Committee highlights
In addition to the more traditional Fourth Committee of the United Nations General Assembly—Special, Political and Decolonization, this year’s General Assembly simulations include special sessions of the UNGA. The UNGA Special Session on HIV/AIDS reiterates the chilling fact that the HIV crisis is far from over, while the Special Emergency Session on the Suez Crisis hopes to help students relive the history of a region that is redefining its political trajectory.
Our Economic and Social Councils address how development and positive change can be achieved in a sustainable, holistic, and responsible manner. UN Women will allow delegates to delve into the crucial issue of gender equality and empowerment. In an age of increased global economic competition, the Organization for Cooperation and Development (OECD) is a platform for countries to compare economic policies and collaborate on achieving answers to common problems and stimulating global economic progress. The United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) aims to remind delegates that progress comes with responsibilities and should never be achieved at the cost of human dignity. Similarly, the United Nations Office on the use of Sport for Development and Peace (UNOSDP) seeks to show students that everyday aspects of their lives such as sports can be integral to novel methods of development.
Our Specialized Agencies challenge delegates to use the many tools at their disposal to solve diverse challenges. Both Charles de Gaulles’ Cabinet and the Peace of Solferino are based in the past, asking students to find solutions within the constraints of a different time period. Meanwhile the World Intellectual Property Organization, Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe and the Royal Dutch Shell Board of Directors address a myriad of the most pressing issues relevant to our modern lives ranging from the new avenues of idea dissemination, the challenges of national security, and corporate social responsibility. In fact 2011 is a significant year for Shell as it marks 100 years of the company in Canada. We are also pleased to introduce the New York Times Board of Editors. This innovative committee will actively involve delegates into every aspect of creating a headline story, from crucial behind the scene decisions to actual interviews and contact with other delegates and committees.
Crisis Committees are a unique and fast paced component at SSUNS, and this year they go well above and beyond your traditional UN bodies. Shakespeare's Julius Caesar is our literary committee - mixing the fiction of the bard's work with the history of a monumental time period. Both the Security Council and the Joint Crisis on the Somali Civil War explore relevant political issues, and MI6 provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the delicacies of running an international intelligence agency. Our Ad Hoc committee this year is perhaps the most challenging part of the conference; delegates must use their skills on the spot when they are presented with a situation without the chance to do background research. While the topic itself is top secret, we can divulge that it promises to be one of the most exciting committees to be run in SSUNS (and Model UN) history!
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