Mirror Magazine

Mirror Magazine

A model of great value
By Esther Williams
“Annan gives US and coalition forces an ultimatum – to withdraw from Iraq within a month, suspending all powers of veto…” the notice said, calling for an emergency session of the UN Security Council and ECOSOC. Explaining that the decision was a result of the unveiling of acts of torture and violations pertaining to human rights, the President of ECOSOC, Kahil Nooramith of CIS said that Kofi Annan and the UN were tired of being considered a puppet of the US.

A divided opinion was seen in the heated debate that followed – some countries believed it to be an appropriate decision that would help Iraq regain its sovereignty, leaving NATO and Peace Keeping forces to assist with rebuilding, while others felt the need for forces to remain there until political stability and peace in the region were secured. “The resolution that was passed requesting an extension of timeframe amongst other clauses was supportive of the US interests, and did not address all political issues,” explained 14-year-old Mrinalini Ramesh from The International School, Bangalore, India.

More than 500 students from 53 schools, including representatives from China, Lebanon and India, participated in the fascinating simulation of the UN General Assembly held between the March 3 – 5 at the Overseas School of Colombo (OSC). Gone were the school uniforms to be replaced by sleek suits, signifying power dressing, as they lobbied for the 144 countries they represented.

“We come to reason, not to dominate. We do not seek to have our way, but to find a common way,” Secretary General, Colombo Model United Nations (COMUN) Stefanie Zammit said, quoting former US President Lindon B. Johnson, at the opening ceremony that had the required grandeur and solemnity. “Let us prove that we are the spirit and the hope of the UN,” the OSC student added in the inspiring message that awarded her a standing ovation.

Not only was the event, the closest that any of the participants would get to the real deal, it was occasion that unveiled talents of students who represent tomorrow’s today. Urging students to assume responsibilities, President of the General Assembly, Shannon Misso eloquently said, “Although we are a tiny speck in the Indian Ocean, what happens in other countries affects us – as everything is interrelated.”

Over the three-day period, delegates of the three committees caucused vital current issues: nuclear weapons, terrorism, border disputes, the UN financial crisis, natural disasters, textile quotas, oil crisis, poverty, GM foods, illegal immigrants, human rights atrocities and the UN’s right to interfere with a country’s sovereignty – leading to voting and the passing of resolutions.

The Security Council and ECOSOC, on the other hand, discussed specifics. Re-evaluation of the situation in Iraq, the Iranian nuclear situation, Israel and Palestine figured in the discussions. “There was controversy on all topics,” explained the President of the Security Council, Annelie Wambook, who had to ensure that they made resolutions that addressed issues without the use of force.

The debates presented students with an enormous challenge. “Each country had to keep in mind its best interests, while respecting the culture and sentiments of other countries,” explained Shannon Misso of Holy Family Convent. Most impressive were the procedures, protocol and UN jargon – truly in keeping with those in the UN.

Commenting on the students’ levels of understanding of international issues, Colombo International School teacher, Maheeka Withanage said, “They have been quoting the UN Charter, referring to historical events and doing a wonderful job with it. I hope their idealism continues when they are older.”
The young orators’ views on humanity and what the UN should actually be were revealed at various points. Like the instance when the US called for a vote on a certain matter, only 2-3 allies gave support – not realistic in today’s world. To see students passionately questioning the practicality of operative clauses and demanding assurances of transparency and accountability was most heartening.

Having participated in the St. Petersburg, Russia, MUN, Serene Hadj-Hammou (17) of Beirut was in the Security Council for the first time. She said, “I learnt so much about the importance of diplomacy, about the UK and its stand on world issues.”

The Vice President of II Committee, Rukshan Fernando of Lyceum International School said that he got to see the UN from a difference aspect, and understand how it worked. “I learnt the intricacies of parliamentary procedure, and how countries react to different situations.”

Joash Mudalige (18) of Asian International School, representing Argentina, won the best delegate award for Committee II. Representing Russia, Nial Rele of the International School, Bangalore won the best delegate for Committee I.
The International School, Bangalore incidentally bagged the awards for both best delegation and the school with the most active participation. “We put in a lot of effort,” says Nial, talking of their three-hour preparation each day for two weeks prior to the event. Their 17-member team represented the countries of Russia, Slovakia, Lithuania, Equador and Sri Lanka.

An initiative of the Overseas School of Colombo, the event was entirely student run, its organizing committee comprising students from various schools. Currently it is the second largest MUN conference in Asia.
Staff Advisor (OSC) Eric Beckett speaking of COMUN’s relevance says that adults around the world were becoming cynical about serious issues that the UN was mandated to solve.

Admitting that there may be no lasting solution to Iraq, Israel, Palestine, or the starvation and corruption in Africa, or the aftermath of natural disasters and human rights issues, he says, “It comes as a relief to realise that many of the youth today are not prepared to accept that this is so. By getting involved they are realising that they can and do make a difference.”

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