Interview with Suryn Kim (CS of UNHRC)

Suryn Kim is YMUN’s Committee Secretariat for the United Nations Human Rights Council. She is currently a junior, majoring in Political Science and International Relations at Yonsei University’s Underwood International College. She hopes that YMUN's delegates of this year will witness how international governance of the 21st century is implemented through the UN.

1.) Do you have any MUN experiences you’d like to share?
I participated in the Model United Nations of Seoul Summit in 2006. Like the delegates that will be participating in YMUN this year, I too was once a high school student, a novice at public speaking and MUN. But throughout the process as the delegate of Greece at the Human Rights Council, I gained confidence thanks to the encouragement and support of the chair and fellow delegates. I hope YMUN 2012 will also be a valuable learning experience for those who have the will to put in the time and effort into generating fruitful debate.

2.) What are some challenges you faced when participating in MUN?

The biggest challenge for me was the task of gathering up the nerve to speak in front of many people. For students who aren't used to situations that require them to speak, it may be difficult and daunting. But I want to encourage delegates that confidence is the key, and that there is no need to feel intimidated. The liberal and academic atmosphere of YMUN welcomes you to learn as much as possible and gain experience so that the delegates, as potential global leaders, can obtain experience in a cooperative setting.

3.) What aspect of MUN do you consider most valuable?

The most valuable aspect of MUN is that delegates are given an opportunity to thrive in an academically stimulating environment. The brightest and most passionate students flock to MUN to learn from each other and from the experience itself. The significance of MUN lies in the fact that it is an eye-opening and exciting experience for students that aspire to be the global leaders of the future.

4.) What are your top 3 tips for a successful YMUN experience?When preparing for YMUN please remember three words: Motivation, concentration, and relation. You have to be truly motivated to learn from the experience. MUN is not just another event to attend during winter break. Please keep in mind that students from all over the country participate, and only those with true determination will be able to gain from the experience. Concentration is important in terms of the time and effort you put into preparing for and actively participating in MUN. The more you are prepared, the better your performance will be. But most important of all is the relationship among delegates. A cooperative and mutually supportive relationship with your fellow peers will help in positively influencing each other. The relationship with the like-minded peers that you meet will go beyond this year's MUN. I strongly encourage delegates to approach this opportunity to meet new people with an open mind.

5.) Any last words for this year’s YMUN delegates?

I encourage all delegates to make the most of YMUN 2012 by being prepared and enjoying the learning experience at YMUN.

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Interview with Hyeong-Seon Shin (CS of GA2)

Hyeong-Seon Shin, an undergraduate of Underwood International Colelge, is the Committee Secretariat of this year's General Assembly II. As he understands what it feels like to be a newcomer to MUN, he promises that he will do his best to create a smooth and comfortable atmosphere for middle school students. He hopes the very best for all delegates participating in YMUN 2012.

1.) What are some challenges you faced when participating in MUN?

Since fellow participants are very cooperative and helpful there are no serious challenges regarding the MUN itself. However, my best concern was English. Since I'm Korean and my mother toungue is Korean, it is not that comfortable to elaborate my thoughts in English. I was concerned that there might be some constraints in expressing my thoughts in English.

2.) What aspect of MUN do you consider most valuable?

The best part of MUN is surely the social network that is formed. This is a great experience and definitely an amazing opportunity to bond with various students. This, the connection formed in MUN,  will surely be an asset throughout your life.

3.) What are your top 3 tips for a successful YMUN experience?
BE CONFIDENT. All fellow deligates are the same students as you are. They feel the same when approaching the podium or making a speech. So do not be afraid. Just do it.

CONCENTRATE ON YOUR CONTENT. Don't put so much effort in your English. Many friends think that YMUN is a English skill competition. But this is hardly true. It's a contest where you elaborate your thoughts and logic. English is just a tool. Focus on the logic or the thinking process and try to convince fellow delegates through your content, not your English.

BE OPEN TO FELLOW DELEGATES. Do not be afraid to make new friends, and do not be afraid to open up yourself.  

4.) Any last words for this year's YMUN delegates?

Weclome all delegates! Enjoy yourself!

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Committees from YMUN 2011

Recaps of committees from YMUN 2011

ECOSOC

UNICEF

GA 1

GA 2

IAEA

LAS (League of Arab States)

SC

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YMUN 2011 Gala Dinner

Random snapshots from last year's (YMUN 2011) Gala Dinner

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Interview with Myoung-Ah Kim, the CS for the General Assembly 1

Myoung-Ah Kim, an undergraduate at Yonsei University's Underwood International College, will be serving as the Committee Secretariat of the General Assembly 1 of YMUN 2012. More than anything, a key phrase of her years prior to college is, '"Model United Nations." Though she doesn't quite recall how she first stepped into the MUN arena, she confesses that she had initially acquainted MUN with the words, "professional suits," "fancy English," and even, "cool." But apparently, all these illusions shattered to pieces after her very first MUN conference, which, according to her, was "three days of hell." Nevertheless, she found herself registering in one conference after another, and still pursues this love for MUN at Yonsei University.       

1.) How does it feel to return to YMUN as a committee secretary?.

My first connection with YMUN was when I participated in the 2010 conference. As a first timer, everything from the rules of procedure to the most basic facts about international issues was wholely new and difficult. There are so many things that I derived through the experience, but one definite outcome is that I learned about YDMUN(Yonsei Delegation for Model United Nations), which later became a big reason I wanted to come to Yonsei University. It feels very strange and rather surprising that after just a couple of years, my wish has come true, and I’m now in a position of perhaps planting a similar motivation to starting delegates.

2.) How is YMUN different from other MUNs you’ve participated in?

Both as a delegate and a chair, I have participated in so many different kinds of MUN conferences: those held under universities as YMUN, ones organized by high school students, domestic, international, THIMUN rule, UNA-USA rule, size grand, size small. All have different atmospheres not to mention that even among the same conferences, the characteristics differ year after year. One thing that makes YMUN differentiates from all is that it is a part of the passion of YDMUN's mission. The organizing members strive to study the United Nations from the core and annually participate in National Model United Nations held in New York, UN head quarters. It is our intention to share this experience with the high school participants through Yonsei Model United Nations. In fact, each committee secretariat, whom are YDMUN members, take direct responsibility of a committee to ensure the quality of chair reports, position papers, and debate.

3.) What does MUN mean in your life?

Starting Model United Nations was a huge ‘growth’. Everything in school was about understanding the status quo submissively. We were not given much opportunities to raise questions. In this course of life, social issues and government policies were something too professional and difficult, which too were only to be understood as they are. However, in Model United Nations, I was expected to raise questions to the status quo, challenge definitions and make changes to the set policies. What I consider a growth is not the grand amount of knowledge about the international society that I came to learn, but the confidence that I gained, along with discovering my very own potential. It has brought me a step closer to my future.

4.) What sets your committee apart from every other committee?

General Assembly is the biggest committee in YMUN 2012. Therefore, the challenges are greater. Participants have to speak in front of greater number or audiences, not to mention the greater pool of clashing stances that they have to convince to bring on a consensus. But at the same time, opportunities also double. Double the number of different backgrounds, and therefore double the number of different experiences and double the chance of creating the most precious relationships of your life!

5.) What aspect of MUN do you consider most valuable?

Diversity. No other activity or occupation is as diverse as the United Nations in so many ways. First, the agendas dealt in the conference are diverse. In fact, they are about everything in the world, from wars, energy, women’s rights, and animals to even PC viruses. Because of this, the pool of participant’s interest or qualities does not discriminate or is advantageous to any particular profession or expertise. A person is interested in law; one capped with expertise in computers can all find a discussion table that is related with their areas of interest and contribute. Moreover, in the friction between the indiscriminate nature and the diversity of interests and power, participants hone the ability to deal with differences.

6.) What do you think are the most important qualities a delegate must possess?

Two qualities: Good listening skills and confidence. First, delegates are in a negotiation table of diverse and different interests. You will only be able to break the deadlock of problems if you listen to the different positions and understand how different interests are intertwined. More importantly, your proposals will only be heard, only if you listen and embrace other’s proposals. No one will care to listen to you when you block your ears and only mouth about your concerns. Second, everything about the delegate’s role is pushed through confidence. The courage to go and speak in front of the podium, the courage to approach other delegates for lobbying is only followed by confidence. Such confidence does not necessary come from being a good speaker rhetorically, but comes after diligent research and preparation that gives sustainable confidence to the delegate about the flow of debate in hand.

7.) Do you have any last words of advice for the participants?

I do not know the different courses that bring different participants to be here. And as much as the purposes are diverse, the results that you expect to reap and the experiences that you will take home will also be different. But regardless, have fun. Make friends, appreciate so many things that you learn about the world and take YMUN 2012 as an opportunity to find a new facet of yourself.

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Interview with Deputy Secretary General Helen Lee

Helen Lee is the vivacious and meticulous Deputy Secretary General of YMUN 2012. She is the driving force behind a number of YMUN's new features, such as this very blog, and has participated in YMUN 2011 as the delegate of France in the Security Council. She is a freshman at Yonsei University's  Political Science and International Studies Department.

1.  Why MUN?
Good question. I started MUN in 10th grade, but only as this one-time fling. Back then, I was an extreme overachiever with multiple honor and AP classes and three other time-consuming extracurriculars. I knew well enough that I was on the brink of collapse, so my commitment to MUN was only halfhearted. In fact, MUN was on the top of my list to jettison the moment I showed signs of cracking, but my very first MUN exposure –as the delegate of Italy in BEIMUN’s Security Council – got me hooked. The fervent debate, the impassioned speeches, the occasional analogies and the eloquence spurting out from left and right –it was hook, line and sinker. Love at first sight.

2. What do you find most difficult about MUN?
Diplomacy. I’m notorious for my brutal honesty. When I read a horrendous resolution, I want to call it horrendous, but that’s not how MUN works. You have to play nice in order to muster votes for your resolution and receive a nice superlative on the very last day. The word “diplomacy” itself implies sensitivity to and dexterity with other people’s emotions, but I fail miserably in that department. For me, candor is an absolute virtue – even in its most unpalatable proportions. I find it difficult to bottle in the nastier bits.

3. What is your role as Deputy Secretary General?
The Secretary General runs the conference. I help her run it. The big part of my job leading up to YMUN consisted of training our talented YMUN chairs. I have great faith in their overall competence because I’ve badgered them with numerous training sessions and disciplinary talks. During the conference, you’ll be able to find me at the Approval Panel or sitting in on one of the committee sessions. You should also be able to spot me walking down the hall with my way-cool walkie-talkie.

4. What makes YMUN special?
Definitely the bonds. YMUN’s extremely professional, but still has this friendly and inclusive feel to it. I’ve found most Korean MUNs to be snobby and exclusive, but that runs counter to the spirit of MUN. MUN is about congregating different, at times even antithetical people in order to navigate common ground, but what I saw at most Korean MUNs was acquainted delegates, usually from the same prestigious foreign language high schools, forming exclusive cliques and hogging the podium spotlight. YMUN, however, accommodates for delegates both new and experienced. This inclusive atmosphere fosters greater intimacy and intermingling between the different delegates, and the bonds forged during the conference really add up to something special.

5. Do you have any last words of advice for the participants?
If you’re too intimidated to start out at the podium, wait until a delegate calls for a moderated caucus. Try speaking from your seat and let your confidence build. If that’s too nerve-racking, make your voice heard during an unmoderated caucus and gain confidence from there. Don’t be too disheartened if your first day at YMUN fails to meet your expectations. There’s always the second day and the third. No one starts off as an MUN genius, so give yourself time and patience.

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Interview with Secretary General Ho-Jung Joo

Ho-Jung Joo is the ebullient and indefatigable Secretary General of YMUN 2012. Her complicated relationship with YMUN stretches back to the very first conference of 2008, in which she participated as the delegate of Switzerland in UNHRC. In the 2011 conference, she served as the committee secretary of the League of Arab States (LAS), and she's climbed to ranks yet again to serve as the secretary general of YMUN 2012.

1. You’re living history for YMUN.
Living history? Haha. The expression seems a bit exaggerated, but it is true that YMUN has taken up a majority of my MUN experience. I know that many students who will be participating in the upcoming YMUN conference are new to MUN, and I also know how nervous they must be - I was also a rookie when I participated in the 1st YMUN conference. I can still remember how confused I was, preparing for position papers and trying to understand the rules of procedure. But I really enjoyed the experience, which motivated me to participate in YMUN until now!

2. How is this upcoming YMUN different from the YMUN(s) you’ve participated in?
There are two major differences. First of all, we have adapted a theme of "positive peace" that runs through all committees. Although the change the delegates feel may be minimal, adaptation of a unifying theme gives the conference a stronger sense of direction. Unlike past conferences in which delegates in different committees debated with completely different mindsets, now delegates in all committees will bear a shared theme in mind.  Secondly, this conference has a variety of committee sizes. YMUN already had many committees that accommodated numbers ranging from 40 to 60 delegates, but lacked smaller committees. So this time we tried to broaden the spectrum by adopting European Union and the Crisis Cabinet in addition to the existing Security Council. Furthermore, an additional committee has been created to the middle school division.

3. What are some highlights of your experience with MUN?
Although performing well during the conference is important, I think the highlight of MUN experience is about getting to meet people that you would not have met otherwise. Last year, I even went to Caribbean Bay with the friends I made during a college MUN conference! Please do not be afraid to socialize - you never know if some of the delegates sitting next to you would end up as your closest friends!

4. What aspect of MUN do you consider most valuable?
To me, MUN has been a place for testing my limits. At first it was difficult to approach other delegates, and it was even more discouraging to stand and talk in front of so many people. Then when I went to College MUN in the United States, I faced a load of other problems such as overcoming prejudices, and persuading other brilliant delegates with my ideas. It was difficult, but I could see myself grow as I fought through those challenges - and there are not many things in the world that is as exciting as that. 

5. What do you think are the most important qualities a delegate must possess? 
I believe that the delegate who enjoys the most is the best delegate. People may vary in what they enjoy - some might enjoy persuading others, some might enjoy sharing innovative ideas with others, and some might enjoy getting to know new people. It doesn't matter where you derive your passion from; just enjoy - enthusiasm is what drives the debate!

6. Do you have any last words of advice for the participants? 
Again, please enjoy the conference. I would not ask you to not be nervous, because I know how it feels. But try your best to reach out to other delegates, delve into your committee agendas, and make this experience yours!

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