Before lunch break, the Nigerian delegate gives a short speech, complete with table-slamming, and opens the floor to all POIs. What specific measures can be taken? The delegate cannot reply. Expand on how money is gained from tariffs. The delegate cannot reply. What framework does Nigeria have to establish an economy? The delegate cannot reply. It is a bit disastrous, but nothing lunch can’t fix .

After lunch! The South African delegate makes a convincing resolution speech, to which a POI from the Chinese delegate is denied, and to which other POIs are soundly answered with constructive evidence. The Chinese delegate makes an “against” speech against the Delegate of South Africa: “unfairly calls for tariffs to be placed on goods that are subsidized by countries.” The South African delegate CLAPS BACK!! The Chinese delegate provides an argument based on subjectivity that does not satisfy the recipient. Only one more objection commences before the ground is yielded. We transition to the voting procedure: everyone is for the resolution except Singapore, Russia, and China. France abstains. The South African delegate succeeds majorly. 

Then, the UK Delegate is nominated to make a “for” speech; any and all POIs welcome. She answers all POIs with references to existing and reliable clauses. The Delegate of France is recognized to make an “against” speech, criticizing the time frame and unfeasibility in the circumstances of the present world. There is an air of hostility to it. Nearly all countries produce POIs. To one of which the French delegate says that, in fact, she does believe the resolution is in “excellent faith”. Yet, states that developing nations should not have to be preoccupied with addressing trade issues in light of more pressing issues like famine. The French delegate leaves the stage, returning to a crowd of confusion.

Then, the Indian delegate proposes an amendment. The concept of favoritism was proposed as a point of contention. The UK delegate stands to make an "against" speech against the amendment to her own proposal!! She claims the amendment is redundant, “so subjective”, and more developed countries may use it for their own benefit. Voting procedure for the amendment: 8 votes against, 7 votes for, SO CLOSE, but does not pass. The delegate of South Africa asks if clapping is in order, a placated, very MUN way to express joy. 

Then, a very, very brief speech is made by the China and Russia delegates, in which no new content is conspicuously presented and is moved straight to the chair (perhaps to gain speaking time??) The general voting procedure for the second resolution by the UK Delegate receives 9 votes for, 6 votes against, and 0 abstentions. The resolution passes.

Author: Mandy Zhao