforms in potentially building peaceful, inclusive societies for all citizens, residents, and refugees everywhere.

  • Application to Model UN: Address the power and limitations of Model UN as a field in building tolerance, cultural understanding, and combatting racism, xenophobia and religious intolerance. 

  • Application to Model UN: Address the power and limitations of Model UN as a field in developing socially responsible, culturally aware global citizens.

 

Questions to Address:

  • Can MUN conferences/ programs openly discuss xenophobia or discrimination? 

  • Can MUN affect societies by encouraging inter-cultural dialogue and respect for diversity?

 

Practical Recommendations (Action Points) to Address:

  • How Model UN can effectively foster "global citizenship" and contribute to building peaceful, inclusive societies for all citizens, residents, & refugees everywhere.

  • How can MUN impact society, ie: strengthen cross-cultural understanding, respect for all, & embracing diversity within societies (that include non-MUN practitioners)?

  • How can cooperation/ partnerships between Model UN institutions and other organizations/ NGO's on this topic be developed?

 

References for Delegates of the Committee:

Topic: The role of Model United Nations in developing future Global Citizens and building peaceful, inclusive societies worldwide.

 

Introduction: Global citizenship is defined by the UNAI as an umbrella term for the social, political, environmental, or economic actions of globally-minded individuals and communities on a worldwide scale. Model United Nations is an activity where diverse young students from around the world come together to discuss how to solve current issues on the UN agenda. The meaningful interactions and intercultural dialogue that takes place during International MUN programs, in addition to their educational element, make MUN a powerful platform for the development of future global citizens. However, how can this role be emphasized, and how can MUN practically contribute to the development of peaceful, inclusive societies?

Committee 4 - SDG Action: Climate Change & Civil Social Responsibility (SDG #13)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Download the Committee 4 Secretary-General Report Here.

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Points of Discussion

  • Evaluating the power of international education & youth development platforms like MUN in developing conscious awareness on Climate Change.

  • Evaluating the power of international education & youth development platforms in developing a sense Civil Social Responsibility.

  • Application to Model UN: Address the power and limitations of Model UN as a field in mobilizing projects that take action on Climate Change.

  • Application to Model UN: Address the power and limitations of Model UN as a field in developing Civil Social Responsibility.

 

Questions to Address:

  • How do discouraging statements that question the validity of climate change affect youth leaders worldwide?

  • How can youth leaders worldwide contribute to the movement "Climate Change is Real"?

 

Practical Recommendations (Action Points) to Address:

  • How can Model UN effectively foster awareness on, and encourage action towards mitigating Climate Change?

  • How can MUN Conferences adapt their structure to become more "Green"?

  • What kinds of Climate Change related projects can be implemented through/ within Model UN communities? 

  • How can MUN conferences actively showcase Civil Social Responsibility through action?

  • How can cooperation/ partnerships between Model UN institutions and other organizations/ NGO's on this topic be developed?

 

References for Delegates of the Committee:

Topic: The role of Model United Nations in raising awareness on climate change and developing civil social responsibility among youth.

 

Introduction: With the escalating deterioration in climate change indicators, and the term "climate change is real" being repeated by the world's most prominent artists, scientists, and (most) government leaders, the issue of Climate Change continues to rise in importance on the United Nations Agenda. As Model UN stands as a valuable educational & youth development platform, the responsibility of Model UN conferences and communities towards taking action towards climate change becomes more pronounced. The members of this committee will not only discuss the real indicators proving "Climate Change is Real" but how MUN as a field can contribute to addressing it. Furthermore, they will discuss how MUN can develop Civil Social Responsibility, in general, not only restricted to Climate Change.

Committee 5 – MUN Reform: Model United Nations as a Youth Development Platform.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Download the Committee 5 Secretary-General Report Here.

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Points of Discussion

  • Evaluating the power of MUN in increasing a youth future employment opportunities & preparing its practitioners for success in the practical world.

  • Evaluating the impact of Model UN on a young person's life, and choices and addressing its impact on the role of youth in society.

  • Addressing the limitations of Model UN in facilitating future employment opportunities or ensuring the success of its practitioners in the workplace.

Additional Points:

  • Exploring venues for MUN funding that could help increase the spread of MUN worldwide and ensure the survival of valuable MUN initiatives.

  • Evaluating venues for cooperation between Model UN organizations worldwide.

 

Questions to Think About:

  • Is competitiveness in Model UN a factor that develops better leaders/ future professionals? Why/ why not?

  • Does the existing and prevalent global "MUN culture" today support or hinder youth employability and the role of youth in society?

  • Does the focus on MUN serving as a "CV builder" hinder its value in the development of global citizenship and civil social responsibility?

  • Is there a correlation between gavels/ awards won in MUN and future job prospects, and/ or professional success during early career?

 

Practical Recommendations (Action Points) to Address:

  • How can Model UN conferences better effectively prepare their practitioners for professional opportunities and success in the workplace?

  • How can Model UN as a platform evolve to develop diverse all round skills needed for youth to gain sustainable success in their careers, and have a positive impact on society?

  • How can the prevalent culture of competitiveness/ award hunting be adapted to create future leaders and global citizens through Model UN?

  • How can valuable Model UN initiatives/ programs that develop global citizens seek funding sustainably?

  • How can cooperation/ partnerships among Model UN institutions or with other organizations/ NGO's/ companies on this topic be developed?

 

References for Delegates of the Committee:

Topic: Enhancing the effectiveness of Model United Nations as a platform for Youth Development & Employability.

 

Introduction: For a young person about to graduate university, resume building can be viewed as life's key priority, Model United Nations is one of the world's most well-renowned platforms for gaining professional qualifications that may serve as a gateway to better job opportunities. As a result, in some cultures, Model UN participation can end up being viewed as a checklist. A checklist of awards, a checklist of conferences attended or positions held, which can sidetrack MUN's other advantages, including its ability to foster global citizenship and promote the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ie: serve as a platform for true youth development. The members of this committee analyze the correlation between award hunting, MUN as a CV builder, and the ability to reach success in early career. 

Committee 6 - MUN Reform: Model United Nations and Accurate Reflections of the United Nations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Download the Committee 6 Secretary-General Report Here.

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Points of Discussion

  • Evaluating the advantages of the UN4MUN platform, and the limitations it currently faces as it slowly gains popularity worldwide.

  • Evaluating the advantages of Multilingual platforms, and the challenges they currently face as they are slowly adopted by more conferences worldwide.

  • Addressing the importance, and feasibility of creating alternative MUN platforms for people with disabilities.

 

Questions to Think About:

  • Is competitiveness in Model UN too popular for UN4MUN or consensus based simulations to witness sustained growth and popularity?

  • What are the challenges UN4MUN and Multilingual MUN face as they are slowly introduced, and how can they be overcome?

  • What is needed for accurate simulations of the UN to gain popularity and success?

  • Who are the key players needed to help Multilingual MUN and UN4MUN grow worldwide? 

  • Do accurate simulations of the UN help MUN better develop true youth leadership? 

  • Why is Model UN for people with disabilities important?

 

Practical Recommendations (Action Points) to Address:

  • How can UN4MUN gain rapid and sustained popularity worldwide?

  • How can UN4MUN as a platform be improved?

  • How can Multilingual MUN gain rapid and sustained popularity worldwide?

  • How can previous versions of Multilingual MUN conferences be improved?

  • How can we slowly introduce MUN for people with disabilities into the arena?

  • How can cooperation/ partnerships among Model UN institutions or with other organizations/ NGO's/ companies on this topic be developed?

 

References for Delegates of the Committee:

Topic: Enhancing the accuracy of Model UN in simulating the real United Nations - UN4MUN, Multilingualism, and Alternative MUN Platforms.

 

Introduction: Model United Nations was created to allow young students to simulate the UN, and gain a practical understanding of its work, goals, and decision-making process. However, as a field, Model UN today continues to show discrepancy between some core values and working procedures of the real UN. For one, the United Nations greatly values multilingualism. Most UN meetings have translations in the 6 official languages of the UN. Second, the UN has a different negotiation & decision-making process, leadership structure and rules of procedure than traditional Models of the UN follow. This is why the UN developed "UN4MUN", a platform that allows students to accurately simulate the UN. Members of this committee will discuss how UN4MUN, Multilingual MUN, and other MUN platforms that portray the UN's core values, goals and priorities can be strengthened and popularized within the existing global MUN circuit.

Registration

Regular Registration Deadline: July 15th, 2017

 

 

 

(Note: Previous Model UN experience is required. Seats are limited. Early registration is advised)

 

About the MUN Youth Assembly, UN HQ NYC: This is an original program by United Ambassadors that aims to provide a platform for talented, aspiring MUN leaders to express their views on the changing MUN landscape and how MUN can have an impact on the world. Through the MUN Youth Assembly and the MUN Hall of Fame, we strive to encourage MUNers worldwide to actively work with the United Nations in advocating for the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Global Development. We also strive to encourage the spread of valuable new initiatives in the field, like Multilingual MUN, and UN4MUN, the MUN platform developed by the United Nations that  UA-MUNC follows.

 

Previous Conference: The MUN 2016 Assembly was an original production by United Ambassadors and the first of its kind worldwide. It came 2 weeks before the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly and culminated in the launch of a resolution that encourages young MUN leaders around the world to drive a positive change in their Model UN circuit.  It was supported and encouraged by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon, The President of the General Assembly, Mr. Mogens Lykketoft, the United Nations Department of Public Information, the SDG Action Campaign and the Office of the UN Secretary-General's Envoy on Youth.

 

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