Cambridge University International Model United Nations Conference 2002

In November 2002 three members of the Bristol MUN society attended CUIMUN VIII, the Model United Nations Conference organised annually by the MUN society at Cambridge University. The participants from Bristol were Kate Richardson, Steffan Wiersing and Frank Hammerschmidt and represented the delegation of the Netherlands in the Disarmament and International Security Committee, the Politcal Committee and the Economic and Social Council, respectively. Here is a brief recount of their experiences:

The Cambridge University conference International Model United Nations (CUIMUN) was quite an experience. After a slightly chaotic preparatory phase in the week before the conference we left Bristol on Friday, November 22. We arrived after a lengthy 6 hour bus trip, amazingly not getting stuck in any traffic jams to the beautiful town of Cambridge. The conference was held in the Cambridge debating society union building, which has an old traditional debating chamber where the General Assembly and EcoSoc took place.
The keynote speaker was Professor James Crawford. He is Whewell Professor of International Law and Director of the Lauterpacht Research Centre for International Law, University of Cambridge, as well as a member of Matrix Chambers. He was a Member of the United Nations International Law Commission from 1992-2001; during that time he was responsible for the ILC's Draft Statute for an International Criminal Court (1994), which became the initial negotiating text for the ICC Prepcom. Subsequently he was Special Rapporteur on State Responsibility (1997-2001).
Unexpectedly, we had to give an opening speech of 1 minute on the first evening during the opening general assembly. We wrote this while other delegates were giving their well-prepared speeches. After 75% of the countries had spoken, we were all ravenous. So a buffet meal of cold snacks was served, which we devoured. After this it was time to go to our accommodation: Cambridge Youth Hostel. We arrived fully loaded at 10:30 to find an old man sleeping in our dormitory. Scratching our heads, and pondering 'youth' hostel we went to bed.
Saturday and Sunday were spent debating in our various committees (you can find the topics below). On Saturday many of the delegates went to a club called Coco's in Cambridge where we had a very good time.
One resolution which had been cosubmitted by us in the Poltical Committee passed in the closing General Assembly on Sunday afternoon during which the USA was banned due to an offensive speech concering Palestine.
We had a great time debating and having fun with people from all around the country and the world. The conference further provided us with a deeper insight into how the UN really works and into the topics we discussed. Thus, it was an excellent experience for all of us and it can only be recommeded to take part in one or more of the upcoming conferences.

Cambridge University MUNS Conference (November 22-24, 2002)

A few tips for future attendees:
To participate actively it is recommended to submit a resolution, which guarantees you speaking privileges. Resolutions should be prepared in advance but can also be drafted during the conference if the other resolutions are unsatisfactory. Any resolutions passed are then debated in the general assembly. Amendments to presented resolutions are a good way to get to speak also.
Before you go you should research your country. A few topics that might help you in the conference: Basic facts about your country, political history, member of which organizations, allies and positions on the topics that will be discussed, general information about the topics that will be in discussion in the various committees.

This site is maintained by Frank Hammerschmidt