It is my unparalleled privilege to welcome you to TESMUN 2025, as your Chair of the Model United Nations Human Rights Council. This is not a meeting of students or guests, it is a meeting of delegates, representatives of the international community, who have the distinction of maintaining justice, equality and human dignity.

We have an agenda that contains some of the most pressing and complex human rights issues of our time. From the weaponizing of artificial intelligence as a weapon of armed conflict, to the continuation of forced/bonded child labour, to refugees, and the protection of digital freedoms, these are not abstract ideas, they are the realities faced by millions people throughout the world. As members of this Council, the expectation is for all of us to have a genuine dialogue, build consensus and work cooperatively towards sustainable and just solutions that align with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the international legal framework.

This council is not a simulation, it is a leadership school. Each of you has the mandate to advocate for your country while respecting those universal values of human rights. The questions we are wrestling with here are a reflection of the real world crises facing policymakers around the globe: How do we resolve the dynamic tension between national security and individual freedoms? How do we act to protect vulnerable individuals, while not turning our backs on cultural differences? What innovative solutions can both alleviate present suffering and strike at the root of injustices? How do you articulate your idea and rationale for resolving the problem?

Your success in this endeavor relies on three key factors: preparation, diplomacy and vision. Come prepared with the facts regarding your country's position and the knowledge of norms governing international human rights. When making arguments, arguments which are made with passion and respect are most effective, particularly if they are rooted in tactics of fact. Most importantly, be creative and unconventional, the world needs you guys to solve the existing problems alongside the new problems.

Do not forget: humanity is at the heart of the business of human rights work. People whose lives rely on the decisions made in rooms like this, are behind every political point and policy. As you write resolutions and negotiate clauses, remember their stories.

I challenge you to make this council memorable. Be brave in your words, listen actively, and engage freely in every opportunity that presents itself. This is a committee where human rights matter to everyone including their life is important to their rights. You young delegates have the responsibility to bring your new idea and different ideas and showcase talent with your extraordinary question and or your response so much so that when it is time for the gavel to get the signal to start the meeting. 

Ready, set, go!

I am excited to welcome you to TESMUN-2025 as the vice-chair of the Human Rights Council (HRC)! I am delighted to welcome the creative ideas to pursue various issues that occur around the world regarding human rights.

Our intention is to view human rights issues from multiple perspectives in our committee. We aim to come up with alternatives that take the concept of deliberative debate into account. I am excited as a member of the dias panel in the committee; I hope to see as many new perspectives from the delegates as they can produce to the committee and human rights overall.

As the journey of the committee begins, I look forward to your engagement and commitment. I have high hopes for all of you and I hope your work is fruitful. Likewise, as the committee's process begins, I would love to see every delegate's ideas and resolutions communicated well.

I am very excited and passionate to see the agenda of committees run smoothly. I am also eager to see you all as excited for the agendas and debates! I want to see your excitement for your committees but most importantly I want you all to communicate that excitement through expressing your opinion/ research on the topics of interest in the countries you have been delegated. 

This platform isn't just about doing and completing tasks, but creating a space where you can have fun, learn, develop skills and be open about your thoughts and opinions. I expect all delegates to do and perform their duties and to take advantage of this opportunity with passion and willingness. Similarly, in the Committee I expect all delegates to stand up and speak up with confidence. 

Take each opportunity to invest in yourself in a timely manner, as chances like these don't come around often in life, for your own good. So let's work together, have confidence in ourselves, and better ourselves while we are at it. Lastly, I wish you all the best in your delegation!

It is a great pleasure to welcome you all to the Human Rights Council (HRC) at TESMUN 2025.

As we gather in this place, we are presented with something special-- an opportunity to engage on the critical issues facing people's rights and dignity everywhere. This is not just another committee or another conference. It is an opportunity to amplify your voice, your perspective, your passion, and make a difference.

We will spend time exploring some of the serious global challenges confronting us as the world’s people: issues deserving of our attention, empathy, and ultimately action. However, we will not move forward if we do not listen and engage with each other in an open and collaborative approach. All of our voices matter.

As your moderator, I wish to create an atmosphere in which our discussion will be fun, collaborative, respectful and meaningful. I am here to support you, help ensure that everyone has an opportunity for their voice to be heard, and to cheer you on as you engage, learn and lead! I hope we do more than just succeed; we collaborate, we learn and we create impact.

Being a delegate is not merely stating facts or following procedures. It is about immersing yourself in the situation: challenging yourself, forming bonds, experiencing the highs and lows–even learning from the unfortunate moments. I ask each of you to be brave, to be forthright, to be vocal and to show everyone what you are made of.

This is your chance. These opportunities do not often present themselves each day, so take full advantage of it. Make your contributions worthwhile, make your efforts rewarding, and most importantly–enjoy the process. Let us make this committee a productive one–be it awards, resolutions, and debates and even enjoyable through conversations, development and experience.

I wish you all the best in what surely will be a successful, thrilling and memorable TESMUN 2025!