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>>Meet The Harvard Team!

Study Guide [N.]

Definition:
A written document to facilitate learning and work preparation.

The goal of a MUN conference is to produce a document to solve the selected issue in your committee. Study Guides on the committee topics are released early before the MUN conference. They provide crucial information and guidance for delegation preparation ahead of the conference.

These study guides follow a general structure:

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Roll Call [N.]

Definition:
The reading aloud of a list of names of people, as in a classroom or military post, to determine who is present or absent; a voting process, esp. in the U.S. Congress, in which legislators are called on by name and allowed either to cast their vote or to abstain.

A Model UN conference begins with a roll call, during which staff of the Dais reads aloud the names of each member state in the committee. When a delegate's country's name is called, he or she may respond "present" or "present and voting." A delegate responding "present and voting" may not abstain on a substantive vote. Taking the roll call is important for calcuation of the required votes for different procedures.

Derivatives:

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What the Americans have to say about the MUN reputation!
(Excerpt from the United Nations Association of the USAhttp://www.unausa.org/Page.aspx?pid=512)

Five Things You Should Know About Model UN

1) Model UN is a simulation of the UN
General Assembly and other multilateral bodies where student roleplay the ambassadors debating topics as diverse as maternal health and landmines to promoting literacy.

2) Model UN is student-centered.
Often led by students, Model UN programs, started at universities over sixty years ago, soon grew to schools and colleges all over the world. From public speaking to critical thinking and in-depth research, student delegates draw a wealth of knowledge from the Model UN experience.

3) Model UN is flexible.
Since the 1940s,

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Page [N.]


Definition:
An attendant or employee, usually in uniform, who carries messages, ushers guests, runs errands, etc.; a person employed by a legislature to carry messages and run errands for the members, as in the U.S. Congress.

During a MUN conference, pages(some call them "ushers") help pass messages between delegates within a committee, as well as send messages to delegates in other committees. As introduced in the previous word, delegates may ask pages to help pass notes to the dais to be put on the speaker's list. In the United Nations, this is especially helpful when a delegate in a committee wants to get information to their ambassador in the General Assembly regarding

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Dais [N.]


Definition:
A stage, especially at one end of a room, on which people stand to make speeches to an audience；the group of people, usually high school or college students, in charge of a Model UN committee.

Officially, the Dais is the table upfront behind which the Chair sits. Practically,

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Meet the Division of Design：This division is comprised of an Art Director, two Deputy Directors, one website manager and four staffs. A team small in size, yet brimmed with passion. Though each of us come from a different department at school, we share a common interest in art and design. Equipped with a peculiar passion and creativity, the Division of Design aims at creating a lively outfit for WorldMUN2010, Taipei.

I've been to the WorldMUN2008, Puebla(Mexico) and WorldMUN2009, The Hague(Netherlands). Their logos were impressive: The Mexico logo gives the impression of the rich Aztec culture

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Placard[N.]

Definition:
A large written or printed notice that is put in a public place or carried on a stick in a march.

In MUN, rather than representing their homeland, delegates are assigned to represent a random country on the given issue. Everyone could be about just any country on the list. The placard is a piece of card with the assigned country's name on it that a delegate raises in the air to signal to the Chair that he or she wishes to speak.

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Gavel [N.]

Definition:
A small hammer used by a person in charge of a meeting or an auction, or by a judge in a court of law, in order to get people's attention.


A gavel is a respected tool in a MUN conference. The little hammer, either made of vintage wood or modern plastic, has the greatest say in the conference. It is used by the Chair to call for order and make announcements. One of the most exciting moments of a conference is when the Chair officially announces the floor open or closed with a solemn bang.

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Floor [N.]

Definition:
The part of a legislative chamber, meeting room, etc., where the members sit, and from which they speak; the right of one member to speak from such a place in preference to other members

The common meaning of the word "floor" is the surface of a room that we walk on. In a conference room, "the floor" means more than that layer of the building. In MUN, the floor is largely occupied by delegation seats and the podium where the Chair presides.
Having the floor all to yours is an expression of having the right to speak. Only one speaker may speak at a time, the rest quietly listening until his or her turn.

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Rules of Procedures (ROP) [N.]

Definition：
Set of rules adopted by a meeting to govern the work and decision making of its formal settings.

Every conference has its rules. MUN conferences that focus on international issues are no exception. In MUN, we abide by the Rules of Procedure(ROP), an adopted version of the Rules of Procedure the United Nations truly follows. These rules are self-sufficient, except for rules modified by the Secretariat or Chairs. No other rules are applicable. ROPs may slightly differ according to different customs, but they are all simple and clear. After an introduction to ROP prior to the event, you will see how such a set of rules benefits the large conference and keeps it in shape.

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What is WorldMUN? To most, what comes in mind is a scene painted with business attire, the air finely tuned with fluent English. Some think of the multi-culture exposure and enticing social events. Few notice the careful work of accommodation preparation.

After a long flight, once delegates land in Taiwan, the immediate next stop is the hotel. Though the conference hall and event locations attract all the spotlight, hotels account for a large part of their stay in Taiwan. The quality of the hotel services provided has a direct impact on the image of the Host City.

There is a list of elements crucial to a successul hotel.To name a few, fair price, decent upholstery, tidiness, comprehensive services, convenient trasportation, etc. What we, the Division of Accommodation, work on this summer is to ready ourselves and dish out the best collection of hotels. In keeping with this aim, we have been sifting through countless critical websites in town and abroad, weighing between the pros and cons of each and dashing through the hustel and bustle of Taipei.

During our investigation visits, we came to notice a rapidly growing industry. Taipei is now gathering momentum in the development of the MICE industry (Meetings, Incentives, Conferencing, Exhibitions), a highly active industry abroad. The rapid pace of MICE development in Taiwan has moved up the value and advanced progress in the hotel industry. What we witness is a wave of renewed traditional hotels and the rising trend in Boutique Hotels. In addition, because of the increase in business traveler worldwide, hotels in Taipei are better aware and ready to serve international travelers.

With such readiness and experiences, we believe hotels in Taipei are more than capable of offering delegates a sense of home. The Division of Accommodation will see to it that delegates feel at home during their stay in this lovely city, Taipei!

Director of Accommodation and Health, Jason Jr.

Social Event [N.]

(photo of WorldMUN2009, The Hague, link here)

(photo of WorldMUN2007, Switzerland)


Definition：
An event of social entertainment, mostly at night; exciting activities where people gather and meet, often accompanied by music and dances and filled with laughter.


Social events are the important flavors of MUN. From the view of participating delegates, being bombarded with conference debates during the daytime, as is the case with real diplomats, delegates must to rest their mind at night. Social events well serve this need. At night, MUN delegates are given a taste of culture performances and decorations, delicate local cuisines, the smashing music and endless dances. Putting aside the serious issues, delegates meet fellow delegates, either allies or opponents, dressed up in the mood for entertainment. Through free talk and the exchanges of laughter, surprising undertable agreements absent in formal sessions can be easily reached. From the viewpoint of the Host Team, social events are the chances to showcase features of the Host City. In the case of WorldMUN2010, a series of events will be exquisitely designed to highlight Taipei, Taiwan.


Examples：
What’s the social event for tonight?

Maybe we should talk to the delegate of Sweden at the social event tonight. The cheerful atmosphere might help us to persuade her.

Definition:
A title for the outstanding delegates of a MUN conference.

The Diplomacy Award is awarded at the end of the MUN conference to outstanding delegates who have either contributed tremendously to conference documents or demonstrated a skill in directing the conference, establishing trust and prompting communication. A delegate as such is entitled "Best Delegate", or simply BD.

Examples:
Among the near 2,000 delegates, the two Taiwanese delegates shown in the picture above are on the list of Best Delegates in the WorldMUN2008, Puebla.

The ultimate goal of many delegates in a MUN conference is to become a BD.

Session [N.]

Definition：
A period of time that is spent doing a particular actctivity; a formal meeting or series of meetings of a court of law, a parliament, etc.; a period of time when such meetings are held.

MUN conferences are time consuming. Often the topic area of discussion is complicated and hard to solve or reach an agreement. For delegates to keep their minds sharp and clear, a MUN conference is divided into several sessions, each taking about three hours. One session can be seen as a time unit for a conference period. After continual sessions of discussion on the committee topic, delegates will have heard from all viewpoints the different dimensions of the issue. WorldMUN usually holds six sessions in each committee.

Derivatives:
rap session [N.] [Slang.] An informal discussion held especially by a group of people with similar concerns.
summer session [N.] a summer course/program
plenary session [N.] A meeting attended by everyone who has the right to attend.

Examples：
The next session will start at 14:00. If we want to have further discussion on the security problem before the session starts, we will have to finish our lunch before 13:00.

The COMEMUN program I participated in was made up of 4 three-hour sessions.

The MUN conference is now in session. / When will the conference be in session?

The Security Council met in closed session.

Chair [N.]



Definition:
The presiding officer of a meeting, organization, committee or event.

Different voices easily heats up debate. Opinions in a MUN conference can be as diverse and piercing. Let alone by themselves, delegates representing different countries is very likely to yell at one another for different aspects of the issue, letting the conference out of control. Therefore, a Chairperson (Chair), along with one or more Assistant Chairs sits in front and take full control of MUN conferences. The Chair is authorized to keep the whole committee in order, with help from Assistant Chairs.

Examples：
"Honorable Chair and my distinguished fellow delegates, the delegate of Mexico believes that the proposal made by delegate of Burkina Faso is reasonable enough and worth discussing. Thank you, Chair" the delegate stated at the beginning of his speech.

"The Chair now announces the floor officially open" is a common statement a Chair uses to begin the MUN conference.

Impromptu [Adj.]

Definition:
Done without preparation or planning.

Though delegates prepare hard before a MUN conference, you never know what is about to happen. You might have a good guess of what others have in mind on the issue, still the flow of discussion steers away easily to an unforeseen zone. Facing unexpected questions and situations, MUNers must react on the spot. Impromptu speech takes place most of the time and is a challenging yet rewarding skill. Distinguished delegates are often those apt in giving impromptu responses.

Examples:
He is a master at the craft of impromptu speeches.

Obama gave an impromptu press conference.

Dear reader:

Thank you for your faithful support. Preparation for WorldMUN2010 in Taipei is gathering momentum and speed.

Want to learn more about MUN? Have a question in mind?

Share them with us! The NTU Host Team would like to offer a special series of PPT to help the public better understand MUN and WorldMUN2010. Please feel free to write to us at worldmun2010.host@gmail.com We will collect questions and feedback and prepare new powerpoints in August, 2009.

Enjoy the summer!

yours,
WorldMUN2010 Host Team

Agenda [N.]

Definition:
A list of items to be discussed at a meeting.

There are many topics and subtopics to be discussed during a MUN conference. It is important to organize items into a list at the beginning. That is, we set the agenda for discussion on the issue. An agenda is not limited to usage of MUN. It is a must for meetings of any scope and background. A clear agenda helps people grasp the gist of what is about to be discussed and improves efficiency. Notice how we drew the agenda at the first slide in the powerpoint below:

WorldMUN2010, Taipei Intro (Mandarin Version)

Examples:
What's on the agenda?

I would like to put topic A first on the agenda.

An agenda should be set for all meetings and presentations.

I'm afraid there is a hidden agenda behind this new proposal.

Bloc [N.]

Definition:

A group of countries that work closely together because they have similar political interests.

Delegates often form blocs in a MUN conference. After everyone's general statement is heard, those with a similar interest will seek to work together. Delegates often write notes to countries of a similar interest or goal and support one another in their speeches. During recess it is not suprising to see a split of large blocs discussing in circles about their strategies. Forming blocs helps gain support from small or neutral countries. Allies are important on votes.

Examples:

Opposing blocs often struggle to convince one another of their points.

Iceland's application to join the EU bloc has raised some concern among EU aspirants in southern Europe that it could leapfrog them to become the next EU member, slowing reforms and fuelling discontent with their accession processes.

The terms Eastern Bloc, Communist Bloc or Soviet Bloc were used to refer to the former Communist states of Eastern and Central Europe, including the countries of the Warsaw Pact, along with Yugoslavia and Albania, which were not aligned with the Soviet Union after 1948 and 1960 respectively. [quote]

Issue

Definition:
[N.] An important topic that people are discussing or arguing about.
[V.] To make something known formally (officially)

What do MUN delegates gather for? All of these country representatives assemble to discuss on international issues: MUNers do research, discuss and debate on pressing international issues and resolve to work out a Resolution. Materials and textbooks arrive at us at school after a long period of research, editing and publishing. We live in a rapidly changing world; we must engage ourselves into international affairs to keep up with its pace. This is what MUN seeks to do: to prepare students with a sense of global citizenship.

Derivatives:
major issue
side issue

Examples:
In a MUN conference, delegates raise a controversial issue for debate and strive to resolve the problem.

Don't confuse the issue.

"The media reports of Swine Flu seem to increase even as the issue of health care reforms seems to stay solidly on the front burner." [quote]

"The World Health Organization (WHO) recently [issued] surveillance and status updates for regions where the pandemic H1N1 is just gaining a foothold, including the Mideast, Africa, and parts of Asia and the Pacific, which showed Southeast Asia as the hardest hit of those areas." [quote]

(photo link: [go])

Delegate

Definition:
[N.] A person who is chosen or elected to represent the views of a group of people and vote and make decisions for them.

[V.] To give part of your work, power or authority to somebody in a lower position than you.




Students are randomly assigned a country to represent before a MUN conference. They are recognized as country delegates. Delegates must do research, debate and vote in the conference with other fellow delegates as if they were diplomats of the country they represent.

Derivatives:
Delegation [N] A group of people who represent the views of an organization or country.

eg. Single Delegate
eg. Double Delegate => A delegation

Examples:
The MUN conference was attended by delegates from 50 countries.
I've been delegated to organize this blog.
The French delegation is in fierce debate with the delegate of USA.

Perspective [N.]


Definition:
A particular attitude towards something; a way of thinking of something;
The ability to think about problems and decisions in a reasonable way without exaggeration.

This word is one of the basic elements of MUN. Have you ever thought of why we chose to model "the UN?" Because the UN is a parliament of nations: hundreds of member states assemble to discuss on a pressing issue, each with its own interest and unique point of view. MUN seeks to cultivate the skill to penetrate through a web of conflicting interest and think independently. For students on the threshold to the complicated society, a sense of perspective is a must to survive.

Examples:
Krugman often views an issue from a historical perspective.
MUN activities are aimed to provide students with a global perspective.
Debating with others can often help to put your own problems into perspective.

MUN = Model United Nations [N.]

Definition:
A simulation of the United Nations Conferences. Model United Nations is commonly known as "Model UN" or simply "MUN." It gives students a chance to step into the shoes of diplomats and discuss on hotly debated global issues. Students not only share creative thoughts during the day, but also experience culture-oriented social events at night. MUN is highly popular around the world.

Derivatives:
MUNer [N.] One who participates in MUN activities.

Examples:
eg. This is my first MUN experience.
eg. MUN is popular at high school and university levels around the world.
eg. Follow our steps and have fun as a MUNer as we do!


Photo1: From a MUN Conference

Photo2: The United Nations Building

http://www.ntu.edu.tw/english/

Proud no doubt, yet we must be cautious and constantly aware.

Be cautious, because the harvest we reap today was seeded, soiled and tended by numerous hands; be constantly aware of the unknown future, for danger lurks ahead.

Due caution and awareness can become a helpful ingredient.

I believe it is one thing to be mature and sophisticated at dealing with people and things, it is another to never lose heart and passion and be brave.

Yolanda

Director of Public Relations, WorldMUN2010 Host Team

http://www.ntu.edu.tw/english/index.html

National Taiwan University Model United Nations (NTUMUN) won the bid to host the 2010 World Model United Nations Conference (a.k.a. WorldMUN) in Taipei in March 2010

May 2009, the National Taiwan University Model United Nations (NTUMUN) won the bid to host the 2010 World Model United Nations Conference (a.k.a. WorldMUN) in Taipei in March 2010. Taipei stood out from eight bidding cities with its animated Asian culture blend and its confidence to bring Asia to the center stage. With a culture aim and the aspire to elevate the visibility of Taiwan, the host team will be welcoming more than 2,000 distinguished students from over 50 countries and 200 universities.

The prestigious WorldMUN is one of the most anticipated student events around the world. Established by Harvard in 1992, the WorldMUN distinguishes itself as a highly popular simulation of the United Nations (UN) Conference. Each year, a different city wins the bid to host WorldMUN with Harvard University. Past host cities include Athens, Edinburgh, Istanbul, Mexico, Belo Horizonte, Sharm El-Sheikh, etc, covering more than four continents of the world. The cooperation between Harvard University and host cities is often viewed as a chance to facilitate regional integration and promote Model UN activities.

NTU students were the first of Asian to participate in WorldMUN. Since its first entry in 1994, the inspired NTU delegation not only returned and created the NTUMUN student organization but continues to participate in the yearly event around the globe. These passionate NTU students call themselves “MUNers” and have been endeavoring to bring WorldMUN to Taipei. After years of unsuccessful bids, WorldMUN finally falls into hands of the NTUMUN — a long waited dream come true.

“Though frustrated from countless failed bids, our will to bid has been sustained by hearty support from the NTUMUN alumna. We strive to engage more Taiwanese students into the international pool, and through Model UN, to promote the global citizen ideal. It is our wish to really put Taiwan on the map” added Jason Hou, president of the WorldMUN2010 Host Team.

This time, the NTU host team pledges to attract new faces into the field of model UN activities. The five-day model conference grants students the chance to represent as diplomats and draft up Resolutions on hot issues through negotiation and fierce debate. Simulated UN Rules of Procedure in order on the conference table creates a unique environment. Off table, culture flavored social events — the Global Village, the Lunar Year Night, the Cabaret, the Master Night, the Farewell Party — ignites new excitement. Taipei, with its culture blend between modern and traditions will offer new participants a taste of its renowned gourmet and beauty.

With this aim, the NTU Host Team came up with an impressive logo. Designed by NTU student Chia-Wei Yang, the logo for WorldMUN 2010 in Taipei is a butterfly. The inspiration was from the island of Taiwan herself. In the 1960s, Taiwan was known as the Butterfly Kingdom in the world in terms of the number of butterfly species and output per unit area. Over 400 species of butterflies call Taiwan their home now, including some endemic species. Chia-Wei Yan visualized the host team’s idea to bring the historical significance of butterflies to the picture. The right side of the butterfly is similar to the shape of Taiwan; the left is also Taiwan, but flipped horizontally. The bright colors on the wings represent the liveliness of Taipei and also the WorldMUN spirit. Even the antennae was designed as “2010. ” The breathtaking logo marks the first step to the NTU Host Team’s success.

Updates about the event and the recruiting plan will be released in September, 2009. If you are interested about the event or have any questions, feel free to visit the NTU Host Team’s blog at http://worldmun2010.blogspot.com/

To hold the WorldMUN2010 in Taiwan will be far more than a splendid firework event; it bears the expectations to plant and nurture a seed of global awareness and the United Nations spirit into Taiwan.

The growing seed will bloom and spread the idea of global citizenship into to youth of Taiwan. What Taiwan lacks now is a broader view and a more powerful will to take the lead. It is our deepest wish to bring forth a better Taiwan with the upcoming WorldMUN2010 in Taipei.

Jason

President, WorldMUN2010 Host Team

Designer: Chia-Wei Yang

The designed logo for WorldMUN 2010 in Taipei is a butterfly.
It is an important figure in our story: The Butterfly Adventure.

The inspiration was from the island of Taiwan herself. In the 1960s, Taiwan was known as the Butterfly Kingdom in the world in terms of the number of butterfly species and output per unit area. Over 400 species of butterflies call Taiwan their home now, including some endemic species. After intense team discussion, we realized this historical significance of the butterflies and decided to make it the logo.

Chia-Wei Yan then visualized our ideas. The right side of the butterfly is similar to the shape of Taiwan; the left is also Taiwan, but flipped horizontally. The bright colors on the wings represent the liveliness of Taipei and also the WorldMUN spirit.

By the way, did you notice that the antennae actually wrote “2010”?

	www.ChinaPost.com.tw

Taipei to host WorldMUN 2010 Sunday, July 12, 2009 By Paul Nieman, Special to The China Post

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Harvard World Model United Nations team's newly elected secretary general, Ami Nash, announced last week that the 19th session of Harvard World Model United Nations (WorldMUN) will be held in Taipei in March 2010.

WorldMUN is the most internationally diverse college-level Model U.N. conference and the largest outside of North America.

Every year around 1,650 college students from over 40 countries attend WorldMUN in a different location around the world. Moving to a new international city each year, WorldMUN is unique among the MUN conferences in its truly global character, remarked Nash.

Past locations include Puebla (Mexico), Geneva (Switzerland), Beijing (China), Belo Horizonte (Brazil), and Sharm el-Sheikh (Egypt).

"On behalf of the Harvard team, I am pleased to announce to all members of the WorldMUN community, that after careful deliberation, we have decided that next year's impressive, we were particularly impressed by the creativity and dedication to the 'WorldMUN Spirit' displayed by the team from National Taiwan University (NTU)," Nash said in a written statement.

The international conference is to be held next year at Taipei International Convention Center (台北國際會議中心) from March 14 to March 19. It shouldn't be mistaken, however, for a mere introduction to United Nations methods. The days will be full of social events in which delegates can meet each other and get to know each other.

They will get to know Taiwan and experience Taiwanese culture. Meanwhile they will discuss international politics, diplomacy, negotiation and debate.

Delegates from all academic, cultural and social backgrounds will work together towards common goals. At WorldMUN 2010, ideas will come together and new ideals will be shaped. The resolutions that will be written during this conference will give them a glimpse of the world politics and world leaders of the future.

"Offering delegates the chance to debate pressing global issues; challenging students to take on new perspectives; and building strong new friendships that span across the globe; WorldMUN prepares its delegates to become the world leaders of tomorrow," Nash added.

The new secretary general noted Taipei is a perfect blend of modern and traditional cultures.

But mindful of the constraints the global economic crisis may place on many foreign delegations and committed to helping all interested students attend, he pointed out that WorldMUN will be expanding its financial aid program this year.

For further information on the upcoming Harvard World Model United Nations (WorldMUN) to be held from March 14 to March 19 at Taipei International Convention Center (台北國際會議中心) please log on to http://www.worldmun.org/welcome/

Copyright © 1999 – 2009 The China Post.

轉自: http://www.chinapost.com.tw/taiwan/2009/07/12/215957/Taipei-to.htm