MUNISH 2016 PRE-CONFERENCE ISHUE
FRIDAY 4 NOVEMBER 2016
Picture taken by Wisse Cammerat Growth and accountability can be defined as the development of a nation in a sustainable way. Where the consequences of this action are taken responsibly and that nobody is affected negatively throughout the process. It is also done without jeopardising the future generation and their ability to grow as well. Growth and Accountability are two important factors which are vital for each other. While growth is extremely important for a nation in order to
“Sustainable development is the peace policy of the future� - Dr Klaus Topfer
improve the quality of life for societies (as well as the future of societies), the only way it can work with full success is if accountability goes along with it. For example, the growth of the population and economy cannot work without the necessary factor of accountability. This ensures that the growth of nations is managed in a way
that is sustainable and responsible. In today’s society, people are trying and often failing to reach a goal of sustainable global growth in regards to economic, social and environmental factors. Growth and Accountability is a way for people to successfully tackle the issues that humanity is facing. The theme Growth and Accountability links with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, as they are goals that tackle issues such as poverty, world hunger, and climate change while also ensuring that this is done in a responsible and sustainable manner and that no one is harmed in the process. For these goals to be achieved, it is extremely important that the three components; economic growth, social inclusion and environmental protection, are synthesised. This is necessary as these three core elements are interdependent and crucial for individuals, societies, and their prosperity. The SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals) build on the millennium development goals and the success that they have had. The sustainable development goals are all important world changing objectives that call for action and cooperation amongst governments, international organisations, and world leaders in all countries in order to promote growth,
while at the same time protecting the earth and all of its inhabitants. In the past twenty years, little of the growth that the earth has faced (environmental, economic, demographic, cultural) has improved the quality of human life. The majority of the benefit the benefit of what? The growth? has gone to the very wealthy and the remainder has been offset by the costs of resource depletion, social stress and the health of the environment, all caused by the growth of nations itself. Growth and Accountability, as well as the sustainable development goals, can only mean good things for society today, as well as the future of society and nations. It can only mean improving the way of life for humanity, as well as the environment. Once less economically developed countries are on the road to sustainable growth, the economic benefits will allow them to address the needs such as environmental protection and the elimination of poverty. Therefore, growth must go hand in hand with accountability in order to achieve peace, prosperity and in general a better future for the planet and all the inhabitants living on it.
By: Kate Cammerat 1
Welcome to the 26th Annual Edition of MUNISH! By: Holly Roberts
“MUNISH is a conference run by youth, for today’s youth, to benefit the youth of tomorrow”,
After celebrating our conference’s silver anniversary last year, we are excited to be hosting another successful conference this year! Over the course of three days, more than a thousand participants will unify to debate current issues that we are facing at this very moment. As you may know by now, not all of us have the opportunity or the ability to have our opinions heard. Therefore, the participants at MUNISH will put their thoughts and opinions together through discussion. This year’s theme is very current
show you what you can accomplish now and in the future: how you will be able to contribute to the world and its people. We are all working towards improving the quality of life for citizens all over the globe, a vast task that can only be achieved if we work together as a united a concept that will surely be reflect- front. This year’s conference will ed in the debates that take place be one small step working towards during this year’s conference. We this goal, but slowly and surely can all agree that everybody has we are all contributing towards been preparing eagerly and that making the world a better place. we are all ready to let our voices be In the spirit of this, all net profits heard. The product of that, will will from MUNISH go towards charity,
and relevant, and is sure to challenge and engage everyone, as we work towards a promising future for our generation. To quote our Secretary General, Isobel Bowring,
be evidenced today, and throughout the conference. Many, many topics will be covered, relevant to this year’s theme “Growth & Accountability”, such as managing human rights, population growth, sustainable development, sustaining economic growth, peace and security, to list a few! After the conference, we hope everybody will leave with a sense of accomplishment and an enriched mindset. We aim to provide an opportunity for you to develop your skills and
the charities being supported this year including the Stahili Foundation and the Maestro Foundation. We would like to express our gratitude to the MUN Directors and members of the Board of Directors for all of the hard work that has been put into organising MUNISH, we know that this year’s conference will be a great success thanks to you. And to all of the participating delegates, we wish you the best of luck!
Meet your Secretary General, Isobel Bowring! With this year’s conference beginning today, we thought we would take the opportunity to introduce you to one of the leading figures in the organisation of the whole conference: your Secretary General, Isobel Bowring. We interviewed Isobel to introduce you to her interests, both academic and extracurricular, and why exactly she has taken on a position of such responsibility for MUNISH this year. Tell people a bit about yourself. I’m 17 years old and swim competitively, which involves me training seven times a week. I’m interested in studying biomedical sciences in the UK or in the Netherlands and a few things I really love include travelling, sunsets and pretty landscapes. I have one older brother but unfortunately no pets (my guinea pigs died). In another life, I would do athletics as a hobby and study law!
Photo Credits: Christel Van Meeuwen
be either Intime or Now You See Me, and my favourite TV shows are How I Met Your Mother, Prison Break and Peaky Blinders. What is your favourite country? I really loved Morocco and Sri Lanka! I’ve never been to Australia but I can imagine it would probably be up there too.
What is your proudest MUN achievement? Receiving the position of Secretary General and being having the op- Who do you think is the most atportunity to organise MUNISH tractive male of the press team? 2016 along with my fellow BOD Dirk Houweling of class 13D. members. What’s most difficult about being Who is your biggest hero? Secretary General? Ryan Lochte (swimmer) and There is always so much to do, Mother Teresa because she inspires which can be hard to manage on me to do good! (Yes, seriously). top of IB!
Which is your favourite MUN com- Can you paint us a picture of your mittee? perfect day? Security council, because veto. Wake up in the jungle in a luxurious cabin and have an amazing What is your favourite movie/TV breakfast: fresh fruits, eggs and show? My favourite movie would have to pancakes! Do a hike towards a wa-
terfall and have a swim, play with puppies, have a massage and then watch a movie in a comfy bed. What is your favourite food? A yummy pasta with mediterranean vegetables and parmesan or beef with roast potatoes and sauteed veggies. I also love soups and chips. What is your favourite book? The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time by Mark Haddon, and Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell. What are your aspirations in life? To visit Antelope Canyon, climb at least to base camp on Mount Everest and spend a couple of years living in Asia and Australia. I hope you enjoyed this quick little Q&A with this year’s Secratary General. Keep reading for more fun and interesting articles! By Dirk Howeling
The Political Capital of The Netherlands By Kate Cammeraat Most people know Amsterdam as the capital city of The Netherlands. It is, only not politically. If you go to the city centre of The Hague, you’ll find the “Parlementsgebouw”. This is where the Prime Minister of The Netherlands, Mark Rutte, works. Around The Hague you will also find many other politically significant buildings. The role that The Hague has in Dutch politics, as well as international issues, is sometimes unknown to visitors, and yet it has a considerable impact on the world. Among the most notable buildings is the Peace Palace, which is home to the International Court of Justice (one of the principal judicial bodies of the United Nations). It also has the best collection of material on international law as a library. According to InternationalCourtofJustice.org, “The Court’s role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised United Nations organs and specialised agencies.”
tion center, the World Forum has housed important conferences regarding international politics, such as the Nuclear Security Summit in 2014 and the International Conference on Afghanistan at the World Forum. Near the convention center is a whole street lined with the flags of the world, representing the important role that The Hague plays in international issues -- this avenue is definitely worth a visit. Down the street is Europol, the EU’s law enforcement agency, whose goal is to achieve a safer Europe, according to their website. The building itself is quite imposing and is certainly more modern than other buildings and courthouses in the Hague. There are still many more important buildings to name, such as the International Criminal Court and Closer to the International School International Criminal Tribunal of The Hague is the World Fofor the former Yugoslavia. Whilst rum. As a multifunctional convenyou’re here in The Hague for ISH’s
own MUN conference, we strongly suggest you visit these places in person. The Hague is a key city in The Netherlands and is in the centre of some of the most important decisions made by the EU and UN. We hope that you have learned a bit more about the city in which ISH is located and how special The Hague is with regards to making decisions that affect the rest of the world! Photo credits: Wisse Cammeraat
Leer Nederlands Praten! (Learn how to speak dutch!)
By Robien Jansen Welcome to the Netherlands! For many of you, this might be your first time here. Holland is all about the cows, cheese, rainy weather and the ‘gezellige’ atmosphere. Yes, gezellig. The Dutch have countless words that are almost impossible to translate into any other language. Words like ‘lekker’ to describe something as delicious or enjoyable, and ‘gezellig’ to describe an environment or moment that feels comfortable or cozy. In order to understand what the Dutch are talking about most of the time, we will inform you about some of the must-knows, to make communicating with the Dutch a tiny bit easier. When passing a friettent, a shop known to sell fries and some other snacks, remember to order a ‘patatje oorlog’, translated as ‘fries war’. This crazy--but delicious--mix of
Ilustrations by: Erin McClain
warm peanut sauce and mayonnaise is one of the most popular things to order when you feel like a guilty treat. You can find a friettent close to the school building, and be a ‘kanjer’ (a ‘whopper’!) Furthermore, when bumping into friends during these busy days, make sure you let them
know about your ‘voorpret’, or ‘prefun’ for the MUNISH party! Feel free to show your enthusiasm for Dutch culture over the next few days, put on your party hat for some voorpret and prepare yourself for a gezellige vibe at our school! Veel plezi-
er de komende dagen en succes!
Meet the Heads of Admin Staff! By: Kate Cameraat The Heads of Admin have been working hard every year to ensure MUNISH is run smoothly by all admin staff, and that admin are properly trained in order for MUNISH to be a success. This year the Heads of Admin are Olaf, Sara, Evie, and Jan. They have been planning and Photo credits: Christel van Meeuwen Sara To fulfill their roles Sara believes she needs to be a role model for the admin and possess a leadership quality to be able to guide and
Evie Evie chose to become one of the Heads of Admins because MUNISH has fascinated her since her first time participating in the conference. “I wanted to j o i n the HoA because not only does it provide a once in a l i fe time experi-
train over 100 admins prior and during the conference. “I love MUN as a whole and I signed up to be HoA because I believe I have the qualities needed to be successful as a HoA. During the conference, I look forward to seeing our admin having improved and the committees running smoothly.” Sara says she has improved her skill in collaborating with others and is eager to keep on learning from this experience.
Jan “My role along with the other HoAs is to prepare admin for the conference and organize them to ensure the conference is run smoothly.” Jan chose to become a HoA because he wanted to have an impact on the conference. “I believe my skill set combined with my administrative MUN experience compliment the position,” expresses Jan. “HoA train admin and plan administrative details for the conference that need to
ence but it also allows me to develop as a person. Being HoA allows me to have a major part in MUN,” Evie enthused. She hopes the conference runs “as smooth as humanly possible. I hope that admin work at the best of their ability but I also hope that it will be a fun experience for those participating,” she declares. She says that future HoA should be willing to sacrifice their time for the task but that the outcome and benefits are definitely worth it.
Olaf “The HoA need to make sure that admin are ready to make sure MUNISH is run to the best standard” states Olaf. “During the conference, we will make sure everything is done to an excellent standard” he adds. Olaf decided to go for HoA because of his previous experiences and wanted to push himself towards something more challenging this year. “I believe a head of admin should be open-minded and easily approachable. Communication is important as well, especially
be taken care of during MUN. I hope to experience a smooth conference this year and encounter problems that improve my communicat ion a n d leadership skills.”
when you are a leader for others. Humor helps as well to keep the atmosphere positive.” He recommends others to sign up as it is a healthy challenge, fun experiences are sure to come from it, and prepares you for future challenge s .
Top 10 Tips for a Model United Nations Conference
By: Holly Roberts
With another year gone by already, comes another edition of MUNISH -- and of course a brand new theme to go along with it. When you’re preparing for a MUN conference, whether it be your first or just one of many, it can be quite overwhelming and you might not be exactly be sure what to do. So, here are 10 tips to help you over the next few days!
1) Research your topic and country.
This may be an obvious tip, but it’s also an extremely important one. You will find out what topics you will be discussing before the conference, after which you should do as much research as you can on the topic as a whole. After that, research more in depth for the country that you’re representing. You really need to know what your country's policy is, so that you can make the most informed decision of what they would be against and in favour of when it comes to debating resolutions.
2) Prepare clauses or a whole resolution
During the conference you will debate resolutions and make amendments or add clauses, so it is important for you to come prepared with your own ideas to maximise your delegation’s input.
going on. It’s also really handy if you want to ask a Point of Information and you weren’t exactly sure what the delegate in question has said. Besides, it’s always good to write notes for speeches so that you can remember what you need to say.
7) Make alliances
While lobbying, it’s useful to find delegates representing countries with similar ideas to yours, such as country policies and what they are for and against in the debate. Or just mingle with other delegates to make friends within your committee, who can support what you have to say. It’s also good to send notes to other delegates, asking them for their opinions and input on your amendments.
3) Follow the Rules of Parliamentary Procedure during debates
It’s always good to know what you should be doing and saying during a conference, so brush up on the language and terminology you should use during MUN conferences and how all the procedures work to avoid anyone calling you out with a Point of Order!
4) Be active in your committee
Conferences are usually only fun when everybody is actively participating in the debate. Therefore, it is important you contribute and voice your opinions in your committee -- chances are, you will enjoy yourself a lot more!
5) Go through your closet and find the perfect formal wear
The more professional you look, the more successful you will most likely be. “Dress for success” as the saying goes! It’s always nice to feel confident in what you’re wearing, but make sure that it isn’t against the dress code and is what you would wear for a formal and professional occasion.
6) Take lots of notes
Yet again, this may seem obvious, but it’s so important for you to jot things down that are said during the conference so that you are able to look back at it the next day or after lunch and remember exactly what was said and what was
8) Make sure you’re open and friendly while lobbying
Lobbying is a vital stage during any conference: it’s important that you spend this time wisely and mingle with other delegates in your committee, finding out what they think of your ideas and if they are going to submit any clauses or amendments.
9) Read the news!
Of course it is good to brush up on what’s going on during MUNISH this year by reading the ComMUNicator, which also gives you a chance to read about other topics and articles that may interest you!
10. Don’t be afraid of embarrassing yourself
Don’t be afraid to speak or say something during a debate even though you think you might embarrass yourself. Chances are that the other delegates won’t really notice, and anyways, all delegates have embarrassed themselves before, it’s normal! If you have something to say, say it! You’re all here to get more MUN experience, and it’s always better to speak up than to let your opinion go unheard!
Hotspots in The Hague! By: Fleur van der Kooij
Places to soothe your hunger
Besides spending most of your time at the school, you may want to head out and explore the flourishing city of The Hague. This article is appropriate for food lovers, culture lovers, and/or shopping lovers! With thanks to the handy tram and bus system, each of the spots mentioned is easily accessible. Happy Tosti is the ideal location to grab a quick bite in the center of the Hague after a busy day. Happy Tosti offers a range of foods for each appetite. May it be soup, yoghurt,
salads or tostis. With the clear emphasis on tostis, you can expect decorated and delicious sandwiches filled with biological ingredients. The simple, yet eye-catching interior of this cafe deserves credit, it radiates good vibes. When eating your delicious tosti you have the choice of sitting on a swing! Perhaps the most interesting and important detail of Happy Tosti is that it hires and supports people with disabilities.
Photo credits: Rosa Schreinemachers
Happy Tosti: Korte Poten 5, 2511 EB Den Haag When you’re exploring the city of The Hague you are bound to cross one of the four scattered locations of Coffee Company. As it says in the name, this cafe offers not only a variety of coffee drinks but other refreshing and warming drinks such as homemade iced tea and traditional tea. As tempting as that already sounds, the temptation continues; Cof-
Coffee Company: Korte Poten 21, 2511 EB Den Haag Photo credits: Rosa Schreinemachers After an exhausting day of lobbying, researching, and debating you will undeniably be craving a nice, warmcooked dinner. Very Italian Pizza is the perfect affordable restaurant to cure your hungriness and dig into some pizze, paste, insalate, and dolci. Even after eating a whole pizza, once you look at the dessert menu, you will convince yourself there is room for more food. The Pizza Nutella, Panna Cotta, and Tiramisu are irresistible.
Photo credits: Rosa Schreinemachers
VIP: Kettingstraat 13, 2511 AM Den Haag
Photo credits: Rosa Schreinemachers
Places to discover The Hague is a politically thriving city. It is after all the International City of Peace and Justice. The most important international organisation’s buildings include the Peace Palace which consists of the International Court of Justice and the Permanent Court of Arbitration. The ICJ is one of the six principal
judicial organs of the UN. The PCA is an organisation that facilitates arbitration and disputes resolutions between states. The Peace Palace has also achieved great recognition for its architectural display. The building, inspired by the neo-renaissance, was designed by the French Louis M. Cordonnier.
Peace Palace: Carnegieplein 2, 2517 KJ Den Haag Photo credits: Rosa Schreinemachers Centraal Station Den Haag
Photo credits : Rosa Schreinemachers
Ilustrated by: Erin McClain
The Mauritshuis
The Central Station in The Hague is conveniently located and provides enough entertainment while waiting for a tram, bus, or train to or from the school. The station itself is accommodated with an abundance of cafes and restaurants: Julia’s (for the pasta lovers), Burger King, Starbucks, and more. Next door to the station you can find New Babylon, a large shopping centre. The Fashion Factory Outlet, Store of the Future, and Sticky Rice are worth the visit. Another place to keep yourself entertained with is the Malieveld park right opposite the Station. Here you can enjoy the tranquility of relaxing on a blanket while reading over your MUNISH notes. It’s also the perfect place for a picnic!
New Babylon: Anna van Buerenplein 41a, 2595 DA Den Haag
Photo credits: Rosa Schreinemachers The Mauritshuis, just around the corner of the Dutch political center Binnenhof, is an intimate museum in a seventeenth-century monument featuring the best Dutch painting collections of the Golden Age. The most known paintings, Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring and Rembrandt’s The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, are both masterpieces and on permanent display.
Mauritshuis: Plein 29, 2511 CS Den Haag
Photo credits: Rosa Schreinemachers
Social Media
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Emily Woodward ¡ Valentina Bravo Model United Nations International School of the Hague Wijndaelerduin, 2554 BX Den Haag, Netherlands