THE MUNNER HERALD
ISSUE 1
21st May, 2016
Hey there, delegates!
I’m MUNnion. Welcome
to MMUN 2016. I missed
out on the photoshoot,
but thanks to my finesse
in photoshop, I’m here!
Extraordinary Beings Of Civilisation
(a.k.a Executive Board & Organising Committee)
“Light that this World Seeks”
Dear Delegates,
It is with great pleasure that I welcome
you to the second edition of Maria’s Model
United Nations (MMUN) - an endeavour that is
still taking its very first steps. The UN having
risen in the backdrop of decolonisation, this
time we’ll talk about the living reality of neocolonialism that the world has chosen to remain
silent about in the present era. Resource,
geopolitics, claims of sovereignty and the
erstwhile movements threatening territorial
integrity, the deprivation of Human Rights of the
poor and the powerless has come to be a
commonplace phenomenon. It is the United
Nations and its subsidiary bodies that have been
key elements in providing the balancing
mechanism; the hope for a better age where one
will embrace the ideas of liberty, equality and
fraternity, which the realm of international
politics is in urgent need of.
This is why it is imperative for each
nation to live up to the ideals of the United
Nations, the ones it stands for, the ones it was
born out of, and the ones it seeks to live up to.
More than any pragmatic considerations, it is
these ideals that will help us realise the utopian
vision of a harmonious world order, which is one
not without conflicts but which is one where
conflicts will be resolved in the name of peace,
respect and above all, dedication to the cause of
humanity. The Executive Board and the
1
Organising
Committee
have
challenged
themselves and their own ideas of what the
International Agenda stands for, to put forward
to you an opportunity where you will bring
order to the chaos the world has been thrown
into and help fulfil every promise of a different
world that has been broken time and again. This
is the time to not live in illusions, instead it is the
time to face the reality of what this world is
moving towards. It is time that each of you
realise the responsibility
that
rests
on
your
shoulders not just as
delegates, but as the
driving force of the
future that awaits us at
the end of this horizon
that we are reaching
towards with very limited
time in our hands.
It is with this that I
wish each and every one
of you the very best in
fulfilling the agenda of MMUN 2016. I hope that
you find the space to learn that you are the
light that this world seeks.
Thanking you
Your’s sincerely,
Asmaani Kumar
Secretary General
MMUN 2016
Mr. President’s Words of Wisdom
oppurtunity to try and improve what you
learn about. Even though your debate seems
to have no real effect on global politics, it has
profound symbolic importance. Being a
conscientious citizen is one of the primary
ways through which you can improve the
world. Start observing. Start thinking. Start
speaking.
Delegates, the future is now! As a
representative of your country, you have to
believe that you can make a difference and
that your choices have the potential to bring
about sustainable structural change. Your
understanding
of
foreign
relations,
international peace, and global and legal
frameworks will be tested to the fullest. Be
prepared to immerse yourself in 3 days of
intensive
debate,
discussion
and
deliberations.
Lastly, I would like to wish all the
delegates the very best. I assure you of a
MUN experience that you’ve never had
before, and are not likely to have again.
“People forget, we
are here to act. We
are here to deliver
results.
We
are
agents of change. Our
job is to change the
UN - and through it,
the world.” - Ban Ki
Moon.
Greetings delegates!
It gives me immense
pleasure to welcome
you all to the second
session of Maria’s
Model United Nations. A venture that started
merely a year back has now went on to
become one of the most popular and most
awaited MUN conferences in the city.
The theme for this year is ‘Dawn of
Neo-Colonialism’, which is imperialism at its
very last stage. Though the era of colonialism
and imperialism is now almost history, we
still live clouded by the evils of it, and the
world still awaits an urgent positive change
in the scenario of development and
governance.
As delegates of a MUN conference,
you are exposed to the harsh realities of the
world. You not only have the opportunity to
learn, but you're also fortunate to have the
Thanking you
Your’s sincerely,
Akashneel Sarma
President of the General Assembly
MMUN 2016
ECOFIN : Contention Over Waters
Reported by : Preetisha Kashyap & Meghna Bhattacharyya
have stated similar claims of their own.
Moreover, reports of China building a
military base in the middle of the ocean,
perhaps in an attempt to bolster its claim to
the oil-rich territory, has further aggravated
the situation. Vietnam, Malaysia, and the
Philippines have the most to lose over
China’s gambit. This competition to gain
control over much of the South China Sea, a
vital waterway for the region, has the
potential to change the political scenario of
the world.
Deeply committed to the purpose of
promoting international co-operation in the
economic field, the delegates of the
Economic and Financial Committee have
taken it upon themselves to find a peaceful
solution to this 64-year-long conflict to gain
maritime power over the South China Sea.
“There will always be disputes between
nations which, at times, will inflame the public
and threaten conflicts, but the main thing is to
educate the people of the world to be ever
mindful that there are better means of settling
such disputes than by war.”
- Frank B. Kellogg, Former American Senator
On October 27, 2015, the USS Lassen,
a US navy warship, “illegally” entered waters
within 12 nautical miles of the artificial
islands built by China near the disputed
Spratly archipelago.
This recent naval mission has turned
up the temperature in a long-simmering
maritime dispute over China’s controversial
claim to territorial sovereignty over much of
the South China Sea. China states reasons of
historical occupancy to support this claim,
while being firmly opposed by the ASEAN
countries of Vietnam and Philippines, who
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HSC : Tribulations of Somalia
Reported by : Anna Tongbram & Mana Mehta
6th June, 1993 is one of the days of the
ongoing Somalian war. It has been
observed that the nature of the Somali
Crises and the international contest, within
which it is occurring, has been constantly
changing. Initials that may have appeared
to offer a solution in the earlier years from
1991 onwards may no longer be applicable
since there is a risk of fighting yesterday's
wars and building hayday's peace. The war
will give rise to the destruction of peace
and harmony among the nation states,
which might lead to an elevation in the
series of inhumane acts.
So delegates, its time for you to pull
your socks up, get your work done
straight, and help decide the fate of the
Somali people. What might be the reason
for the uprising wars? Is it the authoritarian
government, or is it clan politics? Will the
prayer of the Somali for a free and a fair
government ever come true? Will the
widespread poverty across the state ever
be reduced? Will Somalia ever attain
peace and harmony? These are a few of the
innumerous questions that are yet to be
answered.
Therefore
delegates,
brace
yourselves. This is the moment of truth and
the moment of light. The moment to live
and to fight till the end. So fight, and bring
back the stolen peace to the people, and to
the world.
SPECPOL : The Cost of Colonies
Reported by: Tanim S. Mozumder
Old habits die hard. For men might
have achieved great feats in technology,
literature, medicine and various other
fields, but there are some countries which
still yearn for the age-old tradition of
occupation, colonization and subjugation of
territories, also known as the Non-SelfGoverning Territories (NSGTs).
SPECPOL,
the
fourth
committee of the General Assembly, was
established in 1993. The primary goal of
this committee is to make all countries
independent from the influence and
domination of world powers.
The agenda of the delegates at hand is the
“resolution of the status of the non-selfgoverning territories”, which surely sparks
expectations of an intense debate.
With the fire of democracy
raging the world today, there still exists
some places where it has not been able to
spread its light and warmth. One may
wonder why. The parent countries are still
determined to keep them wrapped up,
hidden away from exposure. Possessive
and powerful, they do not wish to lose their
influence. But the UN believes that one day
the NSGTs have to overcome the shadows
looming over them, clouding over their
self-determination and sovereignty. The
former colonies that had seen the darkness
of colonialism will be rooting for the
independence of their brothers and sisters.
But therein lies a paradoxical
situation that these NSGTs might not be
able to sustain themselves and achieve a
rapid development without the aid of the
powerful
countries.
But
should
development be sought after, at the cost of
freedom and independence? Will this
session finally bring an end to colonies or
not? Well, the outcome of this proverbial
battle is yet to be assessed.
3
LOK SABHA : Delusionary Diplomacies
Reported by : Swagata Chakravarty & Nandani Sikaria
"It is not an army we must train for war, it is
the nation."- Anonymous
The Lok Sabha is the powerhouse of the fiery
and the offended. However, this year at
MMUN , we make an attempt to recreate the
Indian politics, albeit in a futuristic scenario
which promises to be an epitome of heated
debate and discussions by the young and
potential future leaders of the country.
Having its roots wrapped around the
idealism of democracy, the rights of
sovereignty and territorial integrity of not
only itself but of its waltzed fraternity spread
across the globe, today the Lok Sabha stands
tall once again under the illusion of
differentiated ideologies-one for saving
India, one for saving the world. But in reality,
don't they collide?
It seems the commencement of a new
relationship
between
the
Democratic
Republic of India and The People's Republic
of China has reached a new epoch. A
situation of trust and mutual understanding
has been thought to have evolved.
But by the year 2020,a series of events
have changed the entire political scenario.
Astriction between the two massive powers
in the world brings to us accelerated
tensions, hostility and adversity in the face of
a once blooming friendship.
To deal with this crisis, an emergency
meeting at the Lok Sabha has been called by
the Prime Minister of India.
But with the MPs branched among
themselves in contradictory opinions and by
constantly engaging in a blame game, will
they be able to prevent another war? Is war
the only way out after the reigning decades
of political diplomacy and deterrence? We
will find out this year in MMUN 2016.
HRC : The Righteous Right
Reported by : Shreya Chakraborty & Sugandha Bora
two. A refugee is a person who has been forced
to leave their country in order to escape war,
persecution, or natural disaster, unlike which,
IDPs are people who remain within the
boundaries of their country, but are forced to flee
their homes for similar reasons.
This helpless section has been curbed
under the shanty of devastation and has
constantly faced horrendous circumstances such
as the destruction of possessions, torture, murder
and bereavement, along with some cases being
potent enough to send shivers down your spines.
Therefore, this is a matter of grave concern and
has attracted worldwide attention and support.
Delegates, it is time to revamp your halo
of intellect and diplomacy, brush up your
articulation, and strengthen your resolve, for the
terrible plight of innocent lives all around the
world today, demands an end - an end which
can only be brought about by a change. The
power of bridging the gaps lies in nobody else,
but your own hands.
“A right delayed, is a right denied.”
- Martin Luther King Jr.
The protection of the rights of the Internally
Displaced Persons, stateless people and
migrants, is not one of the latest issues, yet one
of the most crucial in today’s era. The Human
Rights Council, established in the year 2006, is
aimed at the protection and promotion of
Human Rights, and the welfare of all sections of
the society around the world. Therefore, the
agenda at hand is in real need to be addressed
as immediately as possible, as expressed in the
aforementioned quote.
A similarity of situation can be traced
between refugees, IDPs and migrants across the
globe; as they move out of their place of origin in
search of propitious conditions. Furthermore, a
large sum of people from these groups are
unfortunate and are prone to vulnerability and
exploitation. In spite of the parallels that can be
drawn between refugees and IDPs, there
however, lies a bigger difference between the
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SUPERHEROES UNMASKED
WOLVERINE a.k.a MANDABYA JJ
Brawny? Check. Fiery? Check. Tenacious? Check. The Chair of Historic
Security Council, often referred to as the angry-young-man of MMUN, he is
our very own Wolverine, who without a past is committed to a future. He is the
unpredictable, safe “bad boy” with a short fuse and wry sense of humor. But
do not fear, for beneath that tough appearance lurks a soft heart. A die-hard
Man Utd fan, a travel worm, intellectual to the core - Mandabya is a man on a
mission to straighten out all that needs to be.
SUPERGIRL a.k.a ARIJITA S. ROY
She’s not your ordinary simple girl as it may seem, because she’s the Supergirl! In a
nutshell, the Deputy Chair of HSC dreams of love, has a classic mind at work, is
sensible and super at everything. Yet she will baffle your mind because she can do both
– nuture you with her motherly instincts of care and understanding, or she may just
smother you with her red cape, dare you scoff her with your weak stance. Psst.. just offer
her some delicious deli(gate)cy and win her heart back. PS: And if you’re searching for
Superman, she’ll be the one to know where he is.
IRONMAN a.k.a KAPISH K. KASHYAP
The very reason which makes the Chair of ECOFIN resemble Ironman is that he
publicly identifies with his alter ego. Well known for inspiring loyalty to the
people who work for him, he is a brilliant tactician and is capable of winning
overwhelming battles. His explicit jokes are filled with sarcasm, wit and
inappropriate everything. One of the best things to learn from him is how to
embrace an awkward silence, and take on constructive critisms. Very practical
and less idealistic, he’ll be on to you if you’re not quick enough in providing
results.
SPIDERMAN a.k.a RISAAL SHAAN SABBIR
“With great power comes great responsibilty.” And with an awesome camera and Peter
Parker persona, comes our very own Deputy Chair of ECOFIN (a.k.a Gummy Bear).
Don’t get carried away by his happy-go-lucky charm and cuteness for he is sneaky,
smooth and sarcastic. A Potterhead at heart, he is a multitasker, for he debates, paints,
and does photography, all the while tackling the science stream! He will
web you with his words and wits (more like give you a wet-willy) if
his Spidey-Senses starts tingling of your ill-preparedness. Be
cautious delegates!
BLACK WIDOW a.k.a VIVIENNE HRILOKRIM
Reminiscent of the superhero character Black Widow, the Chair of SPECPOL has
great skills to influence.Vivienne is considered a high brow by her batch mates
and is very well known for her strategic and prominent diplomatic skills. She is
famous for her humorous Hindi accent which is an amalgam of Assamese and
Hindi. Witty, assertive & full of life - she is an erudite and has the mastery of all
facts and data. When she makes a decision, the universe conspires to
make it happen. So beware!
CATWOMAN a.k.a JAGRITEE SENAPATI
Bold in her very own beautiful way, the Deputy Chair of SPECPOL has a striking
and sleek notability just like that of the Catwoman. Interestingly, she has a strong
affinity for cats! With a hot head and a strong willed heart, Jagritee will seem to
personify unconventional femininity. She does not purr. Instead, she sings her
heart out (Now you know why to raise the Motion of Entertainment). However,
one should know that cats are very hard to decipher and deal with, so that just
explains how the committee sessions will proceed if you’re not ready!
5
SUPERMAN a.k.a ANURAG BARUAH
The dominating look on this ‘Do not judge a book by it’s cover’ face is often
judged. But be prepared to be awestruck by the high level of sensitivity of
the Chair of Lok Sabha. He can also give lethal competition to Lex Luthor
for his ability to switch within his dynamic talents (read : debating,
quizzing, academics, and um..venture in wooing girls.) This is quite
reflective of Clark Kent as an agile reporter, switching to his alter-ego,
Superman. “I am not a dictator. It’s just that I have a grumpy face,” he
might say that, and yes he’s right. He’s just a cute ball of sucrose with
the look of a bussiness man. Good luck dealing with the (often
known as:) best Lok Sabha delegate in our MUN circuit, as your Speaker!
STORM a.k.a KHADIJA NAUFA
Known for her dead on accurate intuitions and her refusal to bow down to
conformity with her overactive imagination, the Deputy Chair of Lok Sabha will
also help you have a good time in the face of all “storms” - ranging from anxiety
attacks to a very probable Sino Invasion of the North-East. But one should keep in
mind that even in the midst of fun; she will rattle the ground beneath your feet with
her stormy aura that may as well challenge your versions of reality so you may be
just skating happily on thin ice around her. Delegates, if you are drizzle, then she is
hurricane!
WONDER WOMAN a.k.a ARUNDHUTI BHAGABATI
Typical of a warrior princess, the Chair of HRC is best known for her wisdom, strength,
severe loyalty and a strict moral code. Arundhuti has no trouble showing love or
compassion but can be equally fierce at times. Strong-headed, straight-forward, and
agile, she is devoted to stopping injustice wherever she finds it, which in fact is one of
the very reason for her inclination towards the committee dealing with human rights.
She’s a warrior first, but peace and honesty are her core virtues. One may often be
found ‘wonder’ing how she manages it all.
SCARLETT WITCH a.k.a SHREYA BHATTACHARJEE
The Deputy Chair of HRC is our very own version of Wanda Maximoff. She
weaves magic in MUN with her fiery personality and mystical research skills.
When not carrying the weight of the committee on her tiny shoulders, you
might find her walking down the street with an ice-cream in hand. Getting
on her good side might require some effort, but you can always bring up
Egyptian history into the conversation and watch her eyes glint with
barely-contained excitement. A reliable person and an even more
reliable friend, Shreya is indeed someone to ‘marvel’ at.
DEADPOOL a.k.a KAUSTAV BARUA
With an infectious sense of humour, turning almost anything into a joke, our Crisis Director
best reflects Deadpool with his agility and superhuman levels of stamina (We’re not even
kidding, he does taekwondo!). Kaustav can be pretty heroic when he needs to be. He
doesn’t take himself or anyone else too seriously. He stands up for what he believes in,
having some unwavering convictions. He’s not easily intimidated and might even
impress his foes. Making the best out of a worst situation, he is all set to put forth ever
challenging catastrophes. Watch out, delegates!
6
MUN FOR DUMMIES!
The International Press Corps is providing the delegates with a guide for
developing god-like MUN skills (Please do not report us to the RSS or Shiv
Sena, this is just a joke). Next time, make a checklist!
1. Read the Background Guide thoroughly. You don’t understand the sophisticated language used
in it? Never mind delegate, we understand completely that you’re a child of the “whatsapptexting” generation. Still, memorise each and every line, read it out loud as your GSL speech.
Everything that you say in the committee should be quoted from the BG. Dismiss creativity. Who
needs it anyway?!
2. Make Wikipedia your Bible for your research. (If that offends anybody, since this is India, make
it your Bhagvad Gita or Quran.)
3. Write confessions about how cute your Chairs are. Maybe that will get you a Special Mention, or
a High Recommendation. But if you want a Best Delegate award, stalk them on Facebook,
Snapchat, Instagram and like all their pictures (maybe even send them a rose).
4. Dress wackily or dress like you’re going to the Paris Fashion Week. Atleast that will make some
heads turn towards you.
6. Act like you’re sleeping in the committeee. Let’s hope the IPC takes notice (We will!) and
publishes about you, at least you’ll have something to show your friends and family later on.
7. Send roses to yourself. That might just prevent you from drowning in loneliness. After all, we all
want to save lives.
8. Dominate your opponent delegates by sending intimidating chits where you can write rapbattles, draw caricatures, or if you want to sweet-talk somebody into signing your resolution,
draw hearts.
9. If all else fails, become a “Grammar Nazi” and annoy people by pointing out their grammatical
errors. You’ll surely win arguments!
10. You didn’t realize that we skipped point 5. You’re checking it now. You’re smiling at the fact that
the IPC is really funny! Jokes apart, do not take us seriously.
EXCLAMATORY WARNING: MUN suggestions are subject to committee risks. Please refer to
the Chair’s sense of humor carefully before proceeding.
-International
Press Corps in collaboration with “Superman”.
7
THE
“PRESS-TIGIOUS”
SQUAD
Left to right: (Sitting) – Tanim S. Mozumder, Preetisha
Kashyap, Shreya Chakraborty, Bimbini Baruah [Head],
Arundhati Chowdhury [Deputy] & Mana Mehta.
(Standing) – Ronakjeet Sharma, Anna Tongbram,
Nandani Sikaria, Sugandha Bora, Swagata Chakravarty,
Meghna Bhattacharyya & Tanmay Choudhury.
8