TESTI-MUN-Y
Issue 2
A rapid fire round with
Deputy Secretary General
Q- Food?
A- Hungry me!
Q- Skirts or Dresses?
A- Dresses of course
14 August 2013
Q- Heels or Flip-flops?
A- Heels!
Q- chair person or deputy
secretary general?
A- Chair person.
Q- Entertaining delegates?
A session with the Secretary General
Press: How has your journey from being a delegate five years ago to the
member of executive board today been?
Sec Gen: This journey has been splendid! It has helped me to define myself as a
global citizen. At the same time it has taught me that if you really strive and work
hard towards the achievement of a goal you get what you rightfully deserve.
Press: How do you associate yourself with DAV and DAVMUN?
Sec Gen: I feel blessed to be associated with DAV. It IS NOT only MUN that
draws me here, I will come here for anything that I can contribute to. Every time I
talk about DAV, I feel this strong bonding of love and belief (smiles). DAV in simple
words has made this tender sapling into a sturdy oak (referring to himself).
Press: Any changes that you would like to suggest and want us to improve upon?
Sec Gen: Well DAV believes in grooming and nurturing its students to be
responsible global citizens but at this initial stage all I can say is that students
should take more initiative and engage themselves when the debates are going
on. Moreover, we follow a rigorous procedure here and it is to bring out the best
in our kids! With time they will be far better than what we are today (laughs).
Press: How in your opinion is the role of EB important in raising the level of
debates?
Sec Gen: The role played by EB is an important one. We all have to be really
tactful and smart in engaging students. Also it is our duty to provide substantive
inputs and encourage the delegates to move on the right path.
Press: In your words how is good food and success of an event related?
Sec Gen: If you wish to know it in my words, I will say that theses two aspects
are directly related (smiles). Most of the first timers are here to flaunt their
formals, meet new people and the center of attraction, GOOD FOOD!
Press: Any message you would like to give to our young aspiring kids?
Sec Gen: Guys keep on working hard, one day for sure you will succeed. And
continue doing MUNs, never ever give up! ALL THE BEST!!
A-Delegate of USA
Q- DAVMUN 13?
A-Am just proud to be a part of
it!
Q- The EB?
A- All my best friends are here
Q- The GP?
A8- Its witty
GA struggles to keep pace
UNDP: Food, Break and action!
By Divyam
By Akansha Dalal
TESTI-MUN-Y
14 August 2013
The session in GA started on an anticipatory note.
Everybody was ready to debate and resolve issues. Judges
looked forward to hearing something new. The delegate
of Pakistan made a point that the PMCs were becoming a
state within a state. He was followed by the delegate of
Canada who had put forth her views that PMCs should
be trained and given a license by the government.
Most of the Delegates argued that massive expenditure
involves the formation and working of PMCs which was
immediately contradicted by the delegate of Japan who
stated that the contractors are $15000 cheaper per
person than hiring a military equivalent. The session
paced up but slowly!
The unmoderated caucus brought out the best in the
delegates as they banged their fists and stood on chairs
to grab attention and gather as many supporters as
possible for their working papers. After a spate of
required discussion, the committee came up with FOUR
working papers which offered some fruitful solutions but
most of them were akin to each other. A moderated
caucus was initiated by the delegate of Srilanka to
discuss the 1st WP which included USA , Sri lanka, Costa
Rica , Belarus, Republic of Korea as its supporters . It
formulated a proper definition for PMCs which clearly
differentiated it from mercenaries. It specified crime
against which PMCs should be prosecuted; moreover it
included the proper format for the contraction
agreement between the state and PMC which should
include jurisdiction and prosecution. Pakistan and Italy
clearly pointed out the flaws in the 1st WP and left no
stone unturned to commend their WP and presented
solutions like:
•
International code of Conduct according
to
which PMC should not be allowed to meddle in
financial and democratic matters.
•
•
amplified transparency in PMCs functioning
50% payment before and after commission
Thus, even after a slow start, the tortoise won the race
and drafted a resolution.
Post the
lunch break,
t
h
e
delegates
were a little
m o r e
enthusiastic
a n d ,
t h a n k f u l l y,
the debate
in UNDP
finally picked
up pace, or at least that it what it seemed. The motion for an
‘unmoderated caucus’ was passed and the committee seemed
to be in a grand celebration. Some were involved in grueling
arguments while the others were just relaxing after satiating
their hunger. Once the ‘unmoderated caucus’ came to an
end, the executive board finally took things in their hands, and
consequently, Vaibhav Mittal took the position as the delegate
of Pakistan for a short span of time. The delegate of Iceland at
last broke his taciturnity and raised a motion to move into a
moderated caucus on the topic ‘environmental consequences
by civil wars’. Fortunately, the motion passed with clear
majority, alas, only Vaibhav spoke. This enraged the
chairperson a lot and he clearly expressed his disapproval.
Hence the dreary GSL was continued and the delegate of
Germany expressed his angst by saying, “the delegate is
indeed shocked after seeing that none of the other delegates
came up with a solution of honoring treaties between state
and indigenous people.” Keeping on with the flow the
delegate of Malaysia pointed out the tumble in the economic
conditions for countries post war. The delegate of Serbia
suggested that the NGOs should step forward to help in post
war reconstruction and governments should provide shelter
and employment to refugees. Later, the motion to move in an
unmoderated caucus was passed once again but now it was
time for the delegate to draft a working paper. Surprisingly,
the delegates carried on their work with earnestness. The
committee formed three different blocs with diverse views
and formulated three informal workings.
The gradual evolution in the standard of debate was evident,
but, everyone is looking forward to a more productive day 2.
SC: THERE ARE PLENTY MORE “FISH” IN THE SEA
TESTI-MUN-Y
14 August 2013
By Deepanshi
The unmoderated caucus had not even completed its 15 minute duration when BANG came a new twist in the story.
The Security Council received an SOS distress call from a Vietnamese ship Hnoms Nausen Haijourd Irkui (our
chairperson is quite innovative when it comes to nomenclature) around 300 nautical miles east of north from the
Paracel islands at 0520 hours. The Vietnamese ship radars had reported the presence of Chinese guided missile frigates
in the immediate vicinity of the region and had ordered its own frigate which was closely air supported by the
helicopters of the 7th fleet of the US navy.
This disrupted a series of unending arguments brewing up a serious storm in the committee. The place was all about the
People’s Republic of China and the USA for the next couple of hours or for the entire three sessions for that matter.
The brother sister duo (quite literally) turned into quibbling siblings seeing mom wasn’t around. While china accused the
Vietnamese ships and US naval fleets to be illegally entering their territory, the delegate of the USA strongly urged china
to mend her “over assertive” attitude which according to them is and has been since times immemorial -“the sole cause
for the initiation of war”. Whatever happened to the saying – practice what you preach!
Diplomacy was being put to test in the words of our president while matters were getting all the more complicated for
the delegates with every coming update regarding the current situation. The US had apparently established a blockade in
the region in discussion and the Chinese had retaliated by establishing a blockade of their own. In response to this the
“elder brother’s” government had its army, air force and navy at DEFCON 3 with all the three ready for deployment.
As heated arguments continued amongst the delegates of the USA, China, UK, Vietnam and Russian Federation, the rest
of the committee had – WHAT ON EARTH IS HAPPENING HERE – written in huge letters all over their faces. When
the motion for an unmoderated caucus was passed by the committee, China and USA seemed in no mood for a
negotiation. USA promised the Chinese government that all frigates shall be removed from the so called Chinese
territory if they are assured that china will hold multilateral talks with Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia and Brunei.
However, the Chinese government only proposed for trilateral talks with the government of Vietnam and Philippines.
After a long soulful discussion, the members made presidential statements justifying their stand over the matter. Basically
the committee had divided into two groups – USA and China and both agreed that maintenance of international peace
and security was of utmost importance. However, the forum reached no consensus. The committee broke for tea and
the delegate of Australia heaved a sigh of relief.
FASHION FAUX PAS
MUN, besides being a mock simulation of the United
Nations is also a stage for a fashion parade. So, let’s talk
about the common gaffes.
1. Teri High heels ki Galti hai: Girls, I know
owning a pair of killer heels is a status symbol, but
flaunting them when you can’t walk properly in
them is an insult to the heels.
2. Button up: Boys, the strictest of rules are
applicable to the formal attire, so please don’t go
down the ‘ruffian path’. Fasten all your buttons, the
small ones on the collars and cuffs too.
3. Low Waste: Trousers and skirts sitting low on
your waist are not ‘formal’ by any standards.
Simply put, ‘Know where your waist is, lest you
waste it’.
4. Bling it off: Pour Homme and Femme, bling,
especially on clothes, is neither preferred nor
advisable.
5. United colours of Fashion: Colours bring
life and cheer, no one can deny it, but having an
elaborate palette of colours on your clothes is a
big ‘no no’ in terms of formal attire.
THE EXPERIENCE OF A LIFETIME
By Moksha Sharma
DAVMUN 2013 was the onset of a journey,
Which made us aware about issues, international and within our country.
With the supreme guidance of Jyoti Ma’am, our ideal,
And hard work done by students, unparallel,
Began the 2 most exciting days of our life.
And believe me! they were a delight.
TESTI-MUN-Y
14 August 2013
The first day went on pretty well,
Though most were afraid it would be bad as hell.
The initial meeting with the Executive Board was not bad!
However, the delegates were more tensed about ‘THE RESEARCH’ they lacked.
Slowly and steadily they caught the rhythm,
To work as a team under stress and with precision.
Acing the speakers’ list, sent down their spine, shivers,
That was the least that can happen with the first time jitters.
Hear the pitches of voices rising, that’s what comes to use!
When, an Un-moderated caucus is on the loose.
The moderated caucuses were not far behind,
With the ‘GOOD POINTS’ making way into the Executive Boards’ mind.
The debate went on peacefully till lunch,
But then the frenzy began, as the Honourable Delegates were starting to hunch.
Then by dusk, we were praying for the time to pass at a rapid clip.
As we wanted to go home and in the bed, dip.
At last the second day did arrive,
Bringing with itself some more arguments and strife.
Going through the amendment procedure for the draft resolutions,
And the hunger pangs giving tummies a revolution.
Aha! Just the right atmosphere for a ‘CRISIS’.
Only, the word sounded like a blast in the premises.
Then came into action the little minds,
To show off what they had without wasting time.
Phew! After successfully solving the crises, the end seemed near,
Wo-hoo! It was finally time to see the fruits of our labour.
The prize giving ceremony brought with it a new wave of energy,
Just to remind us that it was an end to this beautiful journey.
Hence, the conference can be summed up as a stage,
For delegates to flaunt- their diplomacy, fashion and rage.
Now, before resting my pen and saying bye,
I’d like to tell you – ‘all this was worth the try’.
TESTI-MUN-Y
14 August 2013
Wrack your brains!
THE THOUGHT OF FOOD
By Deepanshi
Smoking tikkas, sizzling platters, hot kebabs, delicious rasmalais – a mouth
watering list of everything we didn’t see in the DAVMUN 2013. After
hours of debating, all our delegates had on their minds was food.
The two tea breaks (where ironically we were served coffee) were the
only times of relief for those delegates who had no idea about what was
going in on in their committees. The mathris, biscuits and cutlets were
good (this is as modest as this reporter can be).
The lunch however was amazing. The north Indian cuisine was finger
licking good (yeah okay, this is copied). The chhole and paneer had the
most tired of delegates, waiting in queues. The delicious gulabjamuns, ice
creams and jalebis were the show stoppers.
Thus, besides being an informative conference, the MUN taught us one
lesson, come what may, the food should be good.
THE STAKES ARE HIGH, THE WATERS TROUBLED
TESTI-MUN-Y
14 August 2013
By Deepanshi
It looked like our so called diplomats had had
their share of boredom on the first day of the
conference as the attendance turned down from
15 to 12 on the second day. All the member
nations were asked to present the presidential
statements of their respective nations in writing
before the executive board at the very beginning
of the session. After a swift question and answer
session with the delegates of USA and the UK,
the executive board presented a Reuters report
before the committee which said, “ the south sea
force stationed at the Yulin base, Hanoi Island had
been mobilised to assist Chinese frigate incursion in the SCS’’. This, thereby, could be an indication of either Chinese
intention or China merely using its military flex to flinch USA’s allegedly illegal presence in the South China Sea.
In no time the temperature of the room had risen alarmingly (even the air conditioning didn’t seem to cool down
our aggressive delegates). The Vietnamese government proposed to hand over the complete sovereignty of the
Paracel Islands to the People’s Republic of China on the condition that they give them the spratly (the- island for an
island policy). Pat came china’s reply –“Sir, you don’t give someone something which is already their own”- Witty. The
Chinese government further accused the US of what it called “grave violation of the right to innocent passage” and
further urged them to dismantle all their naval forces before any peace talk is held.
The delegate of UK expressed his full support to the
USA and agreed to extend all possible military help
by the NATO. The delegate of USA while expressing
his grave concern over the - oh so intimidating –
attitude of the Chinese government refused to
dismantle their blockade till the time China agreed
to hold a 7 party peace talk with all the permanent
members of the SC along with Vietnam and
Philippines. The delegate of India, who had not really
contributed to the discussion on the first day,
seemed to be well prepared on the second day. A lot
of points of information were put up to the
delegates of China and USA by this delegate.
There was a different level of debate going on between the “Mehta” nations and neither of them seemed to be in a
mood to give in to the demands of the other. All this had the rest of the committee thrown off balance. With
confused looks on their faces, the best that could happen for these delegates was a tea break.
CLAIMER: PEN IS MIGHTIER THAN THE PLACARD
There are no two ways about the fact that we have had a lot of fun in the past 2 days, prying, probing and snooping
around the DAV grounds for anything and everything which we could lay our hands on. Whether we talk about the
writers of frivolous chits, or the out of ordinary ‘Fashion Pandits’, or the bone tickling ‘Points’ or the super serious
delegates, everyone contributed to the amusement. But no one can undermine the work, time and efforts that went
into making this newsletter. I hope Testi-MUN-y lived up to the expectations.
But now that we are nearing the end of DAVMUN 2013, I, on behalf of the whole team would like to tell you that
we can be held fully and solely responsible for whatever has been published in the newsletters. And if by any chance
we have hurt your feelings, then we would seriously and sincerely like to confess that WE DON’T CARE and we
never will.
Love us, or hate us….
We are still an obsession.
TESTI-MUN-Y
14 August 2013
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THE CLASH OF THE HRC TITANS
By Ishita Mallik
The first day of HRC Conference was pretty exciting and
they had indeed made up their mind to discuss everything
possible on the agenda at hand. We witnessed nail biting
sessions put forth by the adequately researched delegates
who had a positive and open mindset towards the given
problem.
14 August 2013
Pointing out the problems regarding the topic “Protection
of the RTI with regards to the internet and information
technologies”, discussing all possible effects of the
problems and suggesting solutions to prevent them was
how the debate grew and expanded.
The delegates seemed revived after lunch. Almost
everyone was in full swing, putting up splendid points as
they deliberated and discussed the topic. The delegates
were putting their complete energy on finding out all
possible solutions to the existing problems prevailing due
to internet censorship. Participation was at its peak by the
third session and it turned out to be pretty exciting as all
delegates were matching up their ideas and supporting
each other’s solutions. Even the shy ones were quite
verbose at this point of time.
We would like to especially point out the delegate of USA
who we believe, is a staunch supporter of the cliché
“Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” Delegate of USA was
retaliated on every point especially by its so called sibling
country, the Republic of China, and yet managed to keep
bouncing back with true arguments. If this isn’t loyalty, we
don’t know what is.
As the session continued, the delegates became a little
unruly and engaged in cross talks; as a result two of them
got gagged. We would like to interpret this commotion as
their enthusiasm to put across their points. All in all, the
HRC has set itself up to be one of the most thriving
committees. Love the tension or hate the aggression, HRC
is definitely a committee to look out for.
TESTI-MUN-Y
The Sly Sleuths : The Global Press
Sitting (L To R) – Harshita Gupta (Editor), Arshdeep Chawla(Newsletter Designer/Curator), Muskan Choudhary(Photographer) and Divyam
Singh(Reporter)
Standing(L To R) – Mohini Yadav(Caricaturist), Akanksha Dalal(Reporter), Ishita Mallik(Reporter), Neha Yadav(Technical Assistant), Kavya
Jhanji(Technical Assistant), Moksha Sharma(Editor In-Chief), Sharmishtha Chatterjee(Caricaurist), Deepika Yadav(USG), Yash
Kulshreshtha(Phtographer), Deepanshi(Reporter), Ms. Reena Sharma, Jivesh Narang(Caricaturist), Amol Shriwatri(Caricaturist), Ishaan
Choudhary(Photographer) and Dhananjay Kataria(Photographer)