Isar Model United Nations Conference in Munich, 2nd- 4th December 2011

About

What does MUN stand for?

MUN stands for Model United Nations, explaining already the main idea of MUN conferences: Simulating the real United Nations, its sub-organs and related bodies. Each participant acts as a delegate and represents the interests of an assigned country as realistic as possible. In simulated committees like the Security Council or the General Assembly delegates debate about current global issues throughout the scope of a conference which lasts from one day up to a week. They try to find comprehensive solutions while applying certain rules of procedure similar to those of the UN. The topics are also usually similar to those discussed by the real United Nations. The work in the committees consists on one hand on formal debate where delegates hold speeches in front of the council and on the other hand they meet during informal caucus time where they can negotiate one to one and work on drafts for the final resolution. In the end of the conference the delegates have written and voted on resolutions that tackle the discussed problems.
The purpose of MUN conferences is that the students participating experience what it means to act diplomatic, to consider strategic interests and how difficult it is to find comprehensive solutions in global politics. They improve their knowledge about other countries and international relations as well as their rhetoric and diplomacy skills.
MUN conferences can be on a local level like a university, a regional level for example within a city or country or on a global level like the NMUN in New York or the WorldMUN in alternating cities.

What does IsarMUN stand for?

IsarMUN in its today’s format was first launched in 2008 by a cooperation of students from the Ludwig Maximilian Universität München and the Technische Universität München. Since then it has taken place annually in Munich with an increasing number of delegates and committees. Originally being seen as a training conference for larger international MUN’s it has now become an institution by itself offering apart from two full days of intense simulations an inspiring program with international guest speakers. This year’s conference will offer four committees, three of which are UN bodies and one being the European Council. IsarMUN’s conference language has always been English in all committees. Delegates usually come from the South East of Germany but with an increasing part of participants from other regions in Germany or even the surrounding neighbor countries.
In order to participate delegates have to fill in the online registration form and transfer the registration fee. They will then be assigned to a country and a committee depending on their preferences and experience. Background information on the two issues of each committee will be provided in the Study Guides available online. Further research on the topics and the country’s position is necessary but left in the hands of each delegate. Before the conference a Position Paper has to be handed in which states the country’s experiences and actions already conducted as well as its interests and a brief summary of ideas for a solution of the related problems.

http://www.isarmun.org/schedule/

Committees

At IsarMUN 2011, three UN bodies plus the European – Council will be simulated. In addition to the short introduction of councils and topics you find below, delegates will be provided with detailed background information by the end of October 2011. If you have any questions feels free to contact your chairs.

United Nations General Assembly Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee (SOCHUM)

The UN General Assembly’s Third Committee deals with topics regarding social, humanitarian affairs and human rights issues concerning people all over the world. As such the SOCHUM will deal with the issues 7 Billion people and the limits to growth and The Right to Water .
Study Guides are available here: Background Guide SOCHUM 2011
Chairs: Gila Baumöhl & Nicola Hillmer
Please send your position paper to: gila.baumoehl@isarmun.org

United Nations General Assembly Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)

The General Assembly’s First Committee deals with issues regarding disarmament and related international security questions. At IsarMUN 2011 the following topics will be on the floor: Cyberwarfare and International Security andSecurity and stability in the Arab world.
Study Guides are available here: Backgroundguide DISEC 2011
Chairs: Jan Tiedemann & Johannes Kleinhenz
Please send your position paper to: jan.tiedemann@isarmun.org

United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

The UNSC carries out its “primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security” (UN Charter, Chapter V, Article 24). Composed of 15 permanent and non-permanent members, the UNSC is widely regarded as the United Nation’s most influential body: Its competences (as laid out in Chapter VII of the UN Charter) include imposing economic sanctions and even deploying military force. The IsarMUN SC 2011 will  deal with the Current Situation in Afghanistan and  will discuss The Current Situation in Somalia
Study Guides are available here: Background Guide UNSC 2011
Chairs: Mark-Arne Fuhl & Nicki K. Weber
Please send your position paper to: mark.fuhl@isarmun.org

European Council

Created in 1974 as an informal forum of discussion between the Head of States the European Council has become an institution with the entry into force of the Treaty of Lisbon on 1 December 2009. It consists of the Heads of State or Government of the Member States. It directs the development of the European Union and therefore defines general political priorities. At IsarMUN 2011, there are two highly controversial topics on the committee’s agenda: The Financial and Economic Crisis in the European Union and The Regulation of Migration.
Study Guides are available here: Background Guide EU 2011
Due to the fast changing situation in the European Union there is an Update available to the Study Guide:
Update EU Council
Chairs: Simon Baumann & Daniel Keck
Please send your position paper to: simon.baumann@isarmun.org

http://www.isarmun.org/register/