Madrid 2019

Harvard World Model United Nations Madrid – Report on the week of 03/17 – 03/22/2019

The Harvard World Model United Nations is undoubtedly a unique experience, so the week in Madrid was also a very new experience for our delegation. We have learned and saw a lot of new things. In addition to the many people, cultures and opinions that we were able to experience, we have become aware that it depends very much on which individual represents the respective country and how the venue and the organization are designed. This meant, for example, that even small countries can do a lot if they are represented dominantly. Above all, since it was very important to ensure that they also have their say and can participate. So, every delegation and every one of the delegates has a chance to make a difference, as suggestions and opinions are presented by individuals. Every single vote is important, and so we felt important and perceived as representatives of the Republic of Chad during the event, despite the prevailing competitive atmosphere.

Here’s a quick look at our Madrid MUN:

Day 1

The first day was there to get to know each other. After the opening ceremony in the Palacio Municipal de Congresos, in which each one of the participants was addressed with many motivating words and praise and glory along the way – including the Mayor of Madrid and the King of Spain – we went to „Global Village „- an event where some countries presented selected culinary specialties of their country and we have danced much to spanish music. The evening took place in the impressive building of the Palacio de Cibeles, right on the famous Gran Vía. It became very clear which efforts the spanish organization team took on here to present the capital as best as possible.

Day 2

On the second day there was the first committee session, in which content-related debates were in the first place.

Historical Legal Committee: The topic: „Legality of the bombing in Syria 2014 by the US“ was on the agenda. It was not difficult for the Chad to gain a foothold due to our national experience with terroristic organizations. Our committee consisted of about 300 people; countries of A-Z were represented. Quickly we found allies and sat in the second session of this day to write a working paper.

Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee: Our committee, which consisted predominantly of female delegates, also about 300 people tall, dealt in 2019 with the rights and humanitarian on health care of women, especially in developing and emerging countries. After all of the delegates had given their introductory speeches and already had some suggestions for improvement and action on the table, it was after the lunch break already properly in the discussion. As an African Sahel country, our delegation had no difficulty in getting together immediately with the other African countries present and identifying common points of contact for cooperation. And then it was time for the combined work on the Working Papers.

Disarmament and Security Committee: In one of the largest committees 300 delegates discussed measures against genocide. That’s why you had from the beginning a list of speakers from 150 states. To be able to hold his opening speech you used all sorts of tricks. By so-called „unmoderated caucuses“ one could bypass the speech list. Thus a „reporting war“ kindled, with every question about speech contributions, 30 country signs shot up and tried to get the attention of the chair. We too had to resort to this method.

Day 3

Third day, fourth session – the working papers were submitted and discussed extensively. There were many „unmoderated caucuses“ in which you had the chance to discuss everything excitedly outside the meeting room and get in allied groups.

Especially in the committee of the World Health Organization, a constructive cooperation of the individual working groups began. While most „single delegates“ agreed that a multilateral solution had to be found for international regulation of genetically modified food, the main focus was on the approach. Developing countries (including Chad) have mostly sought to promote their use in their states because they hoped for better conditions for their farmers and their yields. In contrast, the delegates of the developed nations advocated more transparency and information for the end user. However, these also supported measures that benefited many developing countries. Although the Republic of Chad accepted this condolence positively, it also expressed its legitimate doubts that international aid is always a threat to national sovereignty.

Day 4

The fourth day was about drafting draft resolutions.

Historical Legal Committee: We found many allies with whom we could negotiate a lot, but one of our main goals was not included in any resolution. That meant for us: We do not sign. After further discussions and negotiations, we finally had a resolution that appealed to our interests. Then the shock: Our resolution had too few supporters – too few signatures and could not be submitted. After a long process and consultation with the Chair, the committee was counted once more and the quorum was smaller, so we needed fewer votes to file our resolution. Lucky.

Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee: In our group of African Representations we were in very good hands. In the Draft Resolutions, our opinions and suggestions were well represented in agreement and approval, and we were very satisfied with the presentation of our resolution.

Disarmament and Security Committee: In parallel with our involvement in several draft resolutions, we were also part of a small group of states. Those states that vehemently opposed any violations of state sovereignty by influencing the individual draft resolutions. So many draft resolutions could be changed according to our interests. And finally, by putting enough pressure on the chair, we were also able to give a concluding speech, in order to clearly position ourselves for the individual draft resolutions.

Day 5

The fifth day was to submit amendments and thus to file the resolutions. All the committees seemed very cooperative, as the long week was in the bones and we all wanted to get a good, professional and truthful result. However, it became clearer and clearer which association among the delegations had been the most liveliest and thus received the most support from the chair in the course and, above all, at the end. After heated discussions, the agreement was finally reached on the outcome, so that the week and all the work that was put into the simulation could also make sense.

The final ceremony, which was initiated by talented singers and dancers, culminated in the award ceremony. Everything was represented, including „best-dressed delegates“ and „best dancers“.

Respect for the students of Harvard, who organize this event together with the students of the selected venue. Although it was sometimes chaotic, but this year, as we – our delegation from Jena – have experienced, much improved handling. For example, Harvard has paid great attention to being environmentally friendly. So each of the nearly 3,000 delegates got a cotton jute bag and recycled blocks, as well as notebooks. Even a glass bottle and a 16 GB USB stick were there.

In the end, the speeches of the winners of the MUNs of the past years were especially inspiring as they reported on their further experiences with the World MUN. It became clear that the MUN stands for much more than „just“ a simulated UN negotiation, but also stands for real humanitarian projects and promotes engagement. It becomes clear that the World MUN offers enough opportunities and opportunities to devote itself to, participate in, and get support from the members and founders of this non-profit organization outside the main MUNs Get organization.