DAY 2: Back in the International House...

A number of delegates spent the three nights at Yonsei’s International House. The delegates had dinner together and socialized during the few hours before they went to bed.

DAY 2: Exhausted delegates

Delegates in the ECOSOC conference room taking a nap during the unmoderated caucus...

DAY 2: UNEP

The session held at UNEP was even more vibrant today, with the delegates actively participating in debates. The chairs were astonished to see the introduction of a resolution where all the delegates signed up for signatories. It was indeed an unprecedented scene to see. The chairs had a hard time typing all the amendments, since there were more than 6 amendments approved by chairs. Moreover, we had to suspend the meeting because two delegates were missing for more than 15 minutes after the lunch break. The chairs panicked, but they were relieved to find the missing delegates find their ways back to the session room. In the middle of the debate, one of the chairs also volunteered to become a delegate for the better flow of debate. This helped a lot to form an argumentative debate and frame.

Delegates during the unmoderated caucus

DAY 2: USNSC

The delegates discussed the operation of Neptune Spear, the very mission to capture alive/kill Osama bin Laden--members debated upon whether to inform the Pakistani government of their operation, whether to strike the compound through airforce tactics or with SEAL team six, and whether to actually kill him or just neutralize him. Student officers, with their prepared scenarios, led the members to discuss these three issues and pretended to make a very important decision (for example, requiring for signatories from members such as Vice President, Secretary of States, Defence, and Director of CIA). This form of debate and decision-making experience is a totally new experiment here at YMUN.

DAY 2: HRC

As has been expected, the second day of the HRC debates was very heated. From just one agenda, a total of four resolutions were introduced. This is the highest number of introduced resolutions at YMUN 2012. The resolutions suggested various means to deal with the issue at hand, such as raising awareness for the rights of indigenous people, promoting education for second generations, reinforcing the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, and supporting the agricultural systems of indigenous people.

Delegates on the floor discussed the resolutions and engaged in debates on potential amendments to them. Because there were so many resolutions, there was an abundance of themes and angles at which the delegates could incorporate in their outlooks regarding the agenda. Hence, the floor was always occupied as the flurry of placards competed for their turn to speak. The endless exchange of notes, ideas and opinions rendered the chairs, the delegates and the staff members busy all day.

One major concern for the HRC is whether it will be able to debate the second agenda before the meeting is adjourned. It seems that the three-day schedule cannot match the delegates’ passion for high quality debates and resolutions. Perhaps this Council needs a week or more to get through the agenda. Delegates, brace yourselves for the last session tomorrow. The heat is expected to flare as the conference is nearing an end.

DAY 2: SC

After another long session on the topic of Enhancing the Efficiency of UN Sanctions before the lunch break, the delegates came up with two resolutions to introduce to the committee passed by the favor of an overwhelming number of delegates. After the lunch break, the delegates were greeted “pleasantly” by the news that the Security Council had to respond to the recent news on the death of an Iranian Scientist with the accusation directing to Israel. With surprise super-delegates, the delegates went into an active and fiery debate on the heated clash between Russia and USA, Israel and Iran, China and USA.



The delegate of U.S.A. approached the podium.

The delegate of Iran made his brusque remarks and abruptly left the room, while the remaining delegates were left to respond to the critical situation.

DAY 2: ECOSOC

The second day of conference was truly fascinating as more delegates spent their efforts to participate. Before lunch, 3 resolutions were approved by the approval panel and these 3 resolutions were distributed to the delegates for further debate. All 3 resolutions were passed according to an overwhelming majority. After passing 3 resolutions, the committee automatically moved into the second agenda; micro-financing. During this session, the delegate of Ghana asked for no-interest/no-tax/no give-and-take/unilateral financial aid because his country is currently suffering from severe poverty and famine. Also, the delegate of Mongolia urged other delegates to help Mongolia with passion and love. His aura was sufficient enough to overwhelm the ruthless weapons of USA, DPRK, and France.

And here's a note for the delegations from ECOSOC's Committee Secretariat,

"We are really proud, delegates. We were glad to see the participation of diverse delegations that did not speak up on the first day of the conference. The chair will not call out specific delegations, but thank you for your concentration and endeavor. One more day left, cheer up, delegates!! J"

Delegates during the unmoderated caucus

The committee secretary and chair in the middle of a discussion

DAY 2: At our Approval Panel...

Here's a picture of this year's Security General, Ho-Jung Joo, with the Approval Panel, Kang Kim, and the Director of Yonsei's Leadership Center, Professor Yong-Ho Kim.