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Article by Merle Grunert 10a (Published 10.11.2023)
In between the lengthy process of passing resolutions, delegates finding out that Schoko Bons aren't vegetarian, the chair's paper tearing skills, and knuckles being avidly knocked against the table (the MUN equivalent of applause), the delegates showed professionalism during the heated debate of this years NelMUN conference.
Three resolutions were created and debated over the course of two days. The Security Council deals with addressing and resolving threats to international security in order to maintain peace around the world, this year's focus being
mediating and solving the conflict in Yemen, which was a laborious task since every resolution was met with veto threats.
The five permanent members of the Security Council who possess the veto power are China, France, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States and, as one can imagine, the delegates often had opposing views on single clauses or resolutions as a whole.
Due to those countries having very different ideologies and policies, veto threats were almost unavoidable, and the second resolution suffered greatly under them. Nevertheless, delegates communicated through them and were able to come to an agreement and passed the second resolution after a long yet engaging process.
Throughout the whole of the conference, the delegates showed professionalism as they were able to communicate points during their statements and arguments whilst remaining serious and keeping the other delegates engaged. They showed how forward-thinking students can be and how the interest and engagement in politics go beyond age, gender or ethnicity.
China completing their penalty for going against procedure, by proposing to another delegate in the neighboring committee. (They said yes).
Another notable segment of the debate occurred when discussing the Yemen conflict turned into China declaring war on Russia after feeling personally attacked. An extra 30 minutes had to be taken aside in order to resolve the conflict. The whole room was suddenly split between the majority, trying to convince China that they were being unreasonable, and a small percentage (such as the UK) trying to stop Russia from apologising and convincing them that they would win the war. Even though China was ready to accept a simple apology, tension grew stronger as the minutes went on.
Even after all that time spent discussing this issue, Russia abruptly terminated this tension by simply flipping a coin on whether they should apologise by simply saying “sorry” or start setting up their defences.
It is safe to say that the two days spent debating came with a rollercoaster of emotion, fruitful debate, and memorable moments which have given Students of the NMS and of the Schiller-Gymnasium an outlet for their progressive ideas and their drive to debate.
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