UNITED NATIONS
SOCIETY
2016 GUIDE
1
CONTENTS
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President’s Welcome 4
2016 Events Calendar 5
Model UN at UNSW 6
External Conferences: Travel the World
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Asia-Pacific Model United Nations 8
National Model United Nations New York
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Harvard World Model United Nations 11
University Diplomacy Conference 12
Model UN in Schools Leadership Program 14
Community Events 16
Social Events 17
Meet the 2016 Executive Board 18
Be our First-Year Representative 22
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E V E N T S
PRESIDENT’S WELCOME
CALENDAR
Welcome to the UNSW United Nations Society! If your interests
lie in international relations, law, politics, diplomacy, or you just
want to learn more about the world, UNSOC is the perfect place
to meet like-minded people.
Whether you are a new or returning member, the 2016 Executive
is excited to present a year filled with new initiatives and opportunities for personal, academic and professional development.
SEMESTER ONE ORIENTATION-WEEK
Demonstration MUN
Some of our more experienced
members will be demonstrating
a Model UN simulation.
Thursday 3-4PM, 25 February
QUAD G053
For those new to Model UN, fear not because we hold fortnightly
mini-MUNs to help you develop practical skills in public speaking,
debating and negotiation. To kick-start the year, we are holding a
mini-MUN in Week 1, followed by our Start of Semester Social.
WEEK 1
Mini-MUN (mini Model United Nations)
Thursday 4-6PM, 3 March
Square House, Rooms 109, 109A
Once again we are sending a large contingent to the Asia-Pacific
Model United Nations Conference 2016, held in Kuala Lumpur
during the mid-year break.
(next to Roundhouse)
Topic: Youth Radicalisation
We are also excited to announce that the Hon. Michael Kirby,
former Justice of the High Court of Australia, will be one of the
distinguished speakers at our flagship event, the University Diplomacy Conference, held at UNSW from the 1st to 3rd of July.
Start of Semester Social
Thursday 6-8PM, 3 March
The Whitehouse (next to Quad)
WEEK 2
Mini-MUN
Thursday 4-6PM, 10 March
Location: TBA
Topic: (Week 1 continued)
The Model UN in Schools Mentoring Program is another fantastic opportunity to get involved. Every semester we send a group
of mentors to our partner high schools in regional NSW, and
disadvantaged areas in Western Sydney, to facilitate workshops
and introduce students to the world of Model UN.
WEEK 3
EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting)
Elect First-Year Representative
Thursday 4-6PM, 17 March
Roundhouse AIR Room
Post-EGM Social
6-8PM, The Whitehouse
We would also like to wish all the best to our teams competing at
the National Model United Nations (NMUN) in New York and the
Harvard World Model United Nations (WorldMUN) in Rome next
month.
UNSOC will truly add an extra dimension to your time at UNSW,
and we encourage you to get involved and take every opportunity that comes your way!
Rachael Louise Li and Liesl Ziegler
President and Vice-President 2016
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WEEK 5
Mini-MUN
Thursday 4-6PM, 7 April
Location: TBA
Topic: Refugees & Internally
Displaced Peoples
WEEK 6
Asylum Seeker Centre Visit
Date: TBA
WEEK 8
Intervarsity Crisis Comp
Saturday-Sunday, 31 April-1 May
Location: UNSW
WEEK 9
Chill Social at the Whitehouse
WEEK 10
Discover Model UN In Schools
11 May - Mentors travel to Belmore Boys High School
Mini-MUN
Thursday 4-6PM, 12 May
Location: TBA
Topic: Female Infanticide &
Gender-selective Abortion
WEEK 11
Community Film Screening
WEEK 4
Community Speakers Panel
Jointly hosted with Amnesty
Tuesday 6-8PM, 22 March
Location: TBA
WEEK 12
End of Semester Social
Regional Model UN In Schools
23 March - Mentors travel to
Francis Greenway High School
July 11-16th: Asia-Pacific Model
UN Conference (Kuala Lumpur)
July 1-3: UNIVERSITY
DIPLOMACY CONFERENCE
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EXTERNAL CONFERENCES:
M O D E L U N AT U N S W
T R AV E L T H E W O R L D
What is Model UN?
At Model United Nations, we create a simulation of the workings of the United
Nations. In a nutshell, we debate a global issue as the representatives of different
nations. Essentially, you get to take on the role of a diplomat.
Every year the UNSW United Nations Society sends a
delegation to compete at the following conferences.
Why do MUN?
Model UN draws on a diverse skill-set. It helps participants develop an expansive
knowledge of international affairs, skills in impromptu public speaking, debating,
negotiation and persuasion.
Asia-Pacific Model United Nations Conference (AMUNC)
What is a Mini-MUN?
Our society runs fortnightly simulations on Thursday evenings, which provide the
perfect opportunity to try out Model UN. They are heaps of fun and also great a
training ground if you want to join our teams at the bigger external conferences later
on in the year, such as AMUNC, WorldMUN or NMUN New York.
National Capital Model United Nations (NCMUN)
Sydney Model United Nations (SydMUN)
How do I prepare for a Mini MUN?
You don’t! General knowledge and research beforehand is great, but not necessary.
Our Model UN Director, Jarrod, and his team will provide you with all the basic background info on the topic and your country’s position.
National Model United Nations New York (NMUN)
Harvard World Model United Nations (WorldMUN)
How do I get involved?
Our first session is at 4pm on Thursday of Week 1 (Location TBA), where we will be
discussing youth radicalisation. Still not sure what a mini-MUN is? Drop by to find
out! All are welcome, no experience required. We look forward to seeing you there!
Need more information?
Contact our Model UN Director, Jarrod Mitchell
[email protected]
Norman von Bear (TeamUNSW mascot)
at the UN General Assembly New York
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The AMUNC Experience
A S I A - PA C I F I C M O D E L U N I T E D
N AT I O N S C O N F E R E N C E 2 0 1 6
by Isha Fay and Matt Kingsland
(Head & Deputy-Head Delegates for AMUNC 2015 Perth)
When? 11-16 July
Where? Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
The AMUNC experience began before
the conference itself, with training day
and positition papers research. As a
delegation we represented primarily
Malaysia and the United States of America in committees that ranged from the
General Assemblies, to the World Health
Organisation, to the Crisis Council.
Founded in
1995 by UNSW’s very own United Nations Society, the Asia-Pacific Model
United Nations Conference (AMUNC) is
a rotating conference held in a different
city in the Asia-Pacific region every year during the mid-year
break. It
gathers students from across the Asia-Pacific to participate
in Model UN. The conference consists of around 25 different committees, which are tasked with discussing topics ranging from cyber security, to decolonisation, financial stability, water sanitation and diplomatic
immunity. The diverse range of committees and topics means that there
is something for everyone, whether you are studying law, arts, medicine,
science, engineering, business or even art and design.
Day 1 of the conference featured an
opening ceremony, training sessions and
welcome drinks We heard from a range
of distinguished speakers, including
Stephen Smith, Scott Ludlam, Wayne
Stewart CJ, Fiona Wood AM and Lynne
Beazley AO.
What distinguishes AMUNC from other model UN conferences is its
committee sizes. Committees at AMUNC are smaller in comparison, with
around 20 to 30 delegate. This means that even if you are a beginner, it
is easy to engage in committee sessions and play an active role in negotiations and forming resolutions. As an innovative conference, it
has even simulated unconventional committees like the African
Union, the International Court
of Justice and the International Criminal Court in recent years – there’s something for
everyone! The combination of
intimate committees and nightly socials
makes AMUNC an
experience not to
be missed.
Committee sessions took place over the
following days. Delegates passionately
discussed issues ranging from ‘Tackling
the Anti-Vaccination Movement’ to
‘Combating State Sponsored Terrorism”
to “Cyber Security’ and ‘Freedom of Expression’. Solutions were proposed after
tireless negotiation, and finally a resolution was passed. Some delegates had
a place on special and roaming committess. The US Ambassador roamed
between committees and assisted US
diplomats across the board. Press delegates like Fox News had the opportunity
to publish articles, tweet, and conduct
press conferences.
At the closing ceremony, UNSW was
presented with 7 awards for outstanding
delegates. AMUNC was not only a fantastic week of professional and academic
skills development, but we also formed
friendships and acquaintances with students from across the Asia Pacific.
Applications open in the next few weeks.
Want more information? Visit www.amunc.net/
Contact our Head Delegate, Rachel Lobo
[email protected]
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TeamUNSW AMUNC 2015 in Perth
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HARVARD WORLD MODEL
U N I T E D N AT I O N S ( Wo r l d M U N )
N AT I O N A L M O D E L U N I T E D
N AT I O N S N E W Y O R K ( N M U N )
When? Where? When? Where? Late-March / Early-April (mid-semester break)
New York City
Held annually in New York, the National Model United Nations attracts
more than 5000 university students from over 39 countries. It is the oldest,
largest, and one of the most prestigious conferences of its kind.
Mid-March
Hosted at a different city every year
WorldMUN brings together delegates more than 2,200 delegates from
over 65 countries across the globe, making one amongst few of the world’s
premier international collegiate Model UN conferences.
With committee sessions sometimes running well into the evening,
NMUN’s intensive format offers delegates a unique and authentic taste of
the world of diplomacy.
Founded in 1991 by Harvard University, WorldMUN aims to offer university
students from around the world, a forum to articulate their views on pressing international issues, and to develop networks spanning borders that
will enable these future leaders to transform their ideas into action.
Outside committee sessions, the bright lights of New York City await. All
delegates stay at either the Sheraton or Hilton hotels in Midtown Manhattan, which gives delegates the chance to explore the city’s world class
museums, art galleries, restaurants and shopping.
After-hours, delegates have the chance to immerse themselves in the
culture and nightlife of the host city – socialising, dancing and enjoying a
cocktail or two with fellow delegates from all over the world.
On the last day of formal committee sessions, delegates have the once
in a lifetime opportunity of debating their resolutions at the actual United
Nations Headquarters on 1st Avenue.
In 2015, WorldMUN was hosted in Seoul, South Korea. This year, it will
be hosted in Rome, Italy, and the Conference promises to be yet another
incredible five days of experiences, memories, and lifelong friends!
TeamUNSW WorldMUN 2015 in Seoul
TeamUNSW NMUN 2015 at the
United Nations General Assembly
All the best to our 2016 teams competing at NMUN and WorldMUN.
Applications to join the 2017 teams open in Semester 2, 2016.
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Want more information?
Contact Rachael [email protected]
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UNIVERSITY DIPLOMACY CONFERENCE
When? Where? 1st - 3rd July (mid-year break)
University of New South Wales
The University Diplomacy Conference (also known as Dip Con)
is a 3-day national collegiate conference that brings together over 200 university students from across Australia. It was
founded in 2009 by our very own UN Society, and is supported by the UNSW Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Arts and
Social Sciences Dip Con 2016 will feature five main elements:
How can I get involved?
Early Bird ticket sales open during O-Week 2016!
Speakers
Every year the conference features a prominent keynote
speaker along with a range of distinguished speakers. Our
speakers in past years include Bob Carr (Former Foreign
Minister), Alexander Downer (Australia’s Former Minister for
Foreign Affairs), Niels Marquardt (the United States Consul
General), Nick McInnes (United Nations Consul General)
Yasmin Abdel-Magied (founder of Youth Without Borders),
the Hon. Michael Kirby, , Chantelle Baxter (Co-founder of One
Girl) and noted activist Eva Cox. This year we are securing a
diverse range of high-level speakers from backgrounds including international relations, politics, diplomacy, international
law and policy development.
If you want to get involved beyond attending as a participant,
there will be opportunities to apply as conference volunteers
(ticket discount) during the semester.
Want more information?
Contact our Conferences Director, Matt Kingsland
[email protected]
Skills Workshops and Professional Development
The conference will incorporate a series of workshops on
public speaking, negotiation, youth advocacy, and leadership,
that are run by industry leaders such as UNICEF. This year,
participants will have a choice of two elective streams for
workshops –international law and diplomacy– both of which
will feature a selection of engaging speakers and opportunities for skills development.
Careers Networking Opportunities
The Careers Networking Night is a cocktail style evening that
will feature stalls with representatives from government organisations, NGOs, businesses and charities.
Socials
This year, the conference will feature two social events. The
major social event will be held on the second night at a city
location: TBA, and a casual social on the final Sunday night.
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M O D E L U N I T E D N AT I O N S
IN SCHOOLS
MENTORING PROGRAM
The Model United Nations In Schools (MUNiS) Program is run by the Education Portfolio. Every year we select and train a group of 25-30 mentors
who will have the opportunity to travel to our partner high schools in
regional NSW and disadvantaged areas of western Sydney to help facilitate workshops, crisis simulations, and introduce students to international
relations and the world of Model UN.
Want to become a Mentor?
Mentor Applications are closing soon!
Head to tinyurl.com/MUNISMentors2016
The MUNIS Mentoring Program offers a unique opportunity for UNSW
students to develop their leadership and teamwork skills, gain experience
working with students from disadvantaged backgrounds, and give back to
the NSW community.
Want to be involved in the Education Portfolio?
The Education Sub-Committee works throughout the semester to make sure
that all three MUNiS conferences provides students with an enjoyable day
that leads to skills development and an interest in tertiary education. The
Sub-Committee assists the Education Director in the organisation, facilitation and continued advancement of the MUNiS program. This year, with 250
students participating across the three conferences, we have established an
amazing Sub-Committee and hope that more talented people will be a part
of it! Applications open in Week 1.
There are three programs under the umbrella mentoring program, which
is run with the support of the UNSW Future Students Office, the UNSW
Faculty of Law and the UNSW Business School.
Regional MUNiS (Week 4) involves disadvantaged students from schools
in the Newcastle region. This year it will be hosted at Francis Greenway
High School. This program was developed to target underprivileged
schools in regional NSW by giving students a taste of university life. This
year the program is expanding to add an expected 8 schools and an
estimated 50 students.
Contact our Education Director, Jason Zabakly
[email protected]
Discover MUNiS (Week 11) involves disadvantaged students from
schools in the Western Sydney region. This year in its inaugural year, it will
be hosted at Belmore Boys High School. This program was inspired by
the secondary schooling experience of those from Sydney’s West. It will
involve an expected 12 schools and around 50-100 students from Years
9-12.
MUNiS at UNSW (Semester 2) involves students in Year 11-12 from
a range of selective, comprehensive and private schools in NSW. This
program is the first interactive tertiary-secondary program of its kind in
New South Wales. In 2012, it received the endorsement and support of
the UNSW Faculty of Law. This year, we are expanding the program to
include a number of regional and intercity schools.
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SOCIAL EVENTS
COMMUNITY EVENTS
2015 is going to be a big
year for the Community portfolio!
Film Screenings
We will be hosting film screenings and workshops throughout the year to keep you thinking and on your toes about what’s
happening in our community an abroad.
UNSOC is not all work and no play – We have plenty of
fantastic socials in store for you this year. Come and meet
the rest of the UNSOC family, and chat about uni life or
international affairs. It’s a good time to learn the names
of your newfound friends so you don’t end up calling
them by the name of their country for the rest of the year.
Speakers Panels and Forums
This semester, we will be showcasing a jointly organised Speakers Panel with
Amnesty International on the topical issue of asylum seekers and refugees.
You will get the change to hear and engage with differing perspectives on the
asylum seeker issue. The following week will feature a mini-MUN on the same
topic, where you will get the chance to voice your opinions.
From post-miniMUN drinks at UNSW’s own Whitehouse
to trivia nights and end-of-semester parties, we’ve got
you covered in the fun department.
Visit the Asylum Seeker Centre
We have also organised a visit to the Asylum Seeker Centre, which will
provide the opportunity to further explore the complex issue.
Trivia Nights
Get ready to mingle! We have in store a variety of film
nights, trivia nights and socials where you will get
to hang out with all members of the society,
both old and new.
And to top it all off, all food and drinks at our events are
free for our members!
We can’t wait to see you there!
Want to join the Community Portfolio Sub-Committee?
Applications open in Week 1.
Contact our Community Director, Juka Sun
[email protected]
Want more information?
Contact our Socials Director, Joy Chen
[email protected]
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2016 EXECUTIVE BOARD
William McLean | Arc Delegate | Third Year, Media |
[email protected]
Hello! I’ve been a part of this society/family from my first
day of university and I’ve loved every minute of it. UNSOC made my transition from high school to university as
seamless as possible by providing me with a great way to
meet new people as well as discussing pressing international issues. I’ve had the opportunity to develop skills that
are translatable to a wide variety of disciplines and careers,
meet people from all over Australia and the world, and
have a whole bunch of fun while doing all of these things.
Juka Sun | Community Director | Third Year, Arts/Law |
[email protected]
Rachael Louise Li | President | Fourth Year, Arts/Law | [email protected]
I joined UNSOC in O-Week of my first year, and since then I have met some of the most
wonderfully weird and intelligent people I know. They are almost like my second family
on campus. When I am not procrastinating over my law and philosophy readings, I am
a self-professed MUN addict. MUN has taken me to New York, D.C. and Seoul amongst
other places. I also enjoy dystopian novels, Woody Allen films, listening to jazz, midnight
runs and exploring new places. New Orleans is probably one of my favourite cities in
the world. This year as President I hope to take the society to new heights with the 2016
Executive, expand our existing portfolios, and bring in new and talented members.
This year I want to get to know more of you as the Community Director. I love to read books, beaching and rock
climbing and doing Expressionist paintings. I’m committed
to making this a great year for you and for the society.
Jarrod Mitchell | Model UN | Third Year, Arts/Law |
[email protected]
Hi! I coordinate our Model UN events. My favourite thing
about our society is its inclusive nature. As a new student at UNSW in 2015, I found that getting involved with
UNSOC was one of the best ways to make friends and get
them most out of uni life. The stand out event for me in
2015 was NCMUN, which is a conference where many universities gather together at ANU in Canberra Tod debate
the latest UN related issues. Road tripping with my friends
and spending time over dinners was a great way to get to
know other people in the society. I definitely recommend
getting involved and coming to a conference like NCMUN!
Liesl Ziegler | VP | Third Year, Int. Studies /Law | [email protected]
Liesl, 21, Slytherin. I’ve been munning for three years and haven’t tired of it yet, so
it must be good. Outside of international diplomacy role play I enjoy margaritas and
schadenfreude, as well as “doing” my “readings” for my “law” “degree”. As Vice-President of UNSOC, it’s my job to help our glorious leader keep the minions in check - basically, I help coordinate all our portfolios so that the society runs smoothly. I hope that by
ensuring consistency and communication between the exec we can bring you the best
year of UNSOC yet and spread the munning fever far and wide.
Isha Fay | Secretary | Third Year, Arts/Law | [email protected]
My role is to keep the exec organised by scheduling meetings, compiling agendas and
taking minutes to note all the heated discussions that take place in our busy weekly
meetings. I have been involved in UNsoc since my first year and consider it to be my
family at uni. In my spare time (which is hard to find), I like to chill out and listen to RnB
Hip Hop/Rap. Can’t wait to meet you all!
Helen Wei | Treasurer | Third Year, Int. Studies/Law | [email protected]
I’ll be making sure that UNSoc is financially kept afloat, and that we have enough money
to throw some spectacular socials (which I expect to see you all at!) as well as great community events (such as the Diplomacy Conference and Model UN in Schools programs).
It’s a cliche response, but I’m constantly craving travel, and international affairs and its
framework have always interested me, particularly as the world we live in is constantly
globalising and integrating, in a social, cultural and economic sense.
Joy Chen | Socials Director | Third Year, Arts & Bus./Law |
[email protected]
As UNSoc’s Socials Director, I organise all the parties (with
free drinks!) that you’ll be sure to attend, right? When I’m
not stressfully doing my law readings, I’m writing novels or
doing kung fu. I frequently fall in love with fictional characters from BBC TV shows or the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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Jay Zabakly | Education Director | Third Year, Education/Arts |
[email protected]
The name is Jay and education is my game. As the Education
Director I organise MUNIS which is our flagship High School
Model United Nations Program at UNSW United Nations Society. This year I am organising a new conference, Discover MUNIS, which will be accompanied by an expansion of our current
initiatives. I am really excited for a whole year of awesome fun
and Mini-Muns! Hopefully I’ll see you there! Jay Out.
Nikita Harlalka | Sponsorship Director |
Third Year, Comm./Law | [email protected]
I am your Sponsorship Director and am extremely pleased to
be welcoming you to UNSW and UNSOC. As a third year Commerce/Law student, the most important lesson I have learnt is
that it’s never too late to immerse yourself in societies on campus where you will meet incredible people and challenge your
thinking. My role in UNSOC is to liaise with external sponsors,
both corporate and non-for-profit, to secure funding and build
a strong society network. Make sure you come along to our
events, join our national and international delegations, become
a member of a subcommittee, and attend The Diplomacy Conference! Like our Facebook page and subscribe to our newsletters to make sure you never miss out! #MotionToDream
Matt Kingsland | Conferences Director |
Fourth Year, Science/Law | [email protected]
As your Conference Director I hope to make Diplomacy Conference 2016 bigger and better than ever! My team is already
working hard to develop a reinvigorated set of workshops, to
secure amazing speakers and to organise our best socials ever.
In my spare time I love travelling, feeding my coffee addiction
and listening to music.
2016 Subcommittee Members
Sponsorship Portfolio
Cassi Poon
Edward Ren
Model UN Portoflio
Amy Lin
Emer Sheridan
Education Portfolio
Chelsea Leung
Kelly Wu
Quincy Nguyen
Raisa Trina
Diplomacy Conference Portfolio
Hyunji Lee
Lisa Gong
Mia Herrman
Michelle Singh
Quincy Nguyen
Sneha Baste
Want to join the Subcommittee
for one of our Portfolios this year?
Applications open in Weeks 1-2!
Email the Directors for more information.
Becoming a Subcommittee Member is a great way to meet
new people and get involved with the Society, especially if
you want to run for the Executive Board in future years!
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BE OUR FIRST-YEAR
REPRESENTATIVE
Want to be the voice for the first year members of
our Society?
#MotionToDream2016
We are electing a First Year Representative at our
Week 3 EGM (Extraordinary General Meeting):
Thursday 6PM, 17 March, Roundhouse, AIR Room
This is a great opportunity to play an active role in the society
and get a taste of life on the Executive.
Want more information?
Contact Rachael [email protected]
Norman von Bear
at the O-Week Stall
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#MotionToDream2016
Founded in 1995,
the UNSW United Nations
Society is one of the largest and most
diverse student societies on campus. Our
vision is to enrich our members’ university
lives, by fostering an interest in international affairs, and encouraging practical skills development
in public speaking, negotiation and diplomacy.
Our achievements include founding the Asia-Pacific
Model United Nations Conference in 1995, founding
and hosting the annual University Diplomacy Conference since 2009, and sending award-winning
contingents to national and international conferences every year, including the Harvard World
Model United Nations Conference and
the National Model United Nations
Conference in New York.
Designed by
Rachael Louise Li
Proudly Supported By
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