DAY 1: GA 1

   General Assembly 1 debated on agenda A, on the lines of monitoring and combating terrorist financing. With almost 70 delegates present in the committee, the first speaker’s list was listed up to over 10 delegates. Even throughout entire first session proceedings, the speaker’s list never elapsed as delegates was eager to make their voices on the podium by adding up their names in the list through notes.

   An element of controversy emerged not so soon after the declaration of the committee about the definition of terrorism. A consensus was made that the vague concept of terrorism should be first set before imposing combating measures to the determined targets. In the moderated caucus set to discuss this definition, the delegate of Ecuador brought up the point that both subjective and objective standards should be taken into account when defining terrorism. Some delegates argued against this argument, saying that intentions of terrorists are, inevitably set off by subjective means, which in hand, can never be incorporated in setting an international standard. Nonetheless, the fact that such violence is inflicting casualties among civilians is a significant point. Another point of controversy is concerned with the flaw in the membership of the FATF(Financial Action Task Force). The delegates discharged a heated debate on whether countries without membership in FATF should be obligated to join, and whether it is their reluctance or incapability that is hindering their membership. Penalties on these nations discomforted several delegates as many felt that it is an infringement of countries’ sovereignty.

   Despite the fact that majority of the delegates were newcomers to model united nations, the atmosphere of the debate room was extremely heated.

DAY 1: UNEP

   Then first session of UNEP was mild-mannered with a positive flow of debate. The delegates were initially less active, but towards the end, the delegates managed to flare up a passionate debate, especially the delegate of Russian Federation. There were technical problems in adjusting the room temperature; nonetheless, UNEP did not lose the friendly atmosphere with delegates conversing with one another.   

DAY 1: HRC

Amidst much anticipation and prospects for meaningful debate, the United Nations Human Rights Council commenced its first session of the Yonsei Model United Nations 2012. Starting off with the agenda on “Promoting the rights of indigenous people in the area of development,” the participation from the delegates were so enthusiastic that the speaker’s list that was repeatedly opened reached record lengths. With no end in sight, the chairs had to temporarily bar delegates from requesting addition to the speakers’ list via notes to the chair. All 51 delegates that were present were active in the formal debate and the moderated and moderated caucuses.

Regarding the content of the debate, one major point of conflict was the issue of education and development of indigenous peoples. While some delegates were adamant in their support for educational programs to facilitate the development of indigenous people by enlightenment to knowledge and modernity, others were against this notion, saying that such a view is biased and insensitive to the unique cultural and historical heritage of the indigenous communities. As the committee secretary, Suryn Kim suspects that, "these divergent opinions may lead to divergent draft resolutions starting from the second session. We will have to wait and see how the negotiations among delegates will congeal into effective and feasible clauses in the resolution."

All in all, the UNHRC is certainly off to a good start. "With 13 hours remaining, I am thrilled at the thought of the enthusiasm that the delegate has shown and will continue to hold throughout the three-day debate," says Suryn Kim.

DAY 1: EU

EU began its session with the debate on the first agenda, forging mechanisms to solve sovereign debt crisis. The heated debate was focused on clashes between two parties; those in favor of the Eurobonds and those arguing for bailouts. The delegate of IMF and other PIGS nations supported the idea of using Eurobond to solve the current crisis, but their arguments met with challenges by other developed nations, especially the delegate of Italy. The heated debate began with two speaker’s list being totally full, each with 10 delegates entertained. After the second list had expired, the chair had to open up another speaker’s list where 8 more delegates were added. The debate continued, with one right of reply being introduced. The right of reply was sent from the delegate of International Monetary Fund to the delegate of Italy, arguing that the delegate of Italy had ignored IMF’s efforts to solve the current financial problem. However, the delegate of Italy refused to give an official apology and the two delegates’ tension continued throughout the first day’s session. The heated debate continued, with no clear results made in solving the debt crisis.

DAY 1: ECOSOC

On the first day of the ECOSOC conference, delegates spent most of their time setting the agenda and appealing country stances. There were several unmoderated caucuses for the purpose of fostering the debate and writing resolutions. Delegates were full of tension, and at times endured awkward moments as some had participated in the workshop while others had not. The chairs were notified that delegates were planning to submit 3 resolutions pertinent to the first agenda; transferring agricultural technology to the Less Economically Developed Countries (LEDCs). Members of the ECOSOC conference room decided to use the term LEDC instead of Third World Nations due to a motion to modify the term “third world nations” to “Less Economically Developed Countries.” 

And the following is a direct note from the ECOSOC Committee Secretary, Yoo-Jun Chun.

“Delegates, I know that this is the first MUN experience for many of you guys. Even though you did not participate fervently in the debate one the first day of conference, please do not lose your passion and energy and show us your true potentials tomorrow. Also, I love you guys when you smile~ J”

DAY 1: Keynote Speaker, Enna Park

The keynote speaker of this year’s opening ceremony, Enna Park, is currently the Director General for Development Cooperation in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She is also the Minister Counselor of ROK to the UN and is the Vice of Chair of the Commission on the Status of Women. She is the first female valedictorian of the MOFAT entrance exams.

Her speech at the opening of YMUN 2012 elucidated the importance of stretching the concept of peace. We should by all means breach the frames of “negative peace,” and turn to “positive peace,” just as the theme of YMUN 2012 suggests.  

Here's a surprise for you all, Lovey Lobby!

These tiny cards attached with Tim Tams enthralled many delegates--they were used as means of both informal greetings and actual lobbying. Some delegates revealed their secret admiration for another, while many expressed gratitude to their respective chairs and committee secretariat.

The Committee Secretariat of each committee picked out a few entertaining cards and read them out loud to loosen up the atmosphere. The "Lovey Lobbies" fashioned an opportunity for delegates to build friendships that will hopefully last beyond the appropriated YMUN period.

OFF THE RECORD, the goodies were each handmade by YDMUN's PR-team. After the cards were all cut accordingly, they were embellished with all sorts of stickers, and only then were they ribbon-tied with yummy Tim Tams. Props to our PR-team for their time and devotion. :)

DAY 1: Yeonhui Hall

The sessions of YMUN 2012 will be held at Yeonhui Hall, the Social Sciences building of Yonsei University. The blue banner openly welcomes the delegates of YMUN 2012.

Participants making their ways up the stairs after a lunch break.

DAY 1: The School Tour Delivered by IN延(Yonsei's Student Ambassadors)

After the official launch of YMUN 2012, the delegates were taken on a school tour by Yonsei’s Student Ambassadors, IN延. In the beginning of the tour, each committee took group photos in front of the Underwood Hall, as part of a souvenir to carry back home. The tour stroke as an icebreaking moment for many, as delegates eased tension and socialized with each other in a laid-back atmosphere.

Delegates listening to the Student Ambassador's explanation of the site.

Delegates taking a turn in front of Yeonhui Hall.

 Delegates at Yonsei's Ampitheatre, a place where the annual AKARAKA festival is held.