Hello delegates! Recent weeks have seen some interesting developments with regards to international security. First off, tensions around everyone's favorite DMZ have been taking off recently following border clashes, with North Korea shelling a South Korean island and the South responding in kind. The North is flexing its muscles right now with Kim Jong-Il setting up his son Kim Jong-Un as his successor, so keep an eye on the situation.
We can also take a look at some developments in the post-Soviet world. The frozen conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the breakaway enclave of Nagorno-Karabakh, frequently the site of border skirmishes, has seen a greater buildup by Azerbaijani forces in recent months. Currently modernizing its military with oil revenue, Baku is more aggressively seeking a resolution to the status of the breakaway province - possibly one that involves retaking it by force.
Lastly, there is the issue of the Islamist insurgency in the Central Asian republic of Tajikistan. The obscure nation, on the northern border of Afghanistan, has seen conflict on an increasing scale this year, with the government providing little to no information about the insurgency aside from body counts. Former Soviet Central Asia has managed to avoid the influence of Islamic extremism to date, but any sort of uprising in the volatile region is never good news.
This is all just food for thought to consider the many different forms international security and disarmament can take. Have fun with your own research on it!
The DISEC team.
Tuesday, November 23, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
ECOFUN
Greetings delegates! For those of you on the ECOFIN committee and those of you who have any interest at all about global environmental or economic issues, this is the place to be.
One of the topics that will be discussed in the ECOFIN committee is the question of sustainable technological development. If you're wondering where to start your research, the International Institute on Sustainable Development is the place to go (www.iisd.org). They've got up-to-date information on most everything involving sustainability worldwide. Do remember, however, that we are discussing technological development, so focus your research there. A good topic to start would be sustainable energy technologies. The Delhi International Conference on Renewable Energy was held in late October (www.iisd.org/ymb/energy/direc2010/) and was the latest in an ongoing series of conferences to address future energy issues. As many of you are aware of, there are countless technological directions within sustainable energy. In general, the struggle at the moment is to convince nations reliant on fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources that renewables will outweigh short-term economic losses with long-term economic potential. It's not about environment vs economy, rather it's about how we can integrate the two into a satisfying solution.
More to come.
NOTE: As of 9:30 AM on Friday November 19, the ECOFIN committee has brought a new word into the english language. This word *drumroll* is... GLOCAL. Fed up with having to choose between global issues or local ones? Glocal issues integrate all your concerns in one tight, albeit rather heavy, package.
Cheers! Hope you guys are all taking advantage of the snow to go ski/snowboard/sled/snowman-build/snowball fight/skate (might be too early if you don't feel like falling through the ice on that last one)
One of the topics that will be discussed in the ECOFIN committee is the question of sustainable technological development. If you're wondering where to start your research, the International Institute on Sustainable Development is the place to go (www.iisd.org). They've got up-to-date information on most everything involving sustainability worldwide. Do remember, however, that we are discussing technological development, so focus your research there. A good topic to start would be sustainable energy technologies. The Delhi International Conference on Renewable Energy was held in late October (www.iisd.org/ymb/energy/direc2010/) and was the latest in an ongoing series of conferences to address future energy issues. As many of you are aware of, there are countless technological directions within sustainable energy. In general, the struggle at the moment is to convince nations reliant on fossil fuels and non-renewable energy sources that renewables will outweigh short-term economic losses with long-term economic potential. It's not about environment vs economy, rather it's about how we can integrate the two into a satisfying solution.
More to come.
NOTE: As of 9:30 AM on Friday November 19, the ECOFIN committee has brought a new word into the english language. This word *drumroll* is... GLOCAL. Fed up with having to choose between global issues or local ones? Glocal issues integrate all your concerns in one tight, albeit rather heavy, package.
Cheers! Hope you guys are all taking advantage of the snow to go ski/snowboard/sled/snowman-build/snowball fight/skate (might be too early if you don't feel like falling through the ice on that last one)
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Some more UNICEF links
Cruising www.un.org for less than 5 minutes resulted in these 3 interesting links:
The introduction of social programs can play a huge role in preventing and controlling malnutrition. These links highlight two contrasting examples: *this article* features an innovative program that is actively decreasing malnutrition in Iraq. Conversely, *this article* highlights how ignoring current problems regarding hunger will lead to chronic hunger deficits in the future.
Be sure to also check out the United Nations World Food Program website for more information on preventing and controlling malnutrition.
Traditional Medicine in Canada
Hello delegates! As I'm sure you already know, those of you in the WHO will be discussing the issue of traditional medicine. As you research the topic, it's important to keep in mind that since you will be writing resolutions, you must start thinking of what your country would like to include in one.
To help you do this, you might want to check out the National Aboriginal Health Organization's paper on Traditional Medicine in Contemporary Contexts. The relationship of culture to traditional medicine seems particularly relevant. It is long, but looking at the table of contents can help you identify the pertinent parts. Although in the WHO you won't be focusing on Aboriginal traditional medicine in Canada, it might help you learn about the practical issues involved, as well give you ideas for resolutions.
To help you do this, you might want to check out the National Aboriginal Health Organization's paper on Traditional Medicine in Contemporary Contexts. The relationship of culture to traditional medicine seems particularly relevant. It is long, but looking at the table of contents can help you identify the pertinent parts. Although in the WHO you won't be focusing on Aboriginal traditional medicine in Canada, it might help you learn about the practical issues involved, as well give you ideas for resolutions.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Hunger? Unacceptable!
When we think of poverty and hunger, we often think of drought-stricken African nations or the slums of East Asia.
What most people don't realize is that this issue also exists a little closer to home...
This article shows us that even developed countries have this problem. According to the article, "between 500,000 and 1 million of the people affected in the homes were children."
Remember, hunger exists all over the world.
What most people don't realize is that this issue also exists a little closer to home...
This article shows us that even developed countries have this problem. According to the article, "between 500,000 and 1 million of the people affected in the homes were children."
Remember, hunger exists all over the world.
Sunday, November 14, 2010
WHO gives a better insite?
Hello WHO Delegates!!!
So time to do some research!!!!
Make sure to get a grasp on what this organization does and what it is responsible for and narrow it down by seeing where your country fits in the big picture.
This Link will take you to a list of countries...
http://www.who.int/countries/en/
This video is to give a better insite on the role of WHO, and how it responded to the recent pandemic.
This is a pretty cool video of what we are capable of doing when the world comes together.
So time to do some research!!!!
Make sure to get a grasp on what this organization does and what it is responsible for and narrow it down by seeing where your country fits in the big picture.
This Link will take you to a list of countries...
http://www.who.int/countries/en/
This video is to give a better insite on the role of WHO, and how it responded to the recent pandemic.
This is a pretty cool video of what we are capable of doing when the world comes together.
... WHAT WAS THAT?
While researching the internet and newspapers are an excellent way to keep up to date with current events, there are plenty of other supplementary sources that are sometimes less tedious. For example, the weekly show Saturday Night Live has a 'Weekend Update' segment, which showcases (in a comedic context) a number of important international events that can give you a good starting point to direct additional research. And occasionally, you get gems like this.
Enjoy,
The DISEC team.
Enjoy,
The DISEC team.
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Suit Up!
Salutations!
Welcome to HSMUN 2011. In the future, please refer to posts that are tagged as DISEC, as they are the most important ones.. Encourage your other HSMUN pals to read our posts, because the issues will also be relevant to them in terms of foreign policy. Throughout the course of the year, we will be providing you a (somewhat) regular overview of important goings-on in the world. Our postings will relate to our two topics of focus:
- The question of militarization of borders
- The question of establishing a framework for cheaters in disarmament agreements
Please refer to the background papers when they are posted for an initial overview.
Committee Heads:
Steven Graham - enjoys long walks on the beach
Rebecca Thomas - enjoys short walks on the beach
Neil Hauer - enjoys passing out on the beach
Welcome to HSMUN 2011. In the future, please refer to posts that are tagged as DISEC, as they are the most important ones.. Encourage your other HSMUN pals to read our posts, because the issues will also be relevant to them in terms of foreign policy. Throughout the course of the year, we will be providing you a (somewhat) regular overview of important goings-on in the world. Our postings will relate to our two topics of focus:
- The question of militarization of borders
- The question of establishing a framework for cheaters in disarmament agreements
Please refer to the background papers when they are posted for an initial overview.
Committee Heads:
Steven Graham - enjoys long walks on the beach
Rebecca Thomas - enjoys short walks on the beach
Neil Hauer - enjoys passing out on the beach
Welcome to HSMUN 2010!
The Economics and Finance Committee would like to welcome you to the 2010 High School Model United Nations!
My name is Jennifer, and this is my first year being a part of the U of A's annual HSMUN conference. I am a third year science student, and I enjoy hip hop dancing and mexican food.
My name is Alan and this is my fourth year with HSMUN and second as staff. I am a second year Earth Sciences student, and my last near-death experience involved almost falling into a glacier.
Hi, my name is Michael Ceroici, and this is my first year volunteering with HSMUN, and I am the Intervention Attache for the ECOFIN committee. I enjoy traveling and learning new languages.
The Economic and Finance topics for this year's conference will be:
1) The issue of sustainable technological development
2) The issues regarding the globalization of the cultural industry
My name is Jennifer, and this is my first year being a part of the U of A's annual HSMUN conference. I am a third year science student, and I enjoy hip hop dancing and mexican food.
My name is Alan and this is my fourth year with HSMUN and second as staff. I am a second year Earth Sciences student, and my last near-death experience involved almost falling into a glacier.
Hi, my name is Michael Ceroici, and this is my first year volunteering with HSMUN, and I am the Intervention Attache for the ECOFIN committee. I enjoy traveling and learning new languages.
The Economic and Finance topics for this year's conference will be:
1) The issue of sustainable technological development
2) The issues regarding the globalization of the cultural industry
Saving children is cool... So is UNICEF!!
Hello UNICEF delegates!
Welcome to another year of HSMUN! We hope you find our UNICEF posts both informative and entertaining! Check out the posts tagged UNICEF for posts relating to this committee!
My nAme is Natalie Pon and I am the ChaiR for UNICEF this year. I'm in my second year at the University of Alberta. This is my second delightful year as dais (last year I was Director for WHO), and my third with HSMUN. I enJoy playing Madden, rib-eye steaks, StarbUcks coffee (hiNt hint), the MIami DolphinS, and generAlly just being aWesome. In addition, I am an executivE with CampuS UNICEF at the U of A. I lOve everything about UNICEF, so if you have any questions, I will be More than willing to hElp you out and share my passion for this organization! I also love coffee. Did I mention that? So if you're looking for a way to impress me, there is a Starbucks in Cameron Library. Bernard Callebaut chocolate will do as well (hint hint).
What Up Beautiful Delegates!
The two resolutions in our amazing commitee this year are:
Welcome to another year of HSMUN! We hope you find our UNICEF posts both informative and entertaining! Check out the posts tagged UNICEF for posts relating to this committee!
My nAme is Natalie Pon and I am the ChaiR for UNICEF this year. I'm in my second year at the University of Alberta. This is my second delightful year as dais (last year I was Director for WHO), and my third with HSMUN. I enJoy playing Madden, rib-eye steaks, StarbUcks coffee (hiNt hint), the MIami DolphinS, and generAlly just being aWesome. In addition, I am an executivE with CampuS UNICEF at the U of A. I lOve everything about UNICEF, so if you have any questions, I will be More than willing to hElp you out and share my passion for this organization! I also love coffee. Did I mention that? So if you're looking for a way to impress me, there is a Starbucks in Cameron Library. Bernard Callebaut chocolate will do as well (hint hint).
What Up Beautiful Delegates!
My name is Muhammed Patel and I am the Director of UNICEF this year. I am in my second awesome year of Science and my 4th year with HSMUN (3 years as a delegate) and I love it more then i love donairs, and i love donairs more then I love soccer, football, and hockey and best of all UFC. I am in a long term relationship with my XBOX (gamertags?). I am also an executive with Campus UNICEF because Natalie is almost as awesome as she claims (I'm way more awesome). I just started drinking coffee and i don't drink Starbucks because i am cheap, so Tim Hortons always wins (hint hint?). We're going to make this year more awesome than this kid:
My name is Elzbieta Tymon, and I am your Intervention Attache this year. I'm currently in my second year of Business at the University of Alberta, and have been involved with HSMUN for the past 3 years: as a delegate in 2008 and 2009, and as News Staff last year.
The two resolutions in our amazing commitee this year are:
- The question of coordinating international efforts against child pornography on the internet; and
- The question of preventing and controlling child malnutrition.
For now, we will leave you with some words of wisdom:
In the words of Randy Moss, "[Delegates], I salute you! I'm out!"
"HIGH SIX!" - Barney Stinson
Welcome to UNODC!
Hey, this is your Dias and Intervention staff for UNODC HSMUN 2011. We're super excited to see all of you in February and we just wanted to introduce ourselves a bit before the conference (we don't' bite).
Dias Staff:
Lauren (Dias Chair) - Hi! I'm a second year Pharmacology student in the Faculty of Science. I had the pleasure of participating in HSMUN as a delegate while I was in high school and I hope to help all of you have as great of an experience as I had!
P.S.- I like long walks on the beach and dancing in the rain.
Zohaib (Dias Director) - My name is Zohaib. I am a second year Neuroscience student and as such, I have no knowledge of anything to do with politics. This is my 4th year of failing at HSMUN, and I enjoy long walks on the beach with my cat Tickles.
Intervention:
Katarina (Intervention Attache) - Hey! I'm in my second year in Political Science and French. I started HSMUN in grade 12 and have been addicted ever since. I will basically be critiquing all of your foreign policies, so don't mess up (I lied about not biting). JUST KIDDING! we're all going to work together to make your time with HSMUN as pleasant as possible.
P.S. - I prefer short strolls on the beach . . .
disclaimer: Zohaib wasn't actually here today so his evil twin is responsible for his introduction :)
Dias Staff:
Lauren (Dias Chair) - Hi! I'm a second year Pharmacology student in the Faculty of Science. I had the pleasure of participating in HSMUN as a delegate while I was in high school and I hope to help all of you have as great of an experience as I had!
P.S.- I like long walks on the beach and dancing in the rain.
Zohaib (Dias Director) - My name is Zohaib. I am a second year Neuroscience student and as such, I have no knowledge of anything to do with politics. This is my 4th year of failing at HSMUN, and I enjoy long walks on the beach with my cat Tickles.
Intervention:
Katarina (Intervention Attache) - Hey! I'm in my second year in Political Science and French. I started HSMUN in grade 12 and have been addicted ever since. I will basically be critiquing all of your foreign policies, so don't mess up (I lied about not biting). JUST KIDDING! we're all going to work together to make your time with HSMUN as pleasant as possible.
P.S. - I prefer short strolls on the beach . . .
disclaimer: Zohaib wasn't actually here today so his evil twin is responsible for his introduction :)
Welcome to the World Health Organization
Hello,
My name is Salwa Nsier and I am the dias director for the World Health Organization. I am a first year student currently in the Faculty of Science, and still undecided. I was a delegate during my high school years and had an amazing time. My favourite food is Subway and I spend my free time watching Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girl and Hellcats.
Can't wait to meet all of you!!!
Yo!
Your dias chair for this year will be Kristi Meier, me! I am a third year student at the University and am currently studying economics, however I am still undetermined what career I want to pursue. This is my second year volunteering as a staff member for HSMUN and I also participated as a delegate during high school for 2 years. My favorite food is anything spicy, and I spend my free time listening to BBC Radio 1 sets, watching documentary films, and going to wine tastings. Looking forward to this year's HSMUN!
Hi! I'm Elana, your intervention attache. I'm a second year student, studying math and philosophy. I was a delegate for two years and this is my second year volunteering. I am passionate about chocolate, and I spend my free time unicycling and reading books.
Some helpful links are the following:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs134/en/
http://www.who.int/en/
http://www.who.int/topics/disasters/en/
My name is Salwa Nsier and I am the dias director for the World Health Organization. I am a first year student currently in the Faculty of Science, and still undecided. I was a delegate during my high school years and had an amazing time. My favourite food is Subway and I spend my free time watching Vampire Diaries, Gossip Girl and Hellcats.
Can't wait to meet all of you!!!
Yo!
Your dias chair for this year will be Kristi Meier, me! I am a third year student at the University and am currently studying economics, however I am still undetermined what career I want to pursue. This is my second year volunteering as a staff member for HSMUN and I also participated as a delegate during high school for 2 years. My favorite food is anything spicy, and I spend my free time listening to BBC Radio 1 sets, watching documentary films, and going to wine tastings. Looking forward to this year's HSMUN!
Hi! I'm Elana, your intervention attache. I'm a second year student, studying math and philosophy. I was a delegate for two years and this is my second year volunteering. I am passionate about chocolate, and I spend my free time unicycling and reading books.
Some helpful links are the following:
http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs134/en/
http://www.who.int/en/
http://www.who.int/topics/disasters/en/
Feel secure with Security Council
Hey everyone! My name is Josh and I will be the director for Security Council at HSMUN 2011. I am a second year political science student who, despite my objections, is related to Brian Mulroney... Bad times... Anyways, I know how it feels to be a delegate, having participated in HSMUN 2008 and 2009. Get ready, it will be amazing!
Hey people! My name is Aaron and I will be your Intervention Attache for the conference! Like Josh, I am a second year politcal science major who participated in HSMUN 2009. For the summer, I chose not to travel like most students, I worked for the Canadian embassy on the Death Star. In all seriousness, I am a volunteer for the NDP...not much better. See you guys in February!
Late addition, my name is Robert, I will be your chair for the Security Council! I am a third year Microbiology Honours student. I was a delegate in 2008, and chair at both 2009 and 2010. As such, I'm super excited for the promotion to Security Council, and I'm excited to see you save the world from certain doom and destruction.
Hey people! My name is Aaron and I will be your Intervention Attache for the conference! Like Josh, I am a second year politcal science major who participated in HSMUN 2009. For the summer, I chose not to travel like most students, I worked for the Canadian embassy on the Death Star. In all seriousness, I am a volunteer for the NDP...not much better. See you guys in February!
Late addition, my name is Robert, I will be your chair for the Security Council! I am a third year Microbiology Honours student. I was a delegate in 2008, and chair at both 2009 and 2010. As such, I'm super excited for the promotion to Security Council, and I'm excited to see you save the world from certain doom and destruction.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Research, research, research!
For all your last minute researching needs: http://www.un.org/en/members/ - It has links to country's permanent missions and info about their roles at the UN, news updates of things they've been involved with, etc. Go! Go!
The UN also has a site that includes how to prepare for MUNs and helpful links to research info!
The United Nations Association of the USA provides helpful advice as well. Try clicking on the country and issues links.
UNEP has updated their crazy foreign policy page so go check that out too.
Did you read the latest UNN edition yet? Find it here!
The UN also has a site that includes how to prepare for MUNs and helpful links to research info!
The United Nations Association of the USA provides helpful advice as well. Try clicking on the country and issues links.
UNEP has updated their crazy foreign policy page so go check that out too.
Did you read the latest UNN edition yet? Find it here!
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