National Model United Nations Welcomes UN Leaders to Podium in Keynote Address at 2009 NMUN New York Conference

by Yvonne Jeffrey
Secretary, Politics and International Relations Society, 2009-10

NEW YORK, NY -- A group of students from Royal Holloway recently
attended the National Model United Nations Conference.  The conference
is the culmination of yearlong preparation with meetings, research,
writing and fund-raising.

After a welcome address from H.E. Mr. Kiyotaka Akasaka, the United
Nations Under-Secretary-General for Communications and Public
Information, the Conference began with a keynote speech in the General
Assembly Hall of the United Nations by H.E. Sir John Holmes. Holmes
serves as the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and
Emergency Relief Coordinator and spoke about his extensive experience
in the field.   The UN leaders detailed the important work being done
now with numerous UN initiatives including Millennium Development
Goals, numerous peace-keeping missions worldwide, substantial Human
Rights work and advancing global common goals including climate change,
health, counter-terrorism, disarmament and non-proliferation.  Both
also congratulated the delegates on their participation in NMUN,
encouraging them to use their power to make a difference.

"Participation in this simulation represents a unique opportunity for
delegates, faculty advisors, and staff alike," says Jennifer Spalding
2009 NMUN Secretary-General.  "The numerous topics we discussed at NMUN
2009 are relevant in our increasingly interdependent global society.
Working collaboratively with 4,000 college and university students from
five continents and 29 countries presents limitless opportunities for
the development of new friendships, new ideas, and new ways of seeing
the world."

The delegation from Royal Holloway attended representing the countries
of Algeria and the Russian Federation, the latter winning the
Outstanding Delegates in Committee Award.  Students encountered their
peers from around the world who shared their passion on issues like
climate change and nonproliferation, debating proposals put forth to
address these issues from the perspective of diplomats of their
assigned country.

NMUN*NY 2009 brings more than 4,000 delegates from five continents to
New York City in April. The conference focus includes more than 20
committees as well as a Security Council for unaffiliated delegates.
Its sponsor, the National Collegiate Conference Association (NCCA), has
hosted similar experience-based educational programs that further the
understanding of the United Nations and contemporary international
problems for more than 40 years.  

The NCCA is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and non-governmental
organization affiliated with the UN Department of Public Information.
More information about the NCCA and its programs, biographies of key
speakers and participants is available at our Web sites,
www.collegiateconference.org and www.nmun.org.