Success for Jazz Again UPDATE! - February 2012
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Delegate Georgia's Account:
As a first time delegate at The Hague International Model United Nations (affectionately referred to as THIMUN), I found myself overwhelmed merely by the numbers at the conference. The Hague? When thinking of Holland, many jump to Amsterdam, think of Anne Frank or imagine fluorescent wooden clogs. To the UN world however, it is very different. The Hague is home to the International Court of Justice. This is where legal disputes by states are resolved and it is the centre of UN judicial hearings. To the MUN world, it is more commonly known as the area where THIMUN takes place. Each year over three thousand delegates gather to debate world issues, in a UN area, in a UN system.
The conference centre was polished, clean and a lot bigger than I’d originally suspected. Many of the school’s MUN veterans seemed at home on the transport, and in the area, but many at the conference, including me, found themselves lost. Debating issues such as Syria, sea-levels and even the importance to candles for world peace, I found myself enthralled in the atmosphere. With the fierce speaking, competitive rivals and the general theme of note-passing, THIMUN 2012 proved to be very remarkable. The conference seemed to contain the spirit of the UN, but with the themes shared with most MUN’s. The conference was about more than just world politics. It helped me to develop my speech skills, my quick responses and my ability to make allies in a controlled situation.
With resolutions failing left, right and centre and points of information bordering on daft, THIMUN really was more than just an emulation of the UN. So next time someone asks about Holland, I know I won’t just give an archetypal answer. I’ll think of the conference, the cities and most importantly the very, very narrow staircases (which nearly prevented many of the suitcases from ever returning downstairs). I gained a love for politics, a seemingly hostile vendetta for China and friends that I know I will see in the future. THIMUN allowed me to meet new people, debate current issues and experience the United Nations; something I will never forget and may even look back to as the beginning of the future.
Georgia
Year 10
THIMUN Diary:
Sunday: 20 Royal Russell students head to The Hague via Gatwick and Amsterdam (and a visit to Ann Frank’s House and Museum) representing Iraq and UNHCHR at THIMUN 2012.
Monday: Lobbying was extremely successful for many delegates. Tiggy, Sultan and Georgia all got support and recognition as submitters and first speakers on their resolutions. Georgia, in her first THIMUN, managing to take charge of her lobbying group was a fantastic achievement.
Several delegates had seats for Opening Ceremony and enjoyed the Address of the Key Note Speaker, Dr Sylvia Earle, a world famous Oceanographer on the Importance of Protecting and Restoring the World’s Oceans and Seas.
Tuesday: Committee Day - Sultan initially had his resolution (70 co-submitters) rejected by the Chair. However undeterred he re-wrote it, re-submitted it and eventually got it debated on Thursday only to have it defeated by 3 votes. Charlotte, Alice, Darya and Georgia all gave Opening Speeches to their committees. Tiggy’s speech to his committee, when presenting his resolution on the Prevention of Further Degradation to Coral Reefs, was excellent, especially his answers to four/five probing questions.
Wednesday: Georgia was the first speaker on her resolution, which was really well received and she answered questions with assurity and confidence. It passed by 78 to 56. The afternoon was spent in Amsterdam after Delegation Photos.
Thursday: Committees continued.
Darya and Connor had good days but rather frustrating for the others. Delegation Dinner in the evening.
Friday: Both Tiggy and Georgia had their resolutions placed in the Conference Resolution booklet – an outstanding achievement – and they both presented their resolutions to the Plenary Session of their committees – both passed. Fantastic!
A successful and enjoyable Conference!
Advisors: Mr John Piggin and Ms Sandrine Calvet