ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015
NEWSLETTER
Rotaract club Beograd welcomes you to Rotaract Global Model United Nations 2015 Model United Nations conferences or short MUNs are academic conferences where county representatives and/or delegates assume the role of representing a country and debate in formal sessions, current political, social and economic issues. Participants can be students, youth workers and/or leaders and young professionals from across the world. MUNs represent an opportunity to learn how to influence decision-making at international level. The final goal is sending a youth message to the UN and other international organizations. Each year the conference jumps in a different country and is organized by a different Rotaract Club. Following the historical structure of the United Nations mechanism and its procedures, Rotaract Global Model United Nations aims to bring young people’s solutions to global problems on the UN desk. To achieve this dream, Rotaract Global Model United Nations promotes excellence in education, professionalism in organization and integrity in performance. The event took place in 2013 in Baia Mare, Romania and had its second edition in 2014 in London, UK. Rotaract Global Model United Nations transcends from a mere simulation to an actual youth decision-making process. It introduces the concept of Rapporteur Office whose goal is to ensure that the conference outcomes are presented, edited and transmitted in a clear and concise manner to the world and the regional and international decision-making bodies. Through this novel and innovative approach, Rotaract Global Model United Nations brings a new vision to the MUN Network and to the other conferences of this type. Besides the chance to get trained as a young diplomat, Rotaract International Model United Nations grants you the opportunity to explore different cultures and test your interpersonal and intercultural dialogue skills. Participants may come alone, but will discover an ocean of possibilities in establishing friendships with other participants. Rotaract International Model United Nations is waiting for young enthusiastic, visionary and self-motivated people to join the team this year in Belgrade, Serbia! RotaractMUN motto is “excellence in education, professionalism in organization and integrity in performance�.
By modeling United Nations, we encourage knowledge of international affairs, research, understanding of parliamentary procedure, analytical reasoning, problem solving, negotiation, oral and written presentation of ideas, and professionalism. By working together as a team, drawing from the past and present, we strive to prepare our youth for the future and empower them to be more involved in decision making. Rotaract Global Model United Nations transcends from a mere simulation to an actual youth decision-making process. It introduces the concept of Rapporteur Office whose goal is to ensure that the conference outcomes are presented, edited and transmitted in a clear and concise manner to the world and the regional and international decision -making bodies. Through this novel and innovative approach, Rotaract Global Model United Nations brings a new vision to the MUN Network and to the other conferences of this type.
Our mission is to promote and encourage awareness, understanding, tolerance, and acceptance of the world’s peoples, cultures, beliefs and attitudes by organizing, sponsoring or promoting conferences according to models of United Nations and other international organizations. We believe that people’s involvement in all levels of local, national and global decision making is essential in order to achieve the goals of the United Nations. Together we can build an international Youth Decision Making Body and the youth voice will be heard world wide.
About us... Rotaract Club Beograd is the oldest Rotaract Club in Serbia with tradition of 20 years, sponsored by the Rotary Club Beograd. For many years, Rotaract Club Beograd has seen tens and thousand high-quality young people who joined the Club to contribute to the community under the idea ‘’SERVICE ABOVE SELF’’. Rotaract Club Beograd today has signed a twinning charter with a numerous clubs from Serbia and abroad such as Rotaract Club Novi Sad, Rotaract Club Pancevo, Rotaract Club Zagreb/Croatia, Rotaract Club Banja Luka/Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rotaract Club Skopje/FYR Macedonia, Rotaract Club Metropole Sfax/ Tunisia and Rotaract Club EST Rome/Italy, Rotaract Club of Marmara, Istanbul/Turkey and Rotaract club Krasnodar/Russia… We like to quote our Past President with this truly deep sentence in which we believe:”In the time to reflect crisis is a global issue, our duty as individuals in society is to spread good will. We are not expected to significantly change the environment in which we live, but should give a good example – an example of good manners and a nice example of how to deal with people around us. The motive for this behavior you need to find deep within yourself, because that is exactly the place where the real change occur”. Short facts about us: For two decades of continuous working, the Rotaract Club Belgrade
has held 800 regular meetings and 200 lectures Organized the first Rotaract Conference in Serbia for South Eastern Europe, 2001 The first Rotaract club was involved with Rotary in establishing the Inter-Country Committee of Serbia – Macedonia, 2012 Rotary International received recognition for presidential action (Presidential service) for 2012/2013 year Received recognition of Rotary International for the expansion of Rotary in 2000/2001 year Supported NURDOR to enter the Guinness Book of Records, through the “longest drawing in the world”, 2012 Organized project of support for UTLOS, selected among the 20 best European Rotaract projects (BESP) Participated in the organization of the first Rotaract European Meeting (REM) in Serbia, 2011 had six representatives in the district Rotaract committees Has been in 4 different districts
The organizing team: Mina Vasović Project Manager Her motto: “When other people see problems, I see challenges.“
Marija Božović Club President Her motto: “Let your smile change the world!”
Ljiljana Rađenović IT Expert Her motto: “Forget all the reasons why it won’t work and believe the one reason why it will!”
Maja Petričević Marketing and Promotion Her motto: “If you can dream it, you can do it. Always remember that this whole thing was started with a dream and a mouse.”
Jelena Vujanović Financial Director Her motto: “Positive thoughts generate positive feelings and attract positive life experiences.”
Ana Bošnjak Transport and Logistics “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace.“
Milena Ratajac Social evenings Manager “The best way to predict the future is to create it.”
Jelena Simonović Venue Manager “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Let’s make this world a better place together!”
We proudly present you the letter that we received from K.R. Ravindran, President of Rotary International 2015 - 2016.
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION
I have participated in more than 20 Model United Nations Conferences around the world and I have never seen anything like that. Every single delegate in every committee, whether a first-timer or an experienced one, impressed us beyond words by working hard every step of the way. Guided by the experienced Secretariat and the incredibly hardworking Chairs from around the world, they presented suggestions and resolutions that have never been heard before, simple and effective, which could actually make a difference. They had an amazing time, they got to understand different cultures from around the world and they got to realize that our similarities are more than our differences. We are now asking you to give us a chance to present their effort and pioneer thinking to the world. We ask you to give us some time to show the work we have been putting into this huge global project where Rotary and the United Nations became ONE. We ask you to help us all Rotaractors present our solutions to crucial issues that concern the international community and make a difference.
With Rotaract regards, Danai Beka Secretary General Rotaract Global Model United Nations 2015
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION
Organs Security Council Topic Area: RELIGIOUS EXTREMISM SPREAD BY ISIS AS A THREAT TO INTERNATIONAL PEACE AND SECURITY Human Rights Council Topics: Topic Area A: THE INTERNATIONAL REFUGEE CRISIS: THE RIGHTS OF REFUGEES AND ASYLUM SEEKING PEOPLE Topic Area B: THE RIGHT TO PRIVACY IN THE DIGITAL AGE Economic and Social Council Topics: Topic Area A: THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL IMPACT OF EBOLA ON THE AFFECTED COUNTRIES AND SOLUTIONS FOR AN EFFICIENT AND MULTI -SECTORAL RESPONSE Topic Area B: SECURING AND ATTAINING SUSTAINABLE WATER MANAGEMENT Legal Committee Topics: Topic Area A: MEASURES TO COMBAT INTERNATIONAL TERRORISM Topic Area B: CRIMINAL ACCOUNTABILITY OF UN OFFICIALS
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION Wednesday, 26th August
The opening Ceremony of International Youth Conference of Rotaract Global MUN took place at Assembly of the City of Belgrade. The delegates were welcomed by General Secretary Danai Beka and project manager Mina Vasović. Rules of Procedure were explained after presenting all chairs and cochairs. The delegates listened carefully to the speakers and left the Assembly of the City very enthusiastic and motivated. When the ceremony finished it was time for Diplomatic gala dinner.
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION Wednesday, 26th August
Rotaract Global MUN 2015 was inaugurated with Diplomatic gala dinner at Hyatt Regency Hotel where we all had opportunity to enjoy great music, delicious dinner and amazing atmosphere. The event was opened by inspiring and greate speaches of Mina Vasović, Project Manager, Proffesor Dejan Čikara, District Governor, Stefan Antić, Research Associate, Center for International Relations and Sustainable Development. Kevin Rex, Deputy Head of Mission Counsellor and Adrian Dan Pop, creator of the idea of Rotaract Global MUN. Dear delegates, we wish you an unforgettable experience and a lot of new friends. We hope that this conference will meet your expectations!
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION Thursday, 27th August
It's time for debate sessions... The work of four Committees: Security Council, Human Rights Council, Economic and Social Council and Legal Committee commenced today. The delegates were ready to debate so the first day was very successful. We are very honered that Vlado Damjanović, the MUNPlanet initiator, joined us in each committee to meet the Country Delegates and build together a larger ModelUN community.
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION Thursday, 27th August
After the long day of debating, delegates enjoyed the sightseeing and delicious dinner at restaurant Tag. They had opportunity to hear interesting stories about the capital of Serbia and to have dinner at one of the best restaurants with the most beautiful view.
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION Friday, 28th August The second day of the conference was also very interesting. Participants enthusiastically participated in debates. Although everyone had great time during the sessions, all were eager for a coffee break. Then all together, participants, chairs and organizers were hanging out in the lobby of the university, talking and exchanging impressions.
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION Friday, 28th August
Each international event should have a national dinner. We had it on Friday night. Delegates from around the world brought their own specialties that represent their countries. We enjoyed the home-made sweets, delicious food and drinks, danced with traditional dances and music. The organizing team also prepared a presentation of Serbian dance, food and drink and gave a gift to each participant. This was an unforgettable evening.
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION Saturday, 30th August
The last day of RGMUN was left for presentation of adopted resolutions. All participants and chairs were satisfied with the committed work. The best delegates were awarded and all participants received certificates of participation. The group of young people worked together and managed to reach joint solutions to global problems and succeeded in making their voice heard. Congratulations to all! The organizational team is very proud of all the delegates, chairs and all people who contributed to make this happen and to come to a common goal.
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION Saturday, 30th August
This year, after three days of intense debate, the delegates of the Committees: Security Council, Human Rights Council, Economic and Social Council and the Legal Committee came up with impressive results and presented simple and realistic solutions that have never been heard before and can actually make a difference. Two were the most significant conclusions that were made by the end of the conference. A. Young minds working together CAN make a difference. There were young Rotaractors literally from all over the world that let go of their differences and tried to cooperate to resolve some of the most complicated issues that concern the international community. And the results were at least impressive. B. Rotary and Rotaract working with the United Nations CAN make a difference. This was proven in a truly global conference, a United Nations simulation organized by Rotaract. All delegates were from different countries, different backgrounds and different cultures. But they all shared the same love and respect for the Rotary institution and they were all determined to make a difference in this world. They were determined to find the points which they agree upon rather than the ones which they disagree upon. All of them, experienced or not, were determined to be a gift in the world. During and after the conference. And their impressive, simple and realistic solutions, the ones they put so much effort, hope and consideration on, SHOULD be heard. They are a gift to the world.
Rotary International tweets about our Rotaract MUN Representatives at RI United Nations Day in UN Headquarters in New York, talking in Peace and Conflict Resolution panel
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION Feedback from the sessions HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL After a thorough discussion between the Chairs of the Human Rights Council (Evina Karamanli, Marija Markovic) and the Secretary General of the Conference (Danai Beka), the Agenda of the Committee included two very interesting topics that became the source of thinking intense and debate during the conference. A. The international refugee crisis: the rights of refugees and asylum seeking people. The delegates started by stating that the biggest crisis of our days is not a financial one. It is the refugee crisis all over the world and especially in Europe. The debate was heated, the suggestions were a lot and controversial and the participants soon presented and voted in favor of an impressive resolution with pioneer solutions that addressed not only the rights of refugees but also the extended difficulties that the host countries face. The final document incorporated both short-term and long-term suggestions, simple and realistic that could hopefully put an end to this crisis and to the suffering of refugees while supporting the host countries that lack infrastructure to accept the extended waves of people that pass through their borders. The delegates felt the responsibility on their hands, not only because they knew that their suggestions might reach the actual United Nations, but also because they saw the problem with their own eyes. Members of the Rotaract Club of Beograd suggested that the delegates of the Human Rights Council could visit areas of Belgrade where refugees are situated. The participants soon realized that the refugee crisis is everywhere; it is part of our lives. It is real. After that, the delegates refused to take a break between the sessions until they could come up with effective solutions to this issue! B. The right to privacy in the digital age The second topic of the Human Rights Council was very different from the previous one. In the contemporary digital age, the capacity of governments, organizations and even individuals to be in complete control of monitoring, data collection and, inevitably, interception has been enhanced by communication technologies, whose vulnerability has caused deep concern regarding human rights violations. This was the first remark during the sessions. The delegates got to understand deeply what constitutes a privacy violation, the measures that need to be adopted in order to ascertain the protection of the relevant human rights (focusing on data protection) and discussed extensively the remaining challenges and opportunities for action. Moreover they debated upon existing legislation and resolutions and potential amendments where needed. By the end of the conference, the delegates of the Human Rights Council presented a second, all-inclusive resolution for which the Chairs of the committee were simply proud of.
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION Feedback from the sessions
SECURITY COUNCIL Now that was an impressive committee from the very beginning. All delegates of the Council were very experienced and knew the policy of the country they represented better than their own names. They visited embassies before the conference, they did extended research and they felt the importance of being a representative in the only organ of the United Nations whose decisions can be enforced immediately. The Topic area of this year‟s sessions was Religious extremism spread by ISIS as a threat to international peace and security. The President of the Council (our experienced Suhaas Savio Ema with more than 30 MUN conferences in his cv, who also presented last year‟s resolution at the UN), along with his Vice-President (Christopher Zafeiris), helped with this controversial topic while the delegates were discussing effective ways to address this conflict and the threats it presents to international peace and security as well as the human rights violations that take place as a result of it (the right to religion and its impairment). They also discussed extensively how the ideal conditions that help ISIS thrive can be eliminated and measures that the Security Council can adopt in case the situation gets out of hand. The main realization that took place during the sessions was that the issue lies in the ideology and in peoples‟ minds and it cannot be solved by a simple intervention or by taking down a representative of ISIS. After this realization the delegates simply examined the ideology of the people and tried to address the issue from “inside”, a tactic that has never been used before. Besides this interesting and controversial topic, the delegates of the UNSC dealt amazingly with a surprisecrisis that was brought during the session by the Crisis Committee (Chair: Jovan Shopovski). The representatives dealt with everything with a great deal of maturity, beyond personal beliefs and opinions, and literally took on the problem like real world delegates. They did not get caught up with their own personal agendas but rather sought a solution for a greater cause when adopting a resolution that aimed to tackle the issue in a simple and effective way, as well as solving the crisis that occurred. It was a real United Nations Security Council in all its glory.
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION Feedback from the sessions
ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL The topics of the Economic and Social Council in this year‟s conference focused on issues that have been addressed not only by the United Nations but by Rotary International as well. The Chair (Natalia Hermida, an actual diplomat in Lebanon) and Co-Chair (Elisavet Dravalou) decided the Agenda with the Secretary General (Danai Beka) while bearing in mind the character of the Committee and their role in Rotary and the UN too. The final Agenda was consisted of: A. The Economic and Social Impact of Ebola on the affected countries and solutions for an efficient and multi -sectoral response This Topic area was pioneer since it did not aim at addressing the immediate effects of the virus but rather deal with the long-term economic and social consequences. The delegates began the sessions with the understanding that the Ebola outbreak affected and almost tore down social ties and cohesion in the three most affected countries and that people‟s fear of getting infected had caused suspicion and isolation. Schools closed and tourism and commerce were dramatically affected in a negative way because of the epidemic. The delegates then did a fantastic job by discussing every dimension of the issue at hand, by addressing the long-term effects and by proposing solutions that could eliminate the problem, paying special attention to certain vulnerable groups. The resolution that was drafted was an allinclusive document with simple and effective solutions, worthy of the Economic and Social Council and of what the Committee represents. B. Securing and Attaining Sustainable Water Management As Ban Ki Moon once said, “Safe drinking water and adequate sanitation are crucial for poverty reduction, crucial for sustainable development and crucial for achieving any and every one of the Millennium Development Goals”. This particular phrase was repeated many times during the sessions while the delegates realized the significance of the topic they were asked to resolve. The representatives addressed it while respecting every country`s policy and position and while taking into consideration the adopted resolutions and relevant UN bodies and actions. The outcome of the heated debate was a resolution that incorporated all of the above while at the same time suggesting new measures and solutions in order to secure and attain sustainable water management.
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION Feedback from the sessions
LEGAL COMMITTEE This particular committee was a small jewel; a room consisted of professionals, leaded by two extraordinary and hardworking Chairs (Joshika Saraf and Sonia Saranti). Rotaractors from around the world discussed the topics: A. Measures to combat international terrorism. Within the context of the legal committee the notion of combating terrorism was examined from its purely legal perspective. It addressed the issue as it stands from its problematic definition to notions such as „proportionality‟. The existing international instruments were taken into consideration during the entire procedure and the delegates worked incredibly hard on drafting what was, by the end of the conference, the most impressive resolution we had seen, a true piece of art that no one could believe it was not a product of the actual Legal Committee of the United Nations. Issues such as targeted killing, assassination of terrorist in legislation, state responsibility, „war on terror‟ and derogations from the international law of human rights and international humanitarian law were only some of the issues that were discussed before the representatives drafted this impressive document that we will be proud to present. The delegates presented extraordinary interest in this topic. Most importantly, they came across solutions that were pioneer compared to the ones that have been voted upon for the same topic. They were passionate, very well informed on the topic and they tried to contribute at the best of their capacity both during the committee sessions and while drafting their resolution, hoping that the solutions and their voices will be heard and make a difference.
B. Criminal accountability of UN officials and experts on mission. This second topic was also a rather hard and controversial one that required extended research on behalf of the delegates. It was a very demanding and technical issue which required special knowledge and much preparation. This legal committee however utterly stood to the occasion. The deep research the delegates made was more than obvious even before the sessions, when the delegates sent their position papers. This could not but be reflected to the sessions too, where the debate on the topic was valid and to the point every single second. The Chairs were impressed by the quality of the proposals that were incorporated into the final resolutions and the Secretary General along with the Organizing Committee could not but admit that this particular Council was consisted of pure ambassadors who took their role seriously and presented us with at least impressive suggestions.
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION Feedback from the sessions Luke Addison represented Cuba at the Rotaract Model United Nations Conference From the 26th to the 30th of August I was lucky enough to be able to participate in the third Rotaract Global Model United Nations, held in Belgrade, Serbia, and attended by some of the most inspiring, and influential young people I have ever met. The Model United Nations is a concept that walks in the shadow of the actual UN, and provides young people the opportunity to see how the UN works and experience it for themselves, what this means is that once accepted as a delegate, you will be assigned a country and a council; Human Rights, Legal, Security etc, and then the debate subjects. It is with this new information that you have to read about that country’s policies, brush up on your knowledge of flags and the globe (it can be incredibly embarrassing when asked to point to your country on a map… so I’m told.) and prepare yourself to represent that country for the next four days inside the conference. I was assigned to represent Cuba, to be in the Human Rights Council and to learn Cuba’s policies towards the refugee crisis and then about Privacy on the internet… Yes, it was an ‘eyebrow-raising’ moment for myself too. So I had two weeks to learn everything I possibly could about Cuba, their history, their government, the international relationships and their people. My research was vast, I contacted a Cuban magazine (in Spanish!), watched documentaries, read books, spoke at a Winchester Rotary meeting and asked for any advice from any Rotarians who had been and of course, emailed the British Ambassador to Cuba, Tim Cole, who gave me excellent advice and has been very helpful. The preparation stage had ended, and I prepared to board the flight to Serbia, arriving at our hotel and meeting other delegates. Everyone opened with the same questions ‘Who are you? Where are you from? and who are you representing?’ In the first hour, I met a Brit who had China, a Serbian representing France, a Mexican looking out for the USA and Venezuela getting spoken for by Lebanese! It’s fair to say the mixture of the group was amazing, not just in terms of countries representing inside the debates but from where people were really from. The organizers counted over 35 different nationalities in one room at one time, and these are all young people from all walks of life coming together to actually discuss some of the most important current issues in the world. Of course, these were also young people who know (and need!) to have a good time too, but the responsibility of the participation was felt by everyone, not only because the UN would be actually reading our Solution papers, but also because what we were discussing in our groups were real issues, some of them costing hundreds and thousands of real lives, and for the first time, at least in my view, a group of young people have actually been invited to sit down and asked for solutions to these problems. Young people who have great ideas were given a voice, and a powerful voice, and I think that was felt by everyone in just the first session, and it certainly carried on far beyond the end of the conference.
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION
The conference itself was essentially a conference for young people, held by young people, and it worked perfectly. Each council was well represented, and all discussions and debates were enriching and genuinely impacting. When discussing the Refugee crisis, our group was actually taken to one of the camps in central Serbia, and to see the people there, these people who we had just been discussing earlier that day, became so real. Only a few times in my whole life have I been as silent as I was there, in absolute disbelief as to the nature of what I was seeing. In our second session, a young lady from Columbia, currently working in the Lebanese Embassy spoke to us, and explained the refugee crisis from a point most of us couldn’t even comprehend, 2.7 million refugees at their borders, who can’t come in because their country thrives from tourist economy, if they lose that they lose their country. And in the UK, we were upset because, I quote‘…British summer holiday plans in ruin’. It really puts a new perspective on a situation. The great thing was, we weren’t just pulling out facts and figures, our direction was towards solutions and every single person in our room spoke about how to help these people (Okay, admittedly, there were a few who very much ‘in character’ of certain countries, may not have expressed such constructive solutions, but once they stepped out of their roles in the coffee break, the real discussions were had!) We spoke of ways countries could work together; how collaboration was key and what we can do in our own home countries when we got back. Overall, it was the most influential and inspirational experiences I have had, I made lasting friendships with people from other sides of the globe, I learnt a lot about myself and I realised the potential this can have on changing the way young people view the world, and on the way they are views by it. Towards the end of the conference, the man who was behind just about everything, Adrian, spoke to our group and showed his passion towards getting young people together to address important issues, his enthusiasm and genuine belief that we can make a difference was clear, and he told us of his plan to use the MUNs to develop an organisation of young diplomats, who will come together on issues and get the voice of young people actually heard. This is what we hope to do now, to continue working with each other, travelling to visit projects and conferences and making sure we have a platform to discuss, debate and solve the problems we are affected by. Thank you so much for the experience MUN Team, Rotaract, Winchester Rotary and many others. And well done to everyone that took part.
Luke Addison Delegate, Rotaract Global Model United Nations
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION Feedback from the sessions At first, I was very insecure about chairing the council. Besides not having any experience in chairing, I've never seen myself in such an authoritative position. I am not bossy as a person, actually the thought of being in the spotlight for days was really intimidating.Than I decided to do something that always helps in these situation, turn to my friends for help. Luckily, a lot of my friends are experienced MUNers. Through MUNplanet activities, I've met a lot of great people who gave me amazing advice. I've received many emails with explanations about rules of procedures, writing study guides and solving possible concerns. The amount of support that I have got turn my fear into excitement. Our agenda was more than interesting as well. The topics that were on perfectly portrait the biggest issues nowadays: the right to privacy at the digital age and international refugee crisis. Being an recent graduate of international relations with a passion for human rights, I found these topics very intriguing so I couldn't wait for a debate to start! The biggest challenge for me when it comes to organizing part was how to get involved all the delegates in the preparation process. Due to a truly international character that Rotaract has always had, delegates have come from all around the world (India, Greece, United Kingdom, Germany, Bulgaria, Lebanon, etc) so it was not easy to reach them all. Not to mention how busy they all were, some of them were traveling from another conferences at that moment. My biggest help and the girl who made it all possible was our chair, Evina Karamanli, who had enough chairing experience to find the best approach. Because of her amazing work, we managed to organize them all prior the conference and collect great position papers. And finally, the day of meeting has arrived! From the first moment I met delegates, I knew that we will not have any problem. That was a group of smartest, nicest and funniest people ever. We connected very well from the beginning and started having great time. I’ve really hoped that we can have a great communication during the sessions as well. And, yes, I was right! From the first session to another, the discussion was getting more and more interesting. I was pleasantly surprised how well prepared they all were and how good they were in expressing the views and interests of their countries. I am proud to say that we come up with a great resolution that will, without a doubt, be good enough for negotiating in the UN. If I have to sum up everything that I’ve experienced in a couple of words, that would be: inspiring, intensive and UNFORGETTABLE! Besides the chance to get trained as a young diplomat, Rotaract International Global MUN gave me the opportunity to explore different cultures and test my interpersonal and intercultural dialogue skills. But most important of all, it gave me the chance to establish friendships with the most enthusiastic, visionary and self-motivated people I have ever met. And I am sure that our paths will cross again, somewhere around the globe! Marija Markovic Co-chair, Rotaract Global Model United Nations
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION Rotary day at the United Nations Headquarters
After many challenging months during which we resolved various obstacles, our heart was full when 70 participants from 25 countries worldwide joined together and those ingenious young brains came up with brilliant resolution which made this conference very successful. The best was yet to come. What makes this conference unique is the fact that the voice of those young people, who have discussed world popular and sensitive topics during Rotaract Global Model United Nations in Belgrade, has reached the UN Headquarters. Each year, Rotary Day at the United Nations invites more than 1,300 Rotarians including many Rotary International Directors, Foundation Trustees, past Senior Leaders, and guests to come together at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. The program is designed to inspire and educate all participants as well as provide insight into the relationship between Rotary International and the United Nations. This year, special day for Rotaract Global Model United Nations 2015 was November 7th, 2015 when Project Manager - Mina Vasovic and Secretary General - Danai Beka as Rotaract Global MUN representatives had a great contribution, attending different sessions and talking in the Peace and Conflict Resolution panel at UN Headquarters in New York City, USA. Beside having this amazing opportunity to represent our initiative, bringing the youth voice on the desk of United Nations, we were also privileged to hear RI President Ravindran’s speech about Rotary’s Response: How Rotary women are addressing these challenges, about the relation between Rotary and UN, Polio Update, wonderful Introduction to Rotary’s Global Women of Action. We were honored to finish this day at the dinner which was organized by RI President Ravindran for only 50 people from our huge Rotary family including UN representatives.
Participants, Chairs, Secretary General and Project Manager of Rotaract MUN in UN Headquarters
Peace and conflict resolution panelists : - Derran Moss, Political Affairs Officer, UN Department of Peacekeeping and Rotary Peace Fellow Alumnus - Carla Lineback, Rotary Peace Fellow Allumna - Danai Beka, Secretary General, Rotaract MUN 2015 - Mina Vasovic, Project Manager, Rotaract MUN 2015
ROTARACT GLOBAL MODEL UNITED NATIONS 2015 3rd EDITION Rotary day at the United Nations Headquarters
President K.R. Ravindran explaining the importance of honoring Rotary's Global Women of Action
With Helen Reisler, Alternate Rotary Representative in United Nations/ New York and moderator of Peace and Conflict Resolution Panel, who tremendously helped us to be part of this Rotary UN Day
Speaking at youth session about Rotaract MUN importance
“One child, one teacher, one book and one pen can change the world.“
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