Newsletter March 2023
Distinguished Delegates,
Just in time for the beginning of spring, we deliver a newsletter with many different topics. Have fun!
First Topic Block
Preventing and Combating Trafficking of Human Organs
We wrapped up the first topic block of this spring semester with a lovely resolution. Our delegates tackled the topic: "Preventing and Combating Trafficking of Human Organs". This was in no way an easy task, with different countries having opposing viewpoints on how to handle the issue. The issue of whether to enforce an opt-out or opt-in system for organ donation was constantly brought up in debate, with the delegate of the united states heavily advocating for the opt-in system. In the final session of this topic block a resolution was passed, pushing for proper management of organ donations, ensuring the care of organ donors and limiting the exploitation of the vulnerable.
Congratulations to our Delegate of the Topic Block Kai Schärer - Thank you for your valuable contributions during the debate.
- Melkon Yengibaryan, Head of Operations
The Olympics of MUN - WorldMUN 2023
Dear members,
Last week, our association had the opportunity to participate in an incredible event that truly exemplified the spirit of diplomacy and global cooperation: Harvard WorldMUN, which took place in Paris. From March 12th to March 16th, we were joined by passionate young minds from around the world to debate and discuss issues ranging from the conflict in Myanmar to addressing the issue of child soldiers. Our delegation had the chance of representing Tunisia, Pakistan, Yemen and Namibia, as well as characters in the crisis and the historical committees.
On our first day, we had the incredible opportunity to attend the opening ceremony of WorldMUN, where we were able to meet and network with delegates from all over the world. The atmosphere was electric with excitement and anticipation as everyone gathered to hear from some of the leading voices in their respective fields. And of course, we cannot forget the social events! Our first social event was called Night Zero, which provided the perfect opportunity to break the ice and meet new people while being taken away by music on the dance floor.
The next day, our delegates had their first day of exciting and fruitful debates, which at the end of the day was rewarded with our second social: the Global Village, a long standing tradition of WorldMUN, which brought together culture from across the globe with food, drinks and music. At the Global Village, a number of delegations put up a booth that offered traditional foods and drinks. MUN Team UZH partnered with UNYA and other Swiss delegations (shout out to ETH MUN, MUN Bern, EPFL MUN, MUN Fribourg and GIMUN!) to bring a little bit of Swissness to Paris with lots of chocolate, Nusstorte, and cheese from all corners of the country. Overall, the event was a major success and all the food was happily consumed by excited delegates who promised us to visit Switzerland soon.
The debates were resumed on the next day, where the negotiations started to form the first alliances. After a long day of debates, some of our delegates had the amazing opportunity to visit the Swiss Embassy in Paris, event coordinated entirely by UNYA. We thank Amin Tlili and the UNYA executive board for organizing this event and allowing us this opportunity. Later that night, we all got our dancing shoes on and enjoyed cabaret night - the perfect way to let loose after a long day of debate. We got to enjoy the dance performances of various universities, who put up and amazing show for everyone to admire. Congratulations to all the participating teams!
With the debates resuming the next day, the first working papers began to appear and the alliances started to bear sweet fruits. However, the highlight of the event for many of us was the gala night at the Carousel du Louvre. There we had the opportunity to listen to inspiring guest speakers who shared a little bit of their work with us. We are immensely grateful for their wisdom and insight. After that, we got to enjoy an apero alongside our new friends from the different committees.
Finally, our last day of debates concluded with the passing (and failing) of draft resolutions. For our final night, we ended on a high note with a visit to the exclusive Duplex club.
But no trip to Paris would be complete without at least one strike to contend with. After all, it wouldn't be the City of Love without a little bit of chaos here and there!
We hope that those of you who had the chance to attend this event took away as much knowledge and friendship as we did. Here's to future opportunities for collaboration and continued cooperation on the global stage.
- Darya Shiryaeva, Vice President, and Tajana Vokic, Chief Head Delegate
Guest Speaker Event with Prof. Em. Dr. Michael Ambühl
On the 2nd of March, we had the pleasure of welcoming Prof. Ambühl into our midst and hearing about his work and experience. A career diplomat Prof. Ambühl has worked on many landmark treaties relating to Switzerland and also as a peace broker and negotiator in various tense international situations.
The first part of the talk consisted of Prof. Ambühl giving us an overview of his work, which focused on bringing game theory to negotiations. He explained the logic of complex issues using contemporary conflicts to show his theories on the different options present to resolve crises. In the second part he then put a focus on his vision for potential Security Council reform. With some of his previous work also centered around this Topic, we were delighted that he had prepared some rough outlines for his ideal future Security Council. Last but not least Prof. Ambühl opened the floor for questions and discussion, an opportunity our members did not sleep on.
We thank Prof. Ambühl for his excellent talk and for answering our questions and the Institute for Global Negotiations for helping us organise this event.
- August Norup, President
UNYA General Assembly
It was a lovely, wintry sunny Sunday: a perfect opportunity to head to Bern, the federal capital and attend the UNYA General Assembly representing the MUN Team UZH. For those who still do not know what UNYA is: UNYA is the umbrella association representing and defending the interests of every MUN-association active in Switzerland on a national level. It is of utmost importance that every member association attends its general Assembly (which takes place twice a year) as well as its best practice calls, created with the aim of sharing debating-related knowledge among youth debating clubs like ours, and with this making them more professional.
The MUN Team UZH had me as its delegate at UNYA’s General Assembly. Our association is a key actor within UNYA and MUN UZH members do not simply represent 75% of UNYA’s executive board, but also have been playing a key role in designing a new funding policy for the umbrella-association. This project, closely linked to the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, aims to distribute resources equally among member-associations and, accordingly, allowing smaller MUN Clubs to either take off or grow further. Please follow UNYA on Instagram to be aware of the events that have been planed for this academic semester.
Yours Sincerely,
- Humberto Tomé, Head of Fundraising and Events
ZuMUN 2023
The Zurich Model United Nations Conference 2023 is coming up in less than a month! Taking place from the 27th till the 30th of April 2023 at the University of Zurich. Over the course of four days, you will get the chance to debate and enjoy three evening socials. You'll get to dance the night away at this year's NEON event at Zurich's Plaza Club on Thursday, enjoy a magical night in Beirut on Friday and party like Great Gatsby on Saturday.
To sign up for the conference before the 20th of April 2023, simply click on the following link: https://zumun.ch/home/registration/. You will find all the necessary information about the conference fees, application process, and available committees.
Make sure to follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zumun_conference/!
For further information visit our Website: https://zumun.ch.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to broaden your horizons and make a difference on a global scale. I and the whole OC look forward to seeing you at the Zurich Model United Nations Conference 2023!
Your Co-Secretary-General, Natasha Hunziker
Announcements
The General Assembly of 2023 was postponed from 21 May 2023 to 27 May 2023.
Dear members of the association,
On Monday 27.02.23 Deniz Yildirim handed in his resignation for his board position as Head of Events. The board thanks him for his service to the MUN Team. Effective immediately Humberto Tomé, our current Head of Fundraising, has taken on the duties as Head of Events. The board has decided to operate as is, until the regular general assembly in May takes place. It will not seek an elected replacement before.
With Regards,
August Norup, President
As you may know by now: I left the board due to personal reasons. I look back on the many great events and moments we shared together. They filled my heart with joy. It truly was an honor to be your head of events last semester. I am confident that Humberto my successor will do a great job as well and I am looking forward to the events he has in store for us during the next couple of months.
Kind regards,
Deniz Yildirim
We look forward to more great events and weekly sessions together with you. Stay tuned!
See you soon,
Your Board
August, Darya, Tajana, Melkon, Sebastián, Humberto and Aurora
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Our mailing address is:
info@mun-uzh.org
We would like to thank Swiss Re and VSUZH
for being our main sponsors this year!
