The Westphalian Diplomat Friday, April 1, 2011
News, P.2 The Column, P.6
Pubquiz, P.7
Panorama, P.8
„We are at the brink of war!“
By Katja Philipps
Negotiations about the Kashmir Issue had to be postponed when an urgent crisis hit the members of the Security Council: the already tense situation on the Korean Peninsula escalated when North Korean troops opened fire on a small island close to the disputed Yellow Sea border and killed eight South Korean citizens. The member states barely had time to become acquainted with the new situation when the Secretary-General announced a further intensification of the crisis: North Korean forces had captured three citizens from the South. Seoul answered with an ultimatum of 72 hours to return the men; otherwise there would be a military counter strike – a demand which the United States reinforced during a joint press conference. Time was ticking by while the ambassadors everishly worked on a joint resolution – in the knowledge that a nuclear attack
from North Korea could bring the world to the brink of war. After the attacks, Pyongyang broke off all diplomatic relations to the members of the council which a made it almost impossible for the representatives to find a solution through dialog. Soon two blocks had formed: representatives around Russia and China argued that further pressure on the DPRK would only intensify the situation while the United Kingdom urged the member states to react to the attacks in the strongest possible way. The discussions almost escalated when China and the United States got in a heated controversy over the question whether the US should withdrawal their troops from the disputed borderline. After four hours of intense discussions, the Security Council was able to pass a strong resolution that demands an immediate ceasefire between the forces of the involved parties and “authorizes all member states to enforce the ceasefire through military measures if necessary”.
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News The agricultural revolution
“I have to point out the great consensus, a really united committee!”, the Director Martin Schiller described the working process of the last days. Finally, the draft resolution concerning the establishment of a food security policy for post war areas points out clearly the need for action: especially micro finance solutions from international donors have to be promoted. But will there be a similar working atmosphere regarding the range of possibilities for climate smart agriculture? One fact is not to be deniable: the nations did not become tired to present innovative ideas for a. Russia spoke up for a shifting process of land ow-
nership that could be realized within a specific area of a country. “So the agriculturists could exchange their acreage to increase efficient cultivation.” The attempt of Liberia has also to struggle with traditional barriers. It wants to promote efficient as well as climate smart agriculture. In so called farmer field schools the knowledge for innovative concepts is taught – “but only to male farmers”, the Liberian delegate explained and pointed out: “the women are equal intelligent and have to be strengthened.”
Friday, April 1, 2011
The Genera
Passionate Debates Prese
Just a few steps away from the birthplace of modern diplomacy, the Westphalian Peace treaty of 1648 in Münster’s townhall, the delegates gathered for the Grand Assembly in the same spirit for debating, bargaining and peaceful problem solving. As the last preparations were arranged and seats were taken, the majority of the delegates were like Kongo “present and waiting”. The agenda was settled to commence with the resolution of the third General Assembly on global migration, integration and demographic imbalance.
By Annika Behnen It was from then on up
to the supporting states to sustain their common position while both being resistant and yet open to criticism. Shortly after starting the first moderated caucus notes and amendment-sheets were hastily written and quick murmurs exchanged. Germany, South-Africa and Kenya as the strongest supporters of the resolution had to defend their proposals against harsh critics, such as the United Kingdom, which stressed the redundancy of their approach of cultural education and awareness. The Russian Federation, being strictly against any form of illegal immigration stated briefly the lack of con-
News
Friday, April 1, 2011
al Assembly:
ent & Waiting For Change
sequent solutions and questioned the efficiency of the link of integration and migration policies. Although Congo and Kuwait emphasized the importance of an extension of the loan system by the World Bank, it seemed that the position of the UK and Brazil favoring more effective immediate mechanisms seemed to have convinced more supporters from the assembly. Meanwhile Nishat was busy moderating the caucuses and deciphering amendments and Egypt, aware of local climate change and decreasing oxygen level proposed an openwindows- policy. However an “open door” po-
Ecosoc’s methods to wake up his committee!
„We should definitely get a resolution today.“ This is how ECOSOC‘s director Tobit Bartel began the session but he rapidly recognized that his committee was not as enthusiastic and fit as him. The chair team took immediately an efficient decision: everyone had to stand up and sing the song „babyshark“. So suddenly legs were moving, hips were swinging and bright smiles were swimming through the conference room! The chairs had achieved their aim: the session could start. The delegates were fuelled enough to get into heated debates. The best By Max Rößler of two resolutions, both
licy was not embraced by the USA and Italy politically. After the unmoderated caucus, both on strategic and gossip level, it became clear that the progress was slowly improving and consent on state sovereignty and international agreement on a national level was established. So these new Westphalian Diplomats may succeed in solving the global crises of the world of tomorrow…or even sooner….
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with consisting points, had to be chosen. In the committee, the group led by United States disputed with the one of PR of China. Brazil explained „I think China‘s solution will pass because it has more support“. Brazil was right.
By Annouk Weiss
4 CEPAL:
News
Friday, April 1, 2011
Stop Drugs Ruling Always looking up to Latin America! the Iron Lady
Human trafficking, corruption, arms trade, cartels: Regarding this dramatic reality caused by the unsolved drug problem in Latin America deep breathing and severe faces were paralyzing the committee for some unpleasing moments. All the more the delegates were ambitioned to implement substantial ideas considering the necessity to reduce this evil. “When we´re talking about drugs in Latin America cocaine as biggest problem”, explained Antonia Peters, Vice-Director of CEPAL. Almost the whole growing of cocaine takes place in Columbia, Peru and Bolivia.”But concerning the import and export every Latin-American state is
“When we´re talking about drugs every LatinAmerican state is involved.” involved.”, the Vice-Director said. So far, there is no coherent strategy – but definitely some contradictory ideas: As country being one of the biggest consumer the United States represent the solid attempt to stop the cultivation of drugs. Regarding this, Bolivia favors the complete opposite: it thinks about the legalization of drugs with the consequence to become enabled to get a better control. However: to reduce the great evil the American states have to find an agreement. By Annika Behnen
Garima Mitva, 20 years old, from India is perfectly prepared for MUIMUN 2011: in her home country she already participated in two MUN´s. Having experience as delegate as well as member of the organization team where she did a reporter-job she knows both sides of a MUNconference. Infected by the MUN-virus she tried to do something totally new this time: when she heard about MUIMUN she took the chance to participate as scholar and to visit a European country for the first time of her life. And Germany seems to be a good entry: she even has basic knowledge of the language. Being asked
which aspects she wants to contribute to the conference Garima has a clear point of view: “I personally would like to strengthen the human rights”. Therefore she will especially be a voice for developing countries. Garima´s personal ambition to speak up for human rights becomes obviously regarding the fact that it would be Indira Gandhi she would like to have a cup of tea with. She does not only appreciate the first female Prime Minister of India for her political career in a male dominated country but also “for her strong personality”, as Garima said. By Annika Behnen
Friday, April 1, 2011
Close-Up
MUIMUN: The Next Generation
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From behind the scenes with a smile complement one another well. What were they expecting, when they took the task in the beginning?
For our Next Generation Program, we were looking for enthusiastic pupils from Münster and the region. One of them is Lisa Wienströer, whom we had the pleasure of asking a few questions before the MUIMUN start: WeDi: How do you feel about participating in this years MUIMUN session as a NextGeneration student? Lisa: Of course, I think that it will be lots of fun and I will probably get to know many people who are interested in politics too. I am little bit afraid that I can‘t keep up with the older participants, because they are more experienced. But I guess I will try my best! WeDi: What do you think
is the most interesting element of this years MUIMUN session? Lisa: The most interesting element to me are the sessions in which we discuss global problems and issues, because now we have the possibility to actually talk about those issues with other people who are also interested in politics and we experience how the UN delegates feel, when they are having a UN-summit meeting. It will be interesting to hear the other peoples‘ opinion about those themes (for example immigration). But next to that, I am also excited about the social events and the supporting prorogram!
Moritz: Since I worked at the last year’s conference, too, I had a pretty precise picture of the work. Iknew that it would take up a lot of time and have an impact on my studies.
Josie Händel and Moritz Weber, your official job description here at MUIMUN Josie: My expectations is called “Coordinators”– were definitely exceeded. I how would you describe learned so much for my fuyour own roles? ture life. Josie: We are the motivators! Moritz: That’s true; we are trying to keep the team spirit up during the preparations for MUIMUN. With regard to the conference, it’s our main goal to make things work from behind the curtains, so that little accidents stay invisible for the delegates on stage.
One being constantly motivated, lively and energizing, one always calm and organized, you can imagine By Max Rößler the two WWU-students to
In their opinion, how far can democratic decision making go? Moritz (Laughs): I really appreciate democracy. Sometimes, people need clear tasks from someone who knows the backgrounds. Still, there should always be room for creativity. Thanks to both of them!
By Sophia Mandow
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Close-Up
Friday, April 1, 2011
„So I‘ve been thinking...“ The WeDi Column
By Sophia Besch
worry, when there is a note on your bed: “I respect your integrity, accept your authority within this room and believe in your good intentions but still urge you to get that vacuum out of the closet!” Or when your shopping list is titled: “For the purpose of fighting hunger within this region.” Please, dear roommates, don’t get angry when your former friend requests you to raise your napkins and to only speak when called upon.
Hello delegates, would you please be so kind and pass this article on to your roommates, friends and family? It’s for your own good. Thank you! Dear relatives and friends of the MUIMUN 2011 delegates! This is a warning! You don’t know me, but believe me; you really want to read this. I write on behalf of your loved ones who recently left home for a week to join this suspicious conference in Münster, Germany.
Dear all,
I must warn you, they have changed. And there is more than just the girls walking tippy-toed all day, crying for their high-heels and the men parading around with their shoulders as broad as never, dreaming of their decorative suits. No, I’m afraid that it’s going to be a lot more serious than that. Be prepared that a person you thought you knew well might jump out of bed at 7.30 in the morning, screaming “Present and Voting!” They might then feel the urgent need to set up a working paper, so don’t
And do not fear for their mental health, when he or she answers their phone yelling “Egypt, how are you?!” or “Canada, long time no see!” Sounds pretty sick, you say? It is! It’s a virus actually. But don’t worry; it’s not contagious if you follow two ground rules: Do not let them hand you a flyer, poster or button. And if you hear anyone starting a sentence with the words “Change today - “, you run!!!
A Note From The Editor
on behalf of the Public Relations Team I would like to thank you all for the great fifth MUIMUN conference. We all hope, you enjoyed our paper and felt not only well-informed but also entertained. If you only smirked once, we did a good job. I want to take the chance and thank my PR-Team for the amazing work. Guys - you really rock!
Dominik Vorholt, Director of Public Relations
Friday, April 1, 2011
Close-Up
PUBQUIZ
If ya lads wanna quench ya thirst for beers and brains, where’s the best place to let the golden brewage flow down your gorgeous gorges and to activate ya gray cells in nice company? That would be two mighty syllables – Pub Quiz!
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5 YEARS OF MUIMUN !
It’s time to celebrate a glorious quintet of MUIMUN sessions! What an impressive accomplishment for a university initiative to survive 5 organizational teams! All of them have proven their talent to create something continuous while being innovative. From MUIMUNs very infancy on, with first glimpses into the With chandeliers, candles and dozens of round tables bright light of day, to its first babbles in growing teamthe atmospheric Schlossgarten was the perfect location meetings, to its first eloquent utterances by contacting for the pub quiz, such a big event that even Sher the supporting companies and to its first steps convincing chair almost had to share his chair. delegates to join their 1st birthday party - MUIMUN matured rapidly. Somehow the very first MUIMUN team Spanning from Alexander the Great to Pippi Longsto- succeeded in bringing together the flickering sparks in cking and from Dirty Dancing to James Joyce the 10 their minds to ignite a flame, like flintstones. categories were interesting and not quite. With light and, caused by this old Arabic word “alkuhl” meaning However fire always needs something to nurture on. ‘mental essence’, more or less philosophical conversa- ‘You ruthless people sacrificed the beautiful westphations got started and the entertainment level remained lian woods?’ you might rightfully ask. But instead of high throughout the evening. Art, music, movie and committing annually acts of arson, the teams infected book lovers got their share (and the drinkers as well), by the contagious MUIMUN epidemic dedicated their the perfect opportunity for the exchange of experience time and passion to this flame. and knowledge besides the formal assemblies. Everyone regardless of nerdie or girlie, could with his or her Similar to its Olympic counterpart it was passed on individual interest complement to the whole group to from session to session. You might conclude from thedefeat the group’s friends and foes, striving for the ul- se metaphors of fire, infection and growing up that timate championship (and drinks). Nothing else left to MUIMUN is all about progress and you’re already a say: Cheers lads! part of it! By Max Rößler By Max Rößler
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Panorama
Become our Ambassador!
Impassioned students, good work, vivid debates, precious moments, new people, fun, special events…that´s MUIMUN! After five years, we are really proud to say that MUIMUN has grown up, that we have become part of the microcosms of so many students with the aim to really bring change, to make this world to a better place – students who know that borders are breakable and distances can be overcome. So become an ambassador of MUIMUN and help us spread the word! For more information contact: pr@muimun.org
Tonight: FAREWELLPARTY
Horoscope
How many female and male delegates take part in MUIMUN 2011? - 115 male delegates and 85 female delegates. How much coffee is drunk per day (liters)? - 60 liters. How many E-Mails were exchanged between deletages and the Delegates Service? - 2857.
Editorial Established 2007 Münster University International Model United Nations
VIRGO Nobody needs to tell you to get to work, and your dedication isn’t in question. So what are you hiding from? Show your potential, present the fresh approaches you’re investigating, share the information you have gathered and give the others the chance to appreciate your effort.
Tonight is the final spurt! As this conference is coming to an end, let’s celebrate together for the last time! This will be a farewell party as well as a fabulous 5th birthday party for MUIMUN – let yourself be surprised! At the same time you can sum up the past days and exchange your impressions. Let’s have the time of our lives and take the MUIMUN spirit with us to our home countries. See you in the Uferlos at 9pm.
MUIMUN Anniversary Quiz
Friday, April 1, 2011
Editorial Staff Katja Philipps Sophia Besch Sophia Mandow Max Rößler Annika Behnen Dominik Vorholt Layout Dominik Vorholt Contributors Anna-Lena Krampe Annouk Weiss Divya Rajeswari
CANCER Keep your mind on your goals. Things are in flux but you can’t press them. Be firm in your plans but have respect for the strategy of others. If you don’t insist on your idea the day may have a surprise in store for you.
Lonely Hearts Ads Ultra-modern country seeks help of skilled rainforest people to control urban jungle. Harpoons should not be needed. Mafia boss seeks tolerant insular state offering isolated hiding places. Earnings will be divided. Diverse but scarcely communicating world seeks brave delegates to overcome borders.
Horoscope Pictures: Great Thanks to Melanie Schippling V.i.S.d.P. Dominik Vorholt UniPrint: 270 copies DISCLAIMER The Westphalian Diplomat is an independent newspaper. The content of the articles does not necessarily represent the opinion of the “Arbeitstelle Forschungstransfer”.