Q: Dear MUNITY,
I keep getting pick-up line notes from a delegate, and it’s really starting to irritate me. It’s been two days., and I’ve told them the guy to stop they but he just don’t doesn’t seem to listen! . How do I get them him to leave me alone?
Signed,
Syriasly-Irritated

A: Syriasly-Irritated,
Oman, I can’t believe he would go there. Send him back equally annoying rejections! Our personal favorite rejection is: “There’s Norway I could like you back.” Hopefully he’ll get the message. On the other hand, you could just enjoy the attention.
Q: Dear MUNITY,
I have a feeling the delegate next to me never bathes – he always smells awful and we sit really close to each other. How do I deal with this?
Signed,
Kenya-Help-Me?

A: Kenya-Help-Me,
Carry a can of deodorant and discretely distribute the odor-killer around your section. If he asks for some, even better! Problem solved. If that doesn’t work, try nose-plugs. They aren’t inconspicuous, but they’ll definitely do the trick.
Q: Dear MUNITY,
I’ve developed a massive crush on my Chair, but she has no idea who I am. How do I get her to notice me?
Signed,
I-Want-My-Chair-To-Table-Me

A: I-Want-My-Chair-To-Table-Me,
Assert yourself! March right up to your chair and smoothly evaluate the debate. (Emphasis on the “smooth”.) Talk to her during lunch and add her on Facebook—though, not to the point of creepy. If you don’t step up, she will have no reason to notice you. If this doesn’t work, then she’s probably just not interested. Whatever you do, do not comment on her Djibouti, however callipygian it may be. (You may want to look that word up.)
Q: Dear MUNITY
Our committee room is always freezing, and the Chairs never do anything to fix it. It might as well be snowing in here. How do I cope with this?
Signed,
It’s-Always-Chile-In-Here

A: It’s-Always-Chile-In-Here,
However obvious, your answer is in the layers. Bring a sweater or a blazer. If that’s not your style, step outside to de-thaw. Singapore has an average temperature of 1000 degrees so a one-minute bathroom break might solve your problem. Keep in mind, your Chairs are probably feeling as cold as you are…cut them some slack. If you need further advice, you might want to solicit methods of coping from Canada or Russia—they deal with this problem a lot back home.
Q: Dear MUNITY,
No one notices me during our committee time because I’m very shy. I want to make friends, but I just don’t know how. How do I get noticed or get other delegates to talk to me?
Signed,
Under-Prussia

A: Under-Prussia,
Don’t Kuwait for your opportunity; make it happen. Share your ideas. Pass notes and get involved. Try out some timeless conversation starters and ask other delegates where they’re from. Use it as a chance to learn more about other cultures, MUN style.
You might also want to Czech out some public speaking tips in Speaking 101 in our last MUNITY issue!

Art by Sumin Lee

Does the delegate not agree that the house can be the most productive by having fruitful debates? Enough with the “fruitful debates” and point of information that starts with “Does the delegate not agree…!” Over the past few days, delegates of THIMUN-Singapore conference have complained about the overused phrases used in the conference halls.
“I usually get sick and tired of delegates asking points of personal privilege that request audibility,” said Teresa Chang, the delegate of Chile from Tianjin International School.
“It gets really frustrating when the resolution reads: ‘such as but not limited to,’” added Kelsey Luisser, the delegate of Brunei Darussalam from the Canadian International School of Singapore. “Sometimes I get annoyed by acronyms because it is difficult to remember what they mean.”
Despite her distaste towards clichéd phrases, Kelsey also offered some practical solutions to level up delegates’ diction and lexicon during MUN conferences.
“Delegates should use literary devices such as alliteration to keep the audience engaged,” said Kelsey. She also suggested that delegates use words that are sophisticated yet understandable enough for the speech to be clear to the audience.
Though many delegates do believe that substantiating their relevant vocabularies to bolster their confidence during conferences is essential, others believe that just referring to the resolution is sufficient.
“I don’t really ‘spice up’ my diction,” exaplained Yoonshin Lee, representing the delegate of the Netherlands from Korea International School. “I just refer to the resolution in order to make my statement clear and straightforward.”
Delegates should realize that utilizing a wide range of literary devices and public speaking skills can substantiate their arguments, and the cliché phrases are just a part of MUN conferences that makes the debate vigorous and truly “fruitful”!

Art by Jenny Kong

Pet Peeves:

Unnecessarily complex voting procedures
While voting is relatively simple, issues often arise when delegates aren’t paying attention during voting procedure. Some delegates may vote more than once, while others may not vote at all. Lazy or excessive voting leads to an entire repeat of the process, a waste of both time and energy for all involved, and obvious irritation of the Chairs and Admins. Delegates, don’t do it. Stay awake and pay attention—and that means not just watching what the other countries in your region are doing when you raise your placard.
Time: Being Late
Though all chairs acknowledge that the Hwa Chong campus is immense and that walking in the heat from one end of the school to the other is exhausting and time-consuming, delegates should arrive at their forums on time–even if it means jogging in heels, ladies.

Not Paying Attention or Following Directions
It’s no wonder that Chairs sometimes wonder whether or not delegates are even “present” at the forums. It has been reported that delegates may be, in fact, too eager, raising their placards before chairs even call on them and asking an absurd number of follow-ups, even after being denied multiple times. Chairs advise members to stay alert (and awake) during the conferences in order to make the experience most enjoyable for everyone—and that includes you, Chairs and Admin.

POI Overdose
Non-veteran delegates are not expected to have memorized the handbook of procedures, but an overload of points of information to the Chair becomes ridiculous—especially when answers to at least half of the questions are in the THIMUN handbooks!

Laughing
Chairs have an image and reputation to uphold. Expected to be professional and formal throughout the entire conference, they serve as role models for other delegates. We all know that a MUN debate is incomplete without silly mistakes, clichéd MUN puns, and humorous turns-of-events. Here’s the problem for the Chairs as they struggle to maintain a straight face: The rest of the forum is in hysterics while they are biting their tongues.

What Makes Them Feel Proud:

A Passing Resolution
Passing a resolution is the ultimate purpose of an MUN conference. When a group of people coming from different backgrounds, countries and schools are able to reach a consensus, it is a sure indicator that a conference has been run smoothly and effectively, and that the Chair has done a good job.

An inspired and Moving Speech
When delegates are actively involved in a conference, speaking up and delivering well thought out and moving speeches, the atmosphere of the conference becomes significantly more professional. An engaged and competent committee plays a key role in the success of a forum as a whole, to the delight of any Chair involved.

Enjoying Debate
Passion is the best teacher, and should thus be the driving force behind joining MUN. Delegates should enjoy the conference and be proud of what they have accomplished in such a short period of time. When delegates are able to enjoy the conference, the Chairs’ job becomes both more fun and more manageable. It’s a win-win situation.

Inspiring Future Leaders
Without a doubt, delegates and participants of MUN are bound to change the world. It is an utmost honor for Chairs to serve as role models and examples for delegates who are bound to be the future advocates, CEOs, designers, thinkers, and collaborators of the world.

What do people really learn from Model United Nations? The clichéd public speaking skills and the augmentation of global knowledge and awareness are developed through submitting and debating resolutions, but MUN extends beyond the resolutions and amendments. Every Model United Nations individual will master skills necessary in real life. Chairs, delegates, press members, and administrative staff are enlightened as leaders in real life, not just in MUN.

Networking and Insight

MUN is a prime opportunity for all participants to socialize with people from different cultures, thus widening the global social network. The inter-delegate cooperation results in trustworthy partnerships in debate and lasting friendships overseas. Becoming familiar with diverse cultures, delegates can be rid of prejudices and unreasonable biases toward foreigners, and obtain a discerning eye. Delegates also acquire unique perspectives from an array of diverse cultures, looking at how delegates approach each individual issue.

“It is such a good experience to make friends in international meetings,” said the delegate of Marshal Islands, Ji Soo Kwak from Korean International School in Qingdao. “I made a lot of friends from countries I was unfamiliar with. It’s just good that I can know both about them and their countries.”

Debating skills 

Unassailably, one of the most important skills in Model United Nations is debating. MUN fosters an opportunity to assert one’s opinions, and resolve issues. Throughout debates, MUN participants can voice their opinions logically and compellingly, eloquently presenting speeches and engaging in heated arguments. Perhaps, the delegates will expand their skills of improvisation, having to improvise their speeches, not simply read what they have written. By supporting or opposing resolutions, participants learn how to find the point of compromise as well as how to respect and listen to others.

Empathy

Empathy is an ability that takes years to hone, and Model United Nations serves as a perfect outlet for its development. The essence of delegation revolves not only around the concept of securing one’s own interests, but of also understanding the interests of others.

“Model United Nations is all about representation,” said the advocate of Costa Rica, Timothy Yin from Shanghai American School. “You obtain empathy for others, and you understand where other countries are coming from.”

Model United Nations quells some of the cynicism and disappointment that root from global issues; when a delegate wonders why certain problems cannot be resolved or why certain countries take different if not irrational stances, he or she can discern the complexity that entails diplomacy and the preservation of interests. Delegates should be able to walk away with a newfound empathy of how the world works, though it is perhaps not as ideal as they had hoped.

by Albert Park

Art by Michelle Park

Since the beginning of the 21st century, another major problem has evolved out of poverty and isolation: the absence of identity. United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has estimated this year that 51 million babies, or forty percent of the babies born worldwide, are not registered. Most of these children’s parents do not own birth registration and, because the law states that it is necessary for everyone to have a birth certificate, a ruthless cycle of rejection of human rights has been occurring. Consequently, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has taken action in response to the issue as has the Human Rights Council (HRC).

Nidhi Unnithan, the delegate of Peru from Overseas Family School attempted to solve the issue and received mixed responses. Highlighting the rights of individuals to free birth registration, Unnithan suggested creating a subdivision of UNICEF and UNHCR called United Nations Worldwide Birth Registration Program (UNWBRP), which looks to spread awareness about the issue, provide shelter, and gather statistics.

“The resolution addresses all the issues concerning all instances around the world,” said Unnithan. “It is applicable and relatable, and therefore can appeal to every country.”

However, this was also the exact reason why Dustin Yoon, the delegate of Nigeria from Seoul International School, had a few minor problems with the resolution. “Overall, it seems to be pretty inclusive on the issue,” noted Yoon. “The topic that it supports is a good one too. However it definitely needs some more sub-clauses that detail the function and creation of UNWBRP.”

Similarly, Benjamin Jamieson, the delegate of Moldova from Australian International School Singapore, had an ambivalent view on the resolution. “Personally, I do not agree with the necessity of the whole resolution since the clauses are redundant,” stated Jamieson. “But I like clause 8, which asks for the cooperation of MEDCs to provide financial aid, because it does not discriminate those without birth registration.”

Most delegates came to a conclusion that the resolution was not entirely perfect, but what they were looking for was potential. Once the resolution proved to be amendable and the necessary changes were made, the resolution passed with 20 delegates for, 13 against and 11 abstaining the resolution—a success for the Human Rights Council.

by Yasmin Yoon, Photographs by Jackie Lee

Heated debate between the advocates of Costa Rica and Nicaragua sparked conflict between the two nations as they presented their case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and its respected juries. The main point of conflict was a disagreement regarding the San Juan River, which serves as a border between the two nations. Nicaragua, which holds sovereignty over the San Juan River, felt strongly that Costa Rica was breaching the limit of the rights that were granted to them.

“The advocates of Nicaragua just wanted to prove that Costa Rica only has one right in the region,” said Amala Garg, advocate of Nicaragua from American School of Bombay. “What they do isn’t legally or ethically correct.”

The Costa Rican government, on the other hand, believed that the Nicaraguan limitations on its use of the river violated naval rights.

“We wanted the court to realize that they violated our rights,” said Catherine Li, advocate of Costa Rica of Shanghai American School Puxi. “Costa Rica has the right of free perpetual [naval] navigation on the San Juan River.”

Another issue of discord was the possible misinterpretation of treaties, such as the 1888 Cleveland Award.

“The original treaty was written in English in the United States,” said Bhavya Puri, advocate of Nicaragua from American School of Bombay. “It was translated into Spanish, so it’s likely that there may have been different views of the treaty.”

The advocates of Costa Rica also pointed out that Nicaragua’s dredging operations (excavation of the river) had a significant impact on the environmental safety of the San Juan River.

“Not only is the dredging fouling the river, but it is also damaging one of Costa Rica’s islands in the body of water,” said Timothy Yun, advocate of Costa Rica from Shanghai American School Puxi.

The decisions of the ICJ may not be legally binding, but due to mutual agreements prior to the case, both parties are expected to abide by the decisions that the court makes. Both advocates of Costa Rica and Nicaragua act on this trust, and such trust ensures the effectiveness of the esteemed ICJ.

by Sangwon Kim

Photographs by Raylyn Lee

Wandering the halls of the Hwa Chong Institution, one may run across enthusiastic experts of General Assembly 5 (GA5) and General Assembly 6 (GA6) engaging in some of the most active and informative debates in THIMUN-Singapore. Alex Cho, the Head Chair of GA5 from Hankuk Academy of Foreign Studies, claims that the debate “is running smoothly with occasional jokes that come up” and that the committee is “amazing, intense, and enthusiastic.”

Creative discussions touched on a variety of issues, including the cooperation between the United Nations and the South-Asian countries, as well as the legal measures to combat piracy on the high seas. GA5 is focused on administration and budgetary issues, including the financing of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’lvoire and Somalia. GA6, on the other hand, has been debating about strengthening the role of mediation in the peaceful settlements of disputes, conflict prevention and resolution. Most notably, the forum has addressed the issue of Law of the Sea of 1982 relating to the Conservation and Management of Straddling and High Migratory Fish Stocks.

Despite the intensity of the  room or even desks for the delegates, the room is filled with laughter and smiles. There was a loud burst of laughter when Christian Dzuy Nguyen, the delegate of North Korea from the International School of Ho Chi Minh City, claimed, “The resolution cannot be passed because Kim Jung Eun’s favorite animal is a fish.” Certainly, humor underlies in the serious debates.

The confident delegates of both GAs seek to provide insightful solutions to some of the most sensitive issues of the world, but they do not hesitate to add a sense of humor to their solutions. With this sort of excitement and determination, a successful conference is definitely guaranteed.

by Daniella Cha

Photographs by Raylyn Lee

If you step into the Dance Studio on Level 3, you will see a crowd bustling in front of the room, giving full attention to one person: Anastasia Shevchuk. As a veteran of four years of MUN conferences, Shevchuk serves as the President for the Human Rights Council (HRC) for this year’s THIMUN-Singapore conference. She expressed her gratitude to the delegates in HRC, as well as the invitation to the conference. Her school, Brillantmont International School in Switzerland, is the only school from Europe this year.

“It’s a great opportunity for all of us to attend such a prestigious conference,” she remarked. “The delegates of our forum are especially enthusiastic and cooperative, which makes my job much easier.” She also acknowledged the collaboration of the delegates for unanimously passing, on the second day of the conference, a “phenomenal outcome” of HRC’s hard work.

With great discussions and debates, Shevchuk’s MUN career is filled with many memorable events, and she mentioned how the delegate of Monaco presented her with a surprise marriage proposal last year in THIMUN-Singapore. “It was unexpected and quite embarrassing because it happened in front of everyone,” she added, “but it was certainly the most unserious memorable moment of my MUN career. These sudden events are what make my MUN career amazing.”

Outside of MUN, Shevchuk strives to become a global citizen by dedicating her effort and time to Habitat for Humanity.  She noted the connection between MUN and Habitat for Humanity: both organizations exist “for the well-being and need of people in a global sense.” p

Shevchuk is also admired by the delegates of the HRC for her taste in fashion. Among many students, the chair of HRC stands out with a fancy, polished necklace paired by sophisticated, black formal attire. She also shares her passion for fashion online as well, as she runs a blog at www.stylittude.com. Inspiring the delegates and peer officers with her enthusiasm, global involvement, and fashion sense, Shevchuk is definitely one of the many influential Chairs in this year’s conference.

by Rachel Lee, Photograph by Teresa Lin

Human trafficking, health care, fair trade, poverty, and global warming are not the only points of concern amongst the MUN delegates. Problems surface all over the world, and the participants of THIMUN 2012 are incessantly perturbed by these arising issues. Occupying the front lines of every news source, the recent territorial dispute in the Gaza Strip has become a major concern for many delegates.

In just one week, at least 157 people have been killed in the flare-up of violence. Many Palestinians in Gaza City are celebrating the truce as the air strikes and rocket attacks have finally come to an end. This issue developed into a worldwide concern with the United Nations involved as well, making it perfectly relevant for all MUN delegates.

“I hope that the two sides continue to talk and achieve a peaceful and permanent resolution,” said Peter Park, the advocate of Chile in the International Court of Justice from Korea International School. “It is an issue that concerns all of us.”

Although violence continued until the ceasefire deadline, issues are finally in peace with no major attacks on either side. Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel has agreed to stop all aggressions regarding the Gaza Strip on land, at sea, and in the air. These guidelines follow the cross-border incursions and targeted killings. Israel has also agreed to end all targeted killings and hostilities to Hamas, as the latter has agreed to conclude all attacks against Israel and along the border. On November 22 2012, Mohamed Kamel Amr and US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton held a conference in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, to mark the official implementation of the ceasefire. “This is an issue that has been prolonged for more than a decade,” said Ling Jo Min, the delegate of Peru from the United World College of South East Asia.

Though the surface problem is solved temporarily, the heart of the tension still remains. MUN delegates, aware and updated, as future leaders and advocates of peace, must provide service and concern over matters, whether impactful enough to consume the news or seemingly insignificant, that affect the world and, consequently, every delegate at THIMUN Singapore.

by Shelley Shim, Art by Tiffany Wang

Famous for its endless array of activities with a unique and harmonious blend of distinct cultures, Singapore is an island full of energy and animation. Here’s a quick list of places you’ve got to see before you go home!

Marina Bay Sands & Gardens by the Bay

The grand, visionary Marina Bay Sands hotel and its unique sky garden with a luxurious infinity pool (a swimming pool with visual effect of water extending beyond the horizon) is a must-see!  Also, take a trip to the recent, stunning addition to Singapore’s skyline: Gardens by the Bay. It consists of three beautiful waterfront gardens, each with their unique Supertrees, which are fitted with environmental technology mimicking the ecology of regular trees. There is also a great Mediterranean-influenced, modern European restaurant for the quintessential elegant dining experience!

Orchard Road

This long stretch of malls and stores is any shopper’s heaven: you’ll get almost anything you’re looking for, from the latest collection of high-end designers to new gadgets.

Chinatown and Little India

Singapore is a fusion of several unique cultures, and Chinatown and Little India are two places that truly allow you to experience the traditions of Singapore. Delegates must try Little India’s renowned food and take a quick rickshaw tour in Chinatown to see some quaint shop-houses (traditional Singaporean Chinese buildings).

Clarke Quay

Located at the mouth of the Singapore River, Clarke Quay is the perfect buzzing nightspot for delegates to wind down after a long day of debate. After a few rounds of shopping, the night boat tour around the Singapore River provides a great view of Singapore’s sophisticated architecture, which simply cannot be missed.

Singapore Flyer

The best way to view Singapore’s stunning skyline is through a 30-minute ride in the Singapore Flyer. The world’s tallest Ferris wheel, the Flyer reaches 42 stories and if you catch a ride around 6 p.m., you might be lucky enough to see a breathtaking sunset.

Kent Ridge Park

Serving as an important memoir of Singapore’s history, Kent Ridge Park and its war museum commemorate the WWII battlefield events in Singapore. It is also the perfect rainforest park for the eco-tourist with a gorgeous view of the Singapore coast.

Sentosa and Universal Studios 

Sentosa is definitely Singapore’s signature island resort with beaches, a sky tower, cable car rides, an underwater world, a dolphin lagoon, Fort Siloso (a preserved WWII fortress and a crucial part of Singaporean history), luge rides (sledding) and many more. Lastly, no trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to Universal Studios in Resorts World Sentosa, the perfect theme park for a day-trip with your fellow delegates.