MUNISH 08

22 ISM students attended the 18th annual MUNISH (Model United Nations International School of The Hague) at their school building in Kijkduin between October 31st  and November 2nd.

The theme of the conference this year was Communication and Global Awareness, although many other issues relating to human rights, the environment, disarmament and economic and social issues were also debated. The Model United Nations is a simulation of the real United Nations where students act as delegates of assigned countries, preparing resolutions and policy statements beforehand, and debate and pass (or reject) resolutions during the actual conference. This year ISM represented three countries, France, Bolivia and Pakistan. Many of our delegates were active in getting at least parts of their resolutions included in resolutions which were debated in the different committees and commissions, asking questions, making speeches and voting. Our students stayed with host families in and around The Hague, an interesting experience for most of them.

MUNISH is a preparation for THIMUN (The Hague International Model United Nations) to be held at the end of January 2009. While MUNISH lasted for two and a half days and hosted some 400 delegates, THIMUN lasts a whole week and there will be almost 4,000 students participating. This is much more challenging for students, who have to be well prepared and, as past participants will know, work hard to get their voice heard. 16 ISM students will attend the conference, and this time we are representing the country of ANGOLA. Watch out for more news on THIMUN!