What happened to "Education in America?" - CIMUN Happened
On October 28, 2017, I was due to publish an article about Education in America - giving my in-depth analysis of what I thought about the current situation and the issues with the American education system. That Saturday I knew I was going to write for DIG until I got an email that popped up in my inbox.
I am part of the Model United Nations (MUN/Model UN) club at Hinsdale Central and we have three conferences we partake in throughout the year. The first is just around the corner, CIMUN (Chicago International Model United Nations). I had applied, gotten in, but had yet to receive my position. I was anxiously waiting as were my other Model UN teammates. I clicked on the email and scrolled through looking for my name until I found it under the Colombia - 1948 section. This would mean I would represent Colombia in the conference and in 1948. Meaning that my committee would not be set in 2017, rather in 1948. Anything that happened since in history since 1948 or in the United Nations since 1948 would all be disregarded. Then I read my committee I would be conversing in throughout the weekend: Security Council. The highest representative body of the United Nations. The tip-top of the Model UN and United Nations policy making.
Thus far it is safe to say that Security Council 1948 is no walk through and this experience has been slightly overwhelming. However I am looking forward to CIMUN and taking on the challenge.
What Is Model UN and How does it Work?
Model United Nations is a simulated conference of current issues and past issues that are mirroring of the actions that the United Nations has/will be taking. The process includes applying as a school to a conference - normally run by a University or private organization such as MUNDO which runs the CIMUN conference. The organization simulates that actions of the United Nations that way it would work in New York. The organization hosts a conference annually and every conference if broken up into committees that are named after committees of the United Nations (ECOSOC, Security Council, SPECPOL, etc. are some examples of committees). Topics are assigned by the Dias staff, and each committee has a Dias staff - normally university students. These staff write out the background guides that contain background information on certain topics. Delegates are expected to write a Position Paper based off of their countries internal and external situation with the topic. Most of the time, there are two to three topics per committee, and then at conference committees debate these different topics. The goal of Model UN is to pass a Resolution Paper that encompasses an agreement that the majority of the countries/delegates have signed off of. Awards are also given out at the end of a conference to the best representatives.
Model UN is a truly amazing experience. Thousands of people attend these conferences coming from all over the world. There are students who don't speak English and have a translator with them at all times. Western Business Attire is expected at all times, and depth of persuasive and healthy debate can be seen by the delegates at MUN. It's a great way to learn about current issues, historical issues, how diplomacy works, how difficult politics actually is, interacting with some of the smartest teenagers from around the world, and producing something that mirrors what the United Nations would produce - a Resolution.
What is Special About CIMUN?
CIMUN (Chicago International Model United Nations) is a conference that works differently because all of the committees effect one another. While in normal Model UN conferences, committees function as separate entities of one another. However, CIMUN is one of the most realistic conferences available to go to. CIMUN representatives have said that “Most conferences try to teach delegates how the world ought to be. We want to show them how the world is. Model UN is not just about diplomacy — it’s about politics.” CIMUN's aim is to deliver the most realistic simulation to its consumers. This means that any action that one committee takes effects the others and that means that delegates in multiple committees representing the same country need to be on the same page. I say consumer because CIMUN functions as a business, taking in profit, and isn't a university run organization. This allows MUNDO some more flexibility - allowing the use of great technology at conferences, having an opening banquet before the conference begins, and allowing all delegates to stay up-to-date with the CIMUN mobile app.
My CIMUN Experience and Topics
As a representative of Colombia during 1948 in the Security Council, not only will I be in a very senior role being a member in the highest power of the United Nations during the simulation, but also I will need make sure all representatives throughout are all keeping up-to-date and on the same page at all times. My topics consist of:
(1948)
Topic 1 – International Atomic Energy Framework
Topic 2 – Criteria for the Deployment of UN Personnel
Topic 3 – Questions to be Considered by the UNSC under its Mandate for the Maintenance of Peace and International Security
I am very much so looking forward to CIMUN, and while there is a lot of work to be done, I will try and continue to write about my experiences to DIG to show everyone that good, healthy debate can happen from teenagers - and we can do it better than some politicians can, while still bringing a hugely diverse range of political views, cultures, and ideas.
For More Information About Model UN or CIMUN, Check Out These Links
Model UN: