THE DELEGATE 2022

THE DELEGATE

EDITOR’S NOTE:

Today we have excellent articles lined up for. We have some guest writers such as the President of Security Council Henry Steele, Alexandra Gidoiu from Bucharest who has written a piece on ‘The Future of Humanity’ and Kwasaki Yui and Saito Koki from Hitachi First High School in Japan, who have contributed an article on Water. We also have interviews, written by Tahnee and conducted by Jai, lined up from committee chairs Urusharman Hemanth and Samuel Chavet, as well as an article written by Inés Chapa from Colegio Ayalde, about Discrimination in the Workplace and Ella Burrow’s ‘Gender Equality in Global Politics’. Finally, we have a fun report of MUN’s Got Talent and of the Chapel Service on Sunday morning written by Alexandra Gidoiu. The amazing artwork of the front cover today has been done by Inés Chapa pondering on ‘The Future of Humanity’ . We hope you enjoy this edition!

Designer

Sam Alfred

Editors

Mr G Moseley

- Ms O Sava

Photographer

Jaishan Jethwa

Sara Zumaran from Colegio

Ayalde, Spain

Journalist

Tahnee Dione

Contributions

Henry Steele President of Security Council

Mr M Tanner

Mr G Moseley

Inés Chapa from Colegio Ayalde, Spain

Kwasaki Yui and Saito Koki from Hitachi First High School, Japan

Davit Togoevi, Lizi Chkheidze, Ivane Kuljanishvili, Lizi Arkania, Sandro Sartania, Keso Petriashvili from V.Komarov School in Tbilisi, Georgia

- Alexandra Gidoiu from George Coșbuc in Bucharest, Romania

CONTRIBUTIONS:

Heads of Press

Sam Alfred

- Ella Burrows

Artist -

-

Dora Liu

Inés Chapa from Colegio Ayalde, Spain

Interview with Committee Chair: Samuel Charvet – ECOFIN

1. What is your favourite part about working as a Committee Chair?

The bribes chocolate that is given to the chairs when delegates have their resolutions passed.

2. Why did you choose to work as a Committee Chair?

Because delegating is quite boring.

3. What is your best memory from MUN?

Eating the bribes.

4. What is the most important topic being discussed to you personally? Why?

Sustainable development because it underpins every topic being discussed. It’s the foundation.

Interview with Committee Chair: Urusharman Hemanth

1. What is your favourite part about working as a Committee Chair?

I like it when they say “honourable chairs” at the start of their sentences.

2. Why did you choose to work as a Committee Chair?

I’ve been a delegate multiple times and wanted to see what it is like being a chair.

3. What is your best memory from MUN?

It was when two delegates wanted to make a speech and couldn’t decide who should speak so I made them compete against each other.

4. What is the most important topic being discussed to you personally? Why?

Preparing for future pandemics because it is important for the future.

Committed Committees

ECOFIN

At times, ECOFIN was not too dissimilar from your average economic lesson, with many delegates discussing the price elasticity of oil, as well as the surpluses of oil created by countries in OPEC. In spite of this however, a vast plethora of ‘fruitful’ debate was still achieved, by all of those in this committee. Another common theme bought up in debate was the idea of state sovereignty surrounding the issues of energy security and the regulation of crypto currencies, which was often pushed heavily by the delegations of Sri Lanka and Saudi Arabia, who seemed to be a carbon copy of one another both in looks, accents and ideas. Outside of regular MUN debate, ECOFIN committee played the popular after conference game, ‘Take Me Out’, which ended up with no one actually taking anyone out, but was still fun, nonetheless. Overall, it has been great time for both delegates and chairs, and the chairs are grateful for every single one of the delegates keenness throughout the course of this conference.

Written by Samuel Charvet

SOCHUM 1

Discussions over issues such as climate change, social media regulation, migration rights and the COVID recovery in LEDC’s have been the centre around the SOCHUM committee. Concise and detailed resolutions from Pakistan, Oman and UAE in particular have allowed for other delegations to support their stances but also ask questions and make amendments to help solve the issues. There have been some lively discussions from nearly all delegations, but most notably UAE, Norway and Ethiopia have managed to lead the debate with their amendments, speeches and questions for other delegates.

Written by Joseph Abdool

Security Council Security Council have enjoyed three phenomenal days of strong and fruitful debate covering the topics of: Israel Palestine, reform of the International Criminal Court, reform of the Security Council and the expansion of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation in Europe. The committee has been led by Miles King and Henry Steele who have been astounded by the knowledge and debating skills of the delegates, in particular the delegations of Mexico, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates and Gabon. The Security Council is excited to discuss the passed resolution, submitted by Mexico, on the question of Israel Palestine in the General Assembly on Monday evening. Thank you to the delegates for making the Security Council at this year’s MUN Conference so enjoyable and the President of the Security Council wish them all the best for their futures.

Written by Henry Steele

SOCHUM 2 has had a weekend of exhilarating debate, starting with a resolution from Uganda The room was productive also debating resolutions from countries including France, Albania and Vietnam. The committee was very clinical, only passing three. We all had an amazing time full of peace and love, balancing debate with high levels of stress and tiredness. We’re looking forward to seeing some of our resolutions debated in GA.

Written by Christopher Lane

What future for humanity?

When the far away future of humanity crosses one’s mind, there are a few general directions their train of thought follows: mass extinction, life outside of earth and artificial intelligence. Though it may seem far-fetched at first glance, not so long ago people envisioned a future life with flying cars and outrageous technology, a life that doesn’t feel all that impossible now. So, are these outcomes actually plausible?

The idea of mass extinction stems from the impending issue of global warming; maybe earth as we know it will cease to exist, or maybe we humans will perish like all species before us have. Grim as it may sound, scientists are already predicting a sixth extinction due to a loss of habitat and, since the damage done to our planet cannot be reversed, we can only put off the inevitable. This scenario should always be in the back of our minds, to remind us that there may not be a future for the generations to come.

Ever since the first discoveries about space have been made, aliens and life on other planets have fascinated people, with decades of discussions about the existence of life in space and whether we could ever inhabit a different planet. The truth is that conditions on said planets are quite dire and it would take a lot of work to make living there possible. Personally, it doesn’t really seem that our home will change, even in thousands of years. But who knows? The mystery of outer space also happens to be its appeal.

Thoughts about the future always include evolution in the field of technology. Artificial Intelligence is something that humanity has not mastered yet, but which will probably be present in centuries to come. Of course, there is always the fear that robots will take over, with humans becoming obsolete and depending entirely on technology, but that feels a bit too dystopian still. There is no way that people will give up their work in science; after all, it has come so far, but people should learn not to be afraid of the unknown, since what was once fiction now treats diseases, helps people communicate and much more.

To conclude, one never knows what will happen next, and perhaps that adds to why life is so special, but it is always important to think about the consequences of certain actions and the world we are leaving for our successors to inherit. People can always contribute to scientific developments and, more easily, to keeping our habitat healthy, since their health also depends on it. But, what is perhaps most important, everyone should hope for the current global crises to end, for peace and well being; because life doesn’t really seem worth living if death, hunger, war, inequality and other issues never reach an end.

Gender equality in global politics

In order for men and women to achieve equality in global politics more is needed than just an equal share in government and ministerial positions. Men and women of all backgrounds need equal access and opportunities to political positions, allowing them to participate on an equal basis. There is also a disparity in the treatment of male and female politicians in the media, which further hinders the necessary advancement we need to make.

PRESENTATION OF FEMALE POLITICIANS IN THE MEDIA

Whilst everyone will have different views on a politician’s policy, and more often than not will disagree with the stance they take on issues, I’m sure most of us can agree that female politicians in general are given a tougher time by the media. I am also sure that we can agree that a lot of the time this criticism is more often personal than directly focused on anything political. Thatcher was a very controversial figure in terms of her politics, but early on in her political career she undertook elocution lessons as her voice was deemed as too shrill. Angela Merkel was the German Chancellor for 16 years and she became known for wearing suits that could be described as ‘masculine in style’ and never strayed from this. However, in 2008 when an event required an evening dress to be worn, articles such as ‘Angela Merkel raises eyebrows with cleavage display’ made the headlines. I would argue that no male politician would ever be faced with such extensive coverage about any item of clothing they had worn, and that the media frenzy surrounding this was a critique of Merkel’s personal style and nothing else.

FACTORS AFFECTING GLOBAL EQUALITY

The most heavily publicised policy would have to be the overturning of Roe v Wade earlier this year, where in a landmark reversal of the 1973 ruling, the federal right to an abortion was taken away overnight. Whilst Democrat states have passed their own rulings to protect women’s right to choose, many women in Republican states who wish to terminate a pregnancy and do not have the means to travel out of state, face being forced to carry an unwanted foetus to term. This holds women back in terms of their economic and social advancement and all of this affects gender equality.

Around 2.4 billion of working age are not afforded equal economic opportunity and 178 countries maintain legal barriers that prevent their full economic participation. In 86 countries, women face some form of job restriction and 95 countries do not guarantee equal pay for equal work.

World Events during RRIMUN 40

2000

• The new millennium celebrations take place across the planet.

• First International Space Station crew arrive onboard.

• Control of the Panama Canal joining the Pacific and Atlantic oceans is handed over to Panama after 75 years of US control

2001

• Terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers (World Trade Centre) New York and the Pentagon (9/11).

• War on Terror US UK forces invade Afghanistan and topple the Taliban.

• iTunes formally launched.

• Space tourism begins Dennis Tito is the first passenger.

• IRA dismantles its weapons arsenal after years of fighting.

• Galapagos Islands Ecological Disaster - 180,000 gallons of oil are leaked into the sea

• Former Yugoslav President Slobodan Milosevic is arrested and charged with corruption and theft of state funds and war crimes charges

2002

• President George W. Bush makes his "Axis of Evil" speech.

• Switzerland and East Timor join the UN.

• Bali night club bombs kill 202 and injury over 300.

2003

• US led invasion of Iraq.

• The Darfur conflict in western Sudan started and over the next two years caused the deaths of 300,00 people and the displacement of two million.

2004

2005

2006

• The second largest earthquake ever recorded (9.1) caused the Boxing Day Tsunami in the Indian Ocean, hitting 11 countries with waves over 30 metres high.

• Death of Pope John II

• Hurricane Katrina causes death and damage from Texas to Florida

• Nintendo releases the Wii gaming console.

• Google buys YouTube.

• The US Energy department announces there are about a trillion barrels worth of oil in the form of oil shale reserves in the Green River basin. Here comes fracking!

• Iran refuses access to U.N. inspectors many worry over Iran's intent to build a nuclear bomb; Iran tests missiles capable of reaching Israel.

• Hamas won the Palestinian parliamentary elections, and formally took over the Palestinian government

2007

• Apple announces the release of the very first iPhone

• British troops withdraw from Basra in Iraq leaving Iraq Security forces in control

• ‘New 7 Wonders Foundation’ announce the new Seven Wonders of the Modern World

2008

• CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is officially inaugurated the world’s largest!

• Fidel Castro retires as president of Cuba after almost 50 years in power .

• Russia shuts off all gas supplies to Europe through Ukraine.

• The World Health Organization declares H1N1 influenza strain, commonly referred to as "swine flu", as a global pandemic.

• The deadliest bushfires in Australian history (Black Saturday bushfires) in the Australian state of Victoria leave 173 people dead and more than 2000 homes destroyed.

• Albania and Croatia join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Discrimination in employment: causes, repercussions, and recovering

When one thinks about a situation in which economic growth happens, whether it is at a local, national or global level, the first thing that comes to mind is how positive its impact is. Nonetheless, we usually forget about the inclusive and sustainable aspect it must include whenever it happens, because is it really growth and progress if it does not take into account the inherent social and cultural aspect to that progress?

I would like to start by stating the different types of discrimination in the workplace and what causes them, to make clear what the issue exactly consists of. This intolerance may appear in different forms, like based on sex or gender, sexuality, race or precedence, age, disability or socio economic status. These are the main forms of discrimination, with disability and race being the most common ones for the last two years. The issue may appear with the first contact in a workplace, like during an interview or presentation; however, the most usual situation of employment discrimination happens when the person receives their salary, being lower than other workers’ with their same position and when less or equally productive employers get promotions while the victim does not for no professional reason.

This type of discrimination, like most of them, produces huge repercussions in the psychological, social, cultural and political fields. Apart from the financial loss that occurs to the individual, these situations affect society as a whole, due to the big connection between the fields mentioned beforehand.

Now, what must be done to eradicate it? Taking into account how connected the political is with the social, the first way to start is by ensuring that social protection is open to everybody through laws established by the government, even though that would be ideal once basic democratic laws are already in force. However, there’s more recovery to do because of the post-pandemic economic situation that caused more layoffs in most if not all companies, with the more discriminated people mentioned before being the first candidates to be fired.

In spite of that, I believe that I can speak in the name of all youth when I say that nothing will stop us from fighting for everybody’s global rights, whether it is in terms of the economic, social or political aspect by educating ourselves and other people and raising awareness.

Photo collage

VIPS’ Lunch

Interviews with Roy Bushin and Ruth Stephens

Roy Bushin First Director of RRIMUN

1. Why did you decide to take part in MUN?

Took a job at another school, where they ran a MUN program, and I inherited it.

January 1979 was my first conference and there were young students around 16 and 17 years old who were commanding 900 students as though it was second nature to them. Their control over them was magical. September 1981, I came to RRS and wanted to start a conference here.

2. How do you think MUN has changed at Royal Russell since you were here?

I haven’t seen enough of it yet. I suspect that RRS have better technology in terms of printing resolutions, paperwork. Logistics have changed since students run the conference and that’s the magical part.

3. What about MUN inspired you?

What it did for the students. This is a great opportunity, and they can use skills in their jobs.

Ruth Stephens – One of the earlier delegates of RRIMUN

1. Why did you decide to take part in MUN?

Because people seemed to have fun. I was allowed to start in Year 11, and it looked very fun and seemed interesting.

2. How do you think MUN has changed at Royal Russell since you were here?

It is a lot bigger, but I have not had enough time. I am intrigued to see the press and media teams.

3. Do you remember what you discussed when you took part?

In my first year I represented Israel and in my second year I represented the UK in the Disarmament Committee. It was a different world. And in my final year I was President of General Assembly here and in The Hague.

4. What about MUN inspired you?

It was such an amazing opportunity to meet and discuss with people and possibly join the UN. I was also interested to hear other people’s views.

5. What skills did you learn and how did they help you later in life?

I learnt confidence, networking and knowing you can learn topics quickly. I have worked for The Foreign Commonwealth Office for over 20 years

Security Council

The Security Council is a mainstay of many MUN Conferences and provides delegates with an accurate and realistic depiction of the UN Security Council. The UN Security Council has one main responsibility, which is the same in MUN, which is to maintain “international peace and security” in accordance with Article 24 of the UN Charter (1945). This year the Security Council will be composed of 15 members, this includes the five permanent members, known as the P5, that are China, France, The United Kingdom, the United States and the Russia Federation. As well as ten non permanent: Albania, Brazil, Gabon, Ghana, India, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Norway and the United Arab Emirates.

One of the topics that will be discussed in the Security Council at this conference is the question of Israel Palestine. The Israel Palestine conflict is one of the world’s most longstanding conflicts in history, there had already been a steady and minimal migration of Jewish people into Palestine following the collapse of the Ottoman Empire at the end of the First World War. Tensions reached a breaking point after the British abdicated control of Palestine in 1948, this led to the subsequent claim of power from Jewish leaders and the declaration of the state of Israel. This declaration was the subject of mass objection by the Palestinian people which would eventually lead to war. This would lead to ‘Al Nakiba’ (The catastrophe), which saw a mass exodus of Palestinians from their native homeland due to the takeover of the Israeli regime. Following the ceasefire Israel controlled most territories and due to the lack of peace agreement, several conflicts and acts of violence amongst both nations still occur decades later. These conflicts usually take place between the Israeli armed forces and extremist group Hamas which have led to some of the most tragic and depressing days in history. These issues are still ever present within society as there are still mass amounts of tension between both peoples as shown by the most recent significant incident in May 2021 with the 11day conflict stemming from the unlawful incursion of Israeli officers attacking the Al-Aqsa Mosque worshippers with tear gas and rubber bullets in which the Israeli government claimed that it was a response to threats from the militant group called Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

Overall, we are very excited for this year’s Security Council debates as the topics are most certainly intriguing and are of extremely high importance in our modern society. The Security Council this year will be full of exciting and meaningful debate that will allow the delegates to further understand the important political and social issues of our time.

Crisis!

Each year at our conference delegates face a crisis! The crisis was announced on Sunday afternoon and the countries affected had to “think on their feet”. Not only were the countries directly involved needed in a newly formed Crisis Committee but also a good number of other quick thinkers! The committee also needed chairs!

The resolution produced is usually debated in the final stages of our General Assembly.

Come and see the action unfold in C15.

Israel and Lebanon gas field dispute plunges area into armed conflict Discussion over the disputed Karish and Qana gas fields has collapsed, and recrimination has now escalated into conflict. Lebanese Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has called this a "red line" and a drilling rig from London listed firm Energean has been destroyed. An Israeli task force has amassed on the Lebanese border and is set to invade. They are reportedly under current drone attack. Iran has not only warned Israel that it will defend Lebanon, but it has shockingly revealed that it has become a nuclear power. Tremors indicate a major underground test explosion has just taken place. USA has mobilised the sixth fleet. The UAE has announced its support for Israel in a dramatic statement. Türkiye (Turkey) has offered to mediate but this has not yet been agreed. Egypt has said it is better placed to mediate. Gas prices are again surging. UN Secretary General António Guterres has called for an immediate crisis committee to resolve this rapidly deteriorating situation

Past Crises:

2005 Iran had invaded southern Iraq on the wishes of local Shia leaders. The price of oil has risen to a new high.

2003 A new SARS type virus has emerged from pigs in Macedonia and eastern Albania. Expected mortality rates between 17 and 20% but may rise to 50% in elderly, infirm and young.

2002 Russians appear to have nuked themselves. Radiation is spreading across Scandinavia and the UK following a nuclear explosion on a Russian island.

Chapel Service

Sunday

Yesterday morning we all gathered at the Chapel of St Christopher and the Infant Jesus for Sunday service, with sunny and peaceful weather, perfectly in tune with what was to follow.

Led by the Rev’d Steve Padfield, the service started off with a hymn, followed by affirmations on behalf of World Faiths: Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Judaism, Islam and Sikhism. After every affirmation, a candle was lit to symbolize the unity and inclusivity to which we aspire. We then recited an Act of Resolve, based on the preamble of the UN Charter, emphasizing our ultimate purpose, one of peace and security, with a better quality of life for all.

The two readings, done by our Secretary General, Anastacia Allan (Gen. 11.1-9) and the President of GA, C J Coleman Benjamin (Acts 2.1 12), followed the theme of diversity, brought by God onto the people. Though every nation speaks a different language and has a different culture, it is our faith and godliness that unites us. Moreover, it was the moving speech of the Reverend about accepting each other and coming together despite what divides us that left everyone with a feeling of contentment and motivation for the committee sessions.

We ended the service by praying for peace and singing the National Anthem. It was the perfect way to start a day of fruitful debates, reminded of the reason we are at this conference: a wish for harmony and well-being, achieved by collaboration between nations.

Disco collage

Word Wheel

Why not try making as many words as possible with the letters provided? However, you must always use the letter in the centre, you can only use each letter once and each word must be four or more letters long. Can you find the word that includes all the letters? Try it now and find out!

s l

p b c ue

i i

MUN’s GOT TALENT

Last night was filled with lots of giggles, laughs and moving performances; judged by Patson Ngoma, Iris Nuredini, Anastacia Allan, Charlotte Mawer and Katie Hammerton. Our first performance was a solo performance by Oscar. The second performance was by girls from St Andrews College who sung an Amy Winehouse rendition of ‘Valerie’ , gracefully followed by a magic act from Nicholas the Magic Man. Then we had a beautiful piano performance by Sophie. Next, we had a Bruno Mars classic ‘Locked out of Heaven’ performed by Elliot and the Australians. And finally, we had a majestic and outstanding performance from our very own Abdulrazaq Gwadabe and Elijah Gana a.k.a Bagerina and Josephine, who graced the floor with their wonderful ballet and mathematical skills; all of which provided a highly desired comical element to the night. Unfortunately, Bagerina and Josephine did not win and lost to the St Andrews Girls. Overall, the night hosted by the honourable Miles King and Urush Hemanth, ended well with everyone looking forward to the Disco and Bagerina being slightly disappointed. (Although secretly we all know that the competition was rigged!)

‘Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink'

So says Samuel Taylor Coleridge's poem, 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner'.

Water is all around us but is often not clean or safe enough to drink.

Here is a summary of our thoughts on some issues regarding water.

Kawasaki Yui and Saito Koki

Hitachi First High School, Japan

The first theme is “The effort to purify contaminated water”.

First, let us introduce the efforts of one company. It is a Japanese company called Kao. The company used to be famous mainly for developing cosmetics.

1. It developed "CuCutto," a detergent that can be washed with less water.

2. In neighboring Asian countries such as Korea and China, they promote and support water saving activities.

We would like to introduce the efforts in Japan as individuals.

1. Use leftover bath water for washing clothes and other purposes. This saves approximately 180 liters of water. It will also reduce your electricity bill by 20%.

2. Reduce the amount of water going down the drain. This can reduce 2 liters per day; 60 liters per month.

3. Use toilets that flush with less water.

Let us talk about the new policy.

The goal is to ensure that people around the world have access to clean and safe water. To that end, you may want to donate to help build water purification facilities. For example, you can donate to UNICEF or other organizations.

Therefore, we propose the following policy. It is a kind of "Furusato Tax Payment". Furusato Tax Payment is a Japanese donation system.

If we make donations to the government in return, the government gives us special products. In this way, donations are solicited using returned goods, and money is gladly provided. I believe that this

donation system could be used in various countries as one means of providing safe water.

The second theme is "Safe Water Around the World".

First, let's talk about the problem in Japan where we live. Japan does not suffer from a shortage of water. Therefore, we waste a lot of water. Garbage dumping at water sources and sewage from factories are the causes of water pollution.

Next, let's look at the problem in emerging economies. In those areas, water purification systems are not in place. Therefore, people are forced to drink unsanitary water. So, there is a risk of diarrhea. Diarrhea is a very dangerous disease.

According to data, 1.7 billion children under the age of five get sick every year, and 525,000 of them die. Based on the results, it can be said that this sewage problem is the most important issue to be solved in the world.

For this reason, various efforts are being made in Japan and abroad. Among them, drinking water manufacturers are taking many innovative actions.

In Japan, a company called Ito En is reducing its internal water use by monitoring wastewater and water consumption at its contract manufacturing sites.

Kyowa Kirin is working to reduce water use during manufacturing and prevent water pollution. They are also engaged in three initiatives under the motto "Activities to Preserve the Blessings of Water”. Namely, "reduction of water usage," "purification and return of water," and "activities to protect water”.

Reducing water usage means cleaning water used for production and returning it to the river. Cleaning up and returning water means converting methane gas into energy. Protecting water means that employees engage in forest conservation activities.

Also, Coca Cola is doing major activities around the world. It is working on something called “Water Neutrality”. This is an initiative to return to nature the same amount of water used in their products. In fact, in 2016, they used about 4 liters of water to make 1 liter of product, but with “Water Neutrality”, they have improved significantly and now only use about 2.8 liters of water per liter of product.

Thus, inspired by the efforts of various companies to address water issues, we high school students need to take a positive steps forward to guarantee clean water.

From the Archives: Royal Russell’s first ever participation at THIMUN

From the Archives: Royal

Russell’s first ever MUN – OCT 1982