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.

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.