Upcoming Dates
September 16, 2011
Delegate registration is now open. Click here for more information.
_____
October 17, 2011
General Staff Meeting
BA1170 5-7 PM
_____
February 21, 2012
NAMUN XXVII
University of Toronto
Welcome Letter from the Secretary-General
Honourable Delegates and Faculty Advisors,
It gives me great pleasure to invite you to the 2012 North American Model United Nations (NAMUN) Conference in Toronto, Canada. This year, NAMUN will be taking place from February 21-24, 2012 on the University of Toronto’s historical St. George campus. NAMUN strives to emulate the workings of the United Nations through a series of simulation committees, in which university and college students from around the world convene in a four-day conference to engage in intense debate and negotiations.
NAMUN combines professionalism and entertainment in its annual conferences, and has done so for the past twenty-six years. Professionalism and entertainment therefore, come from both our academic and administrative branches, instead of being exclusive of each other. The academic branch ensures that the staff is well trained, and that the committees run smoothly and dynamically. Staff at NAMUN has always been trained prior to the conference, but this training has usually been focused on the moderators of the General Assembly.
This year, however, it’s all moderators, committee directors, crisis staff, and even journalists who are receiving weekly training from the head of their departments in such a way that they are immersed in a simulated committee, and that they all learn how to work in conjunction with each other. Similarly, committee topics this year have been chosen not just for how “current” they might be, but also for how relevant, dynamic, intense, and controversial they are. In the case of Special Committees and Historical Council, joint-committees add to the intensity of debate, simulating internal and international conflicts, including actual full-out war.
The Administrative branch at NAMUN makes sure that all delegates are properly taken care of. It namely arranges for a hotel near campus to offer discount to our delegates (see “Accommodations” under “Delegates” for more info.); for conference supplies and awards to be readily provided; and plans social events for our delegates to enjoy every night after committee sessions. Our Gala Dinner during our third night is our signature event, taking place at a luxurious venue, with free and abundant food, drinks, and music for our guests.
As NAMUN approaches, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. This year’s NAMUN will challenge delegates to broaden their horizons and go beyond their comfort zones as they come together to solve issues affecting the world, despite their differences. This is the essence of what the United Nations is about and it is this noble essence that NAMUN seeks to emulate. I look forward to personally welcoming you to the great city of Toronto as you endeavour to come together and debate.
Fernando Torrealba
Secretary-General of NAMUN XXVII