Debate // Connect // Grow
Announcement
KULMUN 2024
The KU Leuven Model United Nations Association, in collaboration with the Erasmus Student Network Leuven and the Leuven Debate Society are proud to present:
The Online KUL Mini Model United Nations Debate
27th of March:
UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON
THE STATUS OF WOMEN
UNCSW
Topic A: Preventing the radicalization
of refugee youth
Topic B: Fighting gender based violence
during the corona crisis
Engage in one of these fascinating topics in this simulation of the United Nations' diplomatic proceedings even as a complete beginner through debate with 15 of your fellow students. We will guide you through the rules of procedure and help you understand the topics before debating. Expand your understanding of international politics and find solutions to these complex problems. All of this free of charge! This event is a small taste of what a full sized Model United Nations (MUN) conference has to offer, want to know what a MUN is? Click here!
Everything you need to know:
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions:
Beginners guide
Participating as a beginner
What is a MUN?:
A Model United Nations conference is an academic simulation of the diplomatic work done by the United Nations as well as other international bodies. Each participant is assigned a committee (i.e. United Nations Security Council, World Health Organization) along with a topic. They are then assigned a country where they will then debate the topic from the perspective of this country. Click here to learn more about the world of MUNing
How can you learn the rules?
At the very beginning of the debate, we will conduct a presentation to help explain the rules of procedure. There will also be 2 chairpersons who will moderate the debate and will be happy to answer any questions.
How can you learn the topics?
After you register the country you will represent along with a study guide will be sent to you. This study guide will help you understand the topic and help you focus the debate on certain key issues.
Topics and Logistics
Happening on the 27th of March
Open to both complete Beginners and advanced MUNers
Logistics and Preparation
Everything you need to know to join and prepare:
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Time and date: 27th of March starting at 1pm and ending at 6pm.
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Format: Online via zoom, after registering you will receive a link.
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Applications close on: The 25th of March midnight.
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Maximum attendance: 15 per committee.
Topic preparation:
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Read the study guide: After applying you will be given your country and committee along with a study guide. This guide will give you all the basic knowledge of the topic and guidelines on how to approach the topics to ensure debates are not too broad.
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Research your country's position: Once you have read the study guide you must study the position of your country on the topic and identify the sub-topics of greatest concern to your country. This will be the position in which you will debate from.
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Note that you should not prepare a fully drafted UN Resolution before the debate: Preparing rough solutions to the topic is no issue, but drafting a completed and officially formatted resolution is seen as counter productive to the debate. Discussing and collectively agreeing upon solutions and the exact wording of your final UN Resolution is a key part of the debate.
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Prepare an opening statement: The opening statement is a 30-45 second speech summarizing your countries stance on the topic.
Preparation for beginners:
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Read the what is a MUN page: We recommend you read "What is a MUN" page, here you will get everything you need to start.
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Rules of procedure explanation on the 27th: On the day of the debate we will spend the first-hour explaining the rules of procedure. We will then have a 15-minute long mock debate. There will be 2 chairpersons (who moderate the discussions), who will be happy to answer any questions you have before and during the debate.
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Contact us: At anytime before the debate you may contact us via email and social media with any questions you may have. You can also ask us for advice on how to prepare.
United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East
In 1949 the UNRWA was created in response to the hundreds of thousands of Palestine refugees fleeing from the myriad of politics and human rights issues stemming from the Arab-Israeli conflict. The UNRWA has been tasked with assisting these refugees by executing a range of relief programs providing anything from social services such as health care and education, to economic assistance like microfinance and infrastructure improvements.
The complexity of the issues faced by the UNRWA combined with its involvement in some of the most heated political issues makes this committee a fascinating challenge.
Topic:
"Preventing, Reversing, and Mitigating the Radicalization of
Refugee Youth"
Description:
The UNRWA provides an excellent challenge for beginners and advanced MUNers alike. It is the perfect setting to learn the rules of procedure of a standard Model United Nation conference while exploring expansive and highly charged topics.
UNCSW
UNITED NATIONS CONVENTION ON
THE STATUS OF WOMEN
United Nations Convention on the Status of Women
The UNCSW is both the United Nation's and the world's principle intergovernmental organization dedicated to the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of women. They are essential in promoting women's rights, documenting and shedding light on the true condition in which women across the world live in and in setting international standards on the treatment of women.
Topic:
"Fighting gender based violence during the corona crisis."
Description:
The UNCSW is another excellent committee for beginners, providing a good opportunity to learn the rules of procedure of an MUN debate while also providing the platform to discuss important gender issues experienced by women globally.