HARVARD WORLD MODEL UNITED NATIONS

HARVARD WORLD MODEL UNITED NATIONS

Logistical Intern Guide

CONTENTS INTRODUCTION………………………..………………………………………………. 03

History of WorldMUN……………………………………………………….. 04

Model United Nations Conferences…………………………………04

MELBOURNE 2013 - REINVENT YOUR WORLD…….………...… 05

Our Host City - Melbourne………………………………………...….….. 05

Delegate Profile: WorldMUN’s Global Reach…………....……. 06

The Harvard World Model United Nations Conference…. 07

PRESIDENT’S NOTE………………………………………………………….…….. 08 LOGISTICAL INTERN ROLES AND REQUIREMENTS…………………………….…………………………....………..….. 09

Training ……………………………………………………………………..….….. 09

Expectations…………………………………………..………………........……. 09

INCENTIVES………………...…………………………………..………..………….……. 10

HARVARD WORLD MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE

INTRODUCTION For over 20 years, the Harvard World Model United Nations has provided an arena for students from all over the world to come together to share information, exchange perspectives and strive for a common purpose – to devise solutions for the problems that confront the global community.

As the world’s largest student-led international meeting, WorldMUN is founded on the notion of the ‘Spirit of WorldMUN’. Simply, the Spirit of WorldMUN strives to achieve cooperation across borders and a deeper understanding of cultural perceptions beyond one’s own.

In 2013, the World Model United Nations Conference will be hosted in Melbourne, Australia, for the first time the conference’s 22-year history. Considered the “Olympics of MUN”, the combination of committee sessions, social events, city tours and workshops has rendered it more than a conference, but an experience.

The Melbourne Host Directorate committee is comprised of students from Monash University and RMIT University who, after either experiencing or being informed about WorldMUN’s core objectives, decided to bring WorldMUN to Melbourne. The Host Directorate’s passion, determination and desire to see WorldMUN 2013 succeed has been galvanised by support from Monash University, RMIT University, Harvard University and the State Government of Victoria.

Ban Ki-Moon

“Young people everywhere deserve the power to get information, connect and ask hard questions – about

justice, equality and opportunity.” Secretary-General of the United Nations

HISTORY OF WORLDMUN WorldMUN was founded in 1991 by a group of passionate and dedicated Harvard University students looking to create a unique, diverse and truly global Model United Nations experience.

At that time, the spirit of freedom had just penetrated the ‘Iron Curtain’, providing the impetus for a unified Europe and a global community conscious of the need to communicate, cooperate and compromise. It was only natural, then, that the first session of WorldMUN was held in Miedzyzdroje, Poland, a host city that manifested WorldMUN’s vision of an integrated global community working beyond the bounds of culture and ideology.

Beginning with an initial cohort of 300 delegates, WorldMUN grew steadily over the years – not just in numbers, but also in quality and substance. The conference has since been described in The Times (UK) as an initiative “superior to any other university program in the world”.

MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCES Model United Nations Conferences (‘MUNs’) seek to simulate the United Nations.

For the duration of the conference, students assume the position of United Nations delegates and represent assigned Member States in committees and forums, debating, discussing and attempting to resolve some of the world’s most pressing and complex problems.

The purpose of the conference is to engage and educate delegates about contemporary international politics, international relations, diplomacy and the inner workings of the United Nations. Delegates are required to undertake comprehensive research on a number of topics and must apply their knowledge in a variety of contexts as they represent their assigned Member State.

WORLDMUN LOGISTICAL INTERN GUIDE FROM MELBOURNE AUSTRALIA | 04

MELBOURNE 2013 - REINVENT YOUR WORLD For the first time in its lucrative history, WorldMUN will have a theme – the Millennium Development Goals (‘MDGs’). Conceived prior to the new Millennium and implemented upon its arrival, the MDGs set targets for global development and include:

The eradication of extreme poverty and hunger;

Achieving universal primary education;

Promoting gender equality and empowering women;

Reducing child mortality;

Improving mental health;

Combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases;

Ensuring environmental sustainability;

Developing a global partnership for development; and

Provide Universal Education.

As the leaders of tomorrow, delegates will be inspired to reinvent their world as they are presented with material that encourages them to communicate, cooperate and think critically about the world they inhabit as the global community moves towards a new era in development.

Believing that we are the authors of our own future, the Melbourne Host Directorate, via the WorldMUN MDGs Committee, is intending to facilitate dialogue between delegates in relation to the possible avenues for development following the expiration of the MDGs in 2015 and will utilise its various Partnerships to ensure that the concerns of the youth of today do not go unanswered.

OUR HOST CITY - MELBOURNE There is a lot to love about Melbourne—just ask the locals. Melbourne is very much about lifestyle, so it is no surprise to residents that the city has been ranked the world’s most livable city.

As the proud home to over 140 different nationalities, Melbourne will provide delegates with an unparalleled cultural experience characterized by art, fashion, food and social events.

Melbourne is a welcoming, outgoing and confident city, a reflection of the generous and inclusive spirit of its people. This spirit embraces change while respecting heritage; celebrates diversity while sharing a common sense of place and pride; and aspires to a rich, lovely and peaceful future.


DELEGATE PROFILE: WORLDMUN’S GLOBAL REACH Just like the United Nations itself, the WorldMUN Spirit has successfully transcended the borders of a number of counties and embraces students from a diverse range of academic disciplines. It is this unparalleled diversity that distinguishes WorldMUN from other MUNs, and it ultimately serves to enhance both the quality of debate and the delegate experience.

THE HARVARD WORLD MODEL UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE 2013

ITINERARY Monday 18th March 2013 9:00am – 2:00pm Registration

Melbourne Convention Centre 3:30pm – 5:00pm Opening Ceremony

Melbourne Convention Centre – Plenary 2

9:00pm – 1:00am Global Village

TBA

Tuesday 19th March 2013 9:00am – 12:00pm Committee Session 1

Melbourne Convention Centre 12:00pm – 2:00pm Lunch

Workshops/Seminars

In-Conference Trips 2:00pm – 5:30pm Committee Session 2

Melbourne Convention Centre 8:00pm – 1:00am Charity Cabaret

TBA

Wednesday 20th March 2013 9:00am – 12:00pm Committee Session 3


Half Day Conference Trips

Workshops/Seminars

Networking Afternoon

6:00pm – 10:00pm Spring Racing Carnival

TBA

Thursday 21st March 2013 9:00am – 12:00pm Committee Session 4


Workshops/Seminars

In-Conference Trips 2:00pm – 5:30pm Committee Session 5

Melbourne Convention Centre 5:30pm – 7:00pm Committee Dinners

8:30pm – 1:00am Melbourne Night

TBA

Friday 22nd March 2013

9:00am – 12:30pm Committee Session 6

Melbourne Convention Centre 12:00pm – 2:00pm Half Day Conference Trips

Workshops/Seminars

Networking Afternoon 4:00pm – 6:30pm Closing Ceremony

Melbourne Convention Centre – Plenary 2

9:00pm – late Farewell Party

TBA


PRESIDENT’S NOTE

As the President of the Melbourne Host Directorate, it is with great honor that I announce that the 22nd session of the Harvard World Model United Nations Conference will be held in Melbourne in 2013. For over 20 years, Harvard WorldMUN has provided an arena for students from all over the world to come together, exchange perspective and discuss prominent global issues. In a world, where human rights, security and the general well being of individuals is too often compromised by conflict, famine and poverty, a united approach towards a common purpose is more imperative than ever in achieving long lasting solutions to these prominent issues. More importantly, with a greater understanding of key concerns and recognition of distinctive perspectives, this common approach can be made increasingly effective and ultimately successful. As leaders of tomorrow, delegates of WorldMUN strive towards these goals in a conference bolstered by authentic educational learning and great cultural diversity.

It was this shared vision that initially inspired the Melbourne Host Directorate to place an application in order to secure the rights to this conference for the city of Melbourne. Our success is reflective of the dedication, passion and competency of the students who helped make this dream a reality.

As a student led initiative, the World Model United Nations depends on substantial dedication and contributions from students of all disciplines. In a time where youth empowerment is rising on the United Nation’s agenda, there has never been a better opportunity to capitalise on an initiative that strives to create the leaders of tomorrow by joining us in making the 2013 conference a success.

The Melbourne Host Team is currently recruiting students to fill the positions of Committee Chairs and Interns. Assuming a position on the Host Team is bound to be a very exciting and rewarding experience, but that is not all! Being a member of the Host Team also provides key career opportunities, whether it be the possibility of receiving official recognition for your efforts or being presented with important networking opportunities. Working alongside governmental organisations, multinational private entities, key educational bodies and prominent student networks, guarantees to be a rewarding experience. It is therefore with great pleasure for me to invite students from all disciplines to join us in this venture as we work to make the conference in 2013 an unforgettable experience for all.

Siamak Sam Loni President, Host Directorate World Model United Nations 2013 Monash University

LOGISTICAL INTERN ROLES AND REQUIREMENTS Logistical Interns are an integral component of what will enable World MUN to run smoothly and efficiently. They are the individuals that allow assistance in all aspects of the conference. Interns will be the faces behind WorldMUN 2013. Such assistance will involve and may not be limited to information about Melbourne as a city, sight seeing, conference, running of social events and more. Interns will be significant in promoting the splendors of our city and providing participants with the unique Australian spirit. Being personable, friendly and patient when engaging with other delegates is important, and Interns have to be respectful in their approach to cross-cultural communication.

Throughout the Conference Interns will be required to assist several of the Host Directorate Offices, including administration, media, communications and social events. Interns will also be required to help set up for social events, assist the 2000+ delegates with the logistics of the host city, provide any other information and assistance needed during the conference. The dynamic capacity of these roles will see Interns not only assisting with the logistical organisation through out the conference, but also assisting our many delegates from across the globe that are participating in Melbourne WorldMUN 2013.

TRAINING Training sessions will be provided for Interns in the summer period leading up to the conference. These few sessions will cover any information Interns need to assist them in their roles. This will include information about WorldMUN, the Host Directorate, the conference venues, the city of Melbourne and preparation on how to assist delegates throughout the conference.

The summer training will also include exciting opportunities for the Interns to meet with prominent academic figures as well as participate in exciting debates and forums organized by the Host Directorate. The networks, friendships and relationships that the interns will accumulate over this period will be incredibly valuable to their professional careers and social life.

EXPECTATIONS With Interns being an integral part of the success in providing delegates with the Melbourne experience, the outstanding crucial quality that we are looking for is that of commitment and dedication. It is of paramount importance that interns are able to attend training sessions so as to ensure that they are fully aware of all their roles and responsibilities. Clear understanding and appreciation of their duties will help facilitate the proceedings of the conference. In addition, Interns also need to demonstrate accountability in the execution of their duties. Logistical Interns must also commit to showing up to their designated shifts during the conference. We believe that each Intern is indispensable and every single one contributes to the success of the conference.

In a conference of such scale and magnitude, it is inevitable that circumstances will come about, in which Interns will be required to use their initiatives in order to resolve the situation. Therefore, good problem solving skills will come in handy.

Lastly, teamwork is an inherent attribute in any collaborative effort. The ability to work in a team will be determinative in the selection process. Interns are regarded as an essential bridge between delegates and the Host Team. Therefore, it is crucial that volunteers are good team players so as to facilitate seamless communication across all levels.


INCENTIVES Successful applicants will have the opportunity to work alongside some of the most prominent academic institutions such as Harvard, Monash and RMIT Universities. With governmental agencies and major organisations as key partners in the conference, students will be exposed to networks that will enable them to potentially pursue their careers with these entities.

We value the effort and commitment of our Interns and the personal element they add to the WorldMUN experience. As appreciation, Interns will receive free entry to enjoy some of the social events offered dur-ing the conference and snacks provided during training sessions and shifts. A letter of reference will also be available to each intern upon request.

While World MUN may be an academically rich conference, it is also a socially enriching experience. The WorldMUN spirit promotes engagement between students and world leaders. So join us in this amazing endeavor and together, let us take WorldMUN 2013 to new heights.

“I strongly support WorldMUN, which offers delegates from around the world a unique opportunity not only to experience the challenges of international

negotiation and diplomacy, but also to come together and learn about one another’s country and culture.”

Prime Minister of Australia, the Honourable Julia Gillard

Documents

HARVARD WORLD MODEL UNITED NATIONS