|
This is perhaps the last Communique to which I will contribute. After two years as National President I can think of no better way to end my time in the administrative side of UNYANZ than in the wake of our Tenth Birthday celebrations. Reconnecting with former office holders and sharing memories of the success of UNYANZ over a decade of operation was just a fantastic reminder of the great work that we do.
Coming up we have two great examples of that work: New Zealand Model UN and the New Zealand Model Security Council. I would encourage you to get involved in these events as they promise to be excellent examples of young people engaging with international issues in the spirit of the UN.
As a parting comment, let me also challenge a new generation of leaders to take up the mantle. Take up the mantle within UNYANZ - we need capable and dedicated leaders to carry UNYANZ into another decade of successes. Take up the mantle in your communities - make sure that the dynamic and fresh voice of young people is always heard and considered. And most importantly, take up the mantle for our world. The issues that you will come across as delegates at Model UN events are ones that require global action, but rarely get it. Armed with the experience of your involvement in UNYANZ, make sure that these issues are acted on!
Kia Kaha,
National President
FEATURES
The organisation held its Annual General Meeting on the 31st of May in Wellington. In addition to the formalities and a solid debrief of the year just passed, a new National Executive was elected.
Gina Manning was elected as the organisation's new President. Originally from Waipukurau and now nearing the completion of Law and Arts (with honours) degrees at Victoria University, Gina has previously held the positions of National Secretary and more recently, Vice-President for Organisational Policy. Gina's ability and persistence is well known.
Gina replaces Matt McGrath, who the AGM thanked for his many years of service to the organisation, and the tenacity, professionalism and leadership he brought to the office of President. Matt moves on to an exciting career in the New Zealand Defence Force.
Richard Evans, an LLB/BA student from the University of Canterbury remains on the executive as Vice-President for Education. David Tong, a judge's clerk at the High Court in Auckland, re-joins executive as Vice-President for Governance. Lizzie Chan, an LLB/BA student from the University of Auckland and Auckland's former President, becomes the Vice President for the New Zealand Model UN Program. After many years of service as the Canterbury region's President, Erin Jackson of Christchurch is to replace Sarah Wilson as National Secretary. Peter McCaffrey remains on the commitee as National Treasurer.
The new executive takes office in July. With such a solid range of ability, the year ahead is sure to be an exciting one! The organisation can be thankful for the hard work and leadership of outgoing executive members, Sarah Wilson (Secretary) and Nigel Smith (Vice-President for the New Zealand Model UN Program).
The UNYANZ 10th Birthday Celebrations
Saturday the 30th of May marked ten years since the birth of UNYANZ. This called for celebration. At a Thai Restaurant in Wellington, over forty current and former office holders of the organisation and supporters from UNANZ, met for that very purpose. All had the opportunity to look back on ten years of history, with a perspective that can only come with time. As the gathering was told, “There were about ten of us in a room in Wanganui. We were enthusiastic, but we didn’t have a clue what we were doing. It wasn’t an auspicious beginning”. It was a chance to admire the dedication of those there at the beginning, the tenacity of those who have taken UNYANZ through inevitable ups and downs and the passion of those who set out to create an youth organisation, run by youth, for young New Zealanders engaged in the world around them. Passion may be too cheesy a word, yet nothing else explains the development of UNYANZ to date.
The party moved on to a much larger crowd at Mac’s Brewery, on the waterfront. This was an opportunity for celebration of a more informal nature, with tales told, and valuable inter-generational networking.
There is much to celebrate. The New Zealand Model UN Conference has grown into a key fixture on the New Zealand school calendar, now involving 220 delegates each year. Since 1999, over one hundred young New Zealanders have experienced the New Zealand Schools’ Delegation to The Hague International Model UN (THIMUN), with others experiencing Australia’s United Nations Youth Conference (UNYC). Our repertoire continues to grow, with New Zealand Model Security Council and Youth Declaration further demonstrating the rigour of what we offer. This has been built on strong regional development, with Model UN conferences, speakers, quiz nights, social events and the like.
For those now in charge, the evening put current challenges in perspective, while at the same time pointing out all that’s been achieved and stoking the fire as to what can still be achieved.
It was special to hear from Anna Cutfield, the first President of UNYANZ. As she put it:
“We might not have known what we were doing, but we were idealistic and passionate. Please be outraged by what you read in the papers and see on the news. Be outraged by the things you learn during your time as a member of UNYANZ, at national events and at UNYC and THIMUN. And if anyone makes fun of you or what you believe, don’t listen”
We are a youth organisation, run by youth, for young New Zealanders engaged in civil society and international affairs; New Zealanders engaged with each other and with their world. That’s worth celebrating.
Youth Declaration 2009
Youth Declaration 2009 was held on 18-19 April 2009 at The University of Auckland. Over one hundred young New Zealanders from around the country participated in the event as delegates, facilitators or organisers. Building on the success of the inaugural Youth Declaration in 2008 the event was ambitiously expanded in a number of ways. The senior high school delegates discussed and formulated statements of their beliefs across sixteen topics ranging from poverty, health, education and justice to foreign affairs, defence and security, and national and international trade. The resultant “Youth Declaration 2009” document is an impressive statement of the views of young New Zealanders.
A video address by the Prime Minister John Key at the opening ceremony was a great way to recognize the significance of the occasion. At the closing ceremony the 24-page “Youth Declaration 2009” was presented to the Governor-General, Sir Anand Satyanand, Maori Party co-leader Dr Pita Sharples and a number of other dignitaries from governmental and non-governmental organisations. The Governor General spoke at the closing ceremony of the importance of youth opinions in policy decision-making, which was a fitting way to formally close the event
Five delegates were selected to present the document to Parliament and relevant Government Ministries in Wellington on 29-30 April. Seventeen MPs received the document on the steps of Parliament including Minister of Education Anne Tolley and Leader of the Opposition Phil Goff. The document was also well received at Ministries with numerous responses commenting on how impressed they were with the document and the students who presented it. The “Youth Declaration 2009” can be downloaded from the UNYANZ website.
Youth Declaration 2009 would not have been possible without the tireless dedication and commitment of the facilitators and organisers. Special thanks to our sponsors for their generous support: Action for Children and Youth Aotearoa, The University of Auckland Careers Services, The University of Auckland Schools Partnership Office, Oxfam New Zealand and Save the Children New Zealand. UNYANZ Auckland looks forward to further developing Youth Declaration in 2010.
Director
Who Runs UNYANZ: Sarah Wilson
Sarah Wilson has been the National Secretary for UNYANZ for the 2008/2009 year. She is in her third year studying Law and Politics at Victoria University. As well as being on the National Executive, Sarah has been to The Hague International Model UN, been a regional president, and is Resources Coordinator for this year's upcoming New Zealand Model UN. When she has a spare moment, she is very involved in debating and can often be seen flying down to Christchurch to catch up with friends and family there.
As National Secretary, Sarah is in charge of minutes and working papers of all the minutes from both National Council and National Executive meetings, as well as running the National Membership database.
AHEAD IN UNYANZ
New Zealand Model United Nations 2009
New Zealand Model United Nations registrations have closed and positions allocated. Delegate have been informed of their committees and the member state they are representing and excitement is beginning to build.
At the same time, all our conference assistants have been selected; we had a huge number of applicants and had to reject many highly skilled aspirants.
Delegates and CAs alike should be starting their research now on the various topics being discussed at the conference. The General Assembly committees will be discussing nuclear disarmament, the economic crisis, defamation of religion, recognition of Taiwan by the UN, responsibility to protect and the establishment of a Geneva-esque Convention for the treatment of natural resources in conflict zones. Our inaugural Security Council will be discussing the ongoing crisis in Congo, the recently reported problem of piracy off Somalia, and the increasing crisis at the Korean peninsula.
The committee are working hard to bring together some great speakers and some great times for this years conference. As always if you have any questions please do not hesitate to send an email to nzmodelun@unyanz.co.nz
Co-ordinator
New Zealand Model Security Council 2009
Registrations are open!
There have been exciting developments over the last two months. We have been busily talking to sponsors, booking venues, and...launching our marketing campaigns. If you're interested in becoming a delegate or conference assistant (chair, secretary, note-passer, and/or observer delegate), visit the website or email Chloe.
Registrations are starting to come in, so don't sleep on this one! We promise three days of productive discussion, intense debate, and great fun.
- When? 4-6 September 2009. Two days of committee, and one day of plenary.
- Who? 60 university students, from around New Zealand, in teams of four, representing Member States of the UN Security Council. Plus, 16 conference assistants, chairing committees and facilitating debate for competitors, by representing particularly relevant States that are not on the Security Council.
- Where? The University of Auckland, and a selection of hotels, bars, and restaurants (including the Copthorne Hotel, Opium Bar, Sponge Bar, Tanuki, Mai Thai, Vivace, and Khao!)
- How much? $190 for delegates; $120 for conference assistants. Believe me, you will get your money’s worth!
- Why? A chance to meet great people, hear interesting speakers, and discuss stimulating international issues, in between a busy line up of social events.
- Why be a delegate? Healthy competition, social events, and great prizes. Model UN events are a great way to develop public speaking ability, knowledge of international affairs, and negotiation skills. They look great on your CV, and are a great way to get to know people both with similar goals and interests and with completely different beliefs and backgrounds.
- Why be a conference assistant? All the advantages of being a delegate (except the competition!) with a discounted rate. Plus, it looks even better on your CV. There are two classes of conference assistant. The first are committee directors. They will alternate between serving as chairs and secretaries for the first two days, then may become observer delegates in the plenary. The second are observer-delegates/note-passers. They will spend each one day in committee passing notes, and the second representing observer States. In the plenary session, they will represent observer States too. No one will just be working on catering or passing notes!
- Can someone tell me more about it? Sure! Just email David.
Co-ordinator
THIMUN 2010 - Calling All Applicants!
Calling THIMUN applicants!
UNYANZ is calling for applications for delegates for the New Zealand Schools' Delegation to THIMUN in January of 2010.
The Hague International Model United Nations (THIMUN) was first held in 1969, with around 300 students. THIMUN now attracts around 3,800 students and teachers from over 200 schools around the world, from countries such as Iceland, Peru, the UK and Jordan.
The New Zealand Schools' Delegation has been attending the conference for a number of years. When at the conference, the delegates represent an assigned country in committees and in the General Assembly. In the past the New Zealand Delegation has represented the Republic of Ireland, Bangladesh, Thailand, Italy, Myanmar and Tuvalu. In January of 2009 the NZ Delegation represented the Republic of Korea.
On the way to THIMUN the delegation will travel for approximately 12 days. This tour will enhance the trip and provide an educational experience for the delegates. During the tour the delegates will form a strong bond as a delegation, meet with diplomats and take advantage of resources along the way to aid in their research.
Being part of a New Zealand delegation to THIMUN is an incredibly fulfilling and satisfying experience. Not only does it give you a rare experience at such a young age, but it is also a lot of fun and you will make amazing and life long friends!
Applications for THIMUN will be sent out with information to those attending the National Model United Nations. A shortlist of candidates will be interviewed during the Model United Nations Conference, and the delegation will be announced on the final day.
Don't let this opportunity pass you by! We look forward to hearing from you all. Click here for more information and to make an application.
THIMUN 2010 Director
UNYC 2009, Australia
UNYC is roaring along! Congratulations to Erin Jackson, who has been chosen as the assistant facilitator, and has been a great help so far. All plans are near completion. All flights have been booked, as has accommodation, and conference fees paid. The conference runs from the 5th – 12th July, including the opening day of NZMUN. UNYC Facilitator
UNYANZ National Awards Nominations
Each year UNYANZ recognizes service towards UNYANZ and its causes with two national awards: the ‘Wysocki Bates Award for the Most Outstanding Contribution towards Youth Involvement in the United Nations’ and the ‘Daria Brankin Award for the Most Generous and Supportive Members of UNYANZ’. Anybody can be nominated for the awards. For more information, and to make a nomination yourself, click here.
REGIONS
With an eager new Regional Council comprised of experience and fresh ideas, Auckland is a region that seeks to remain at the forefront of providing a quality UNYANZ experience for its members. Having recently facilitated our highly successful Regional Model UN and Youth Declaration, along with a University Model UN, our Council remains committed to encouraging participation and opportunities for all its members.
Primary among our recent goals has been the establishment of a working calendar for all the events we will be holding in the current Councils term. Coming up in the near future for High School Students in Auckland will be the High Schools Security Council, marked down for the 8th of August, and the High Schools Regional Forum, a new event planned for September 19th.
Jennifer Donnelly, our new High Schools Representative, is very keen to hear the thoughts and opinions of High School members within Auckland, so feel free to email her at auckland.highschools@unyanz.co.nz, or myself at Auckland@unyanz.co.nz. Auckland UNYANZ is keen to strengthen its networks throughout Auckland High Schools, and wishes to hear from every school interested in UNYANZ events.
Opportunities for University Students participation is also abundant in Auckland with two major points to note. Firstly, David Tong and his team are planning one of the best conferences Auckland will see in the NZ Model Security Council. Held at the University of Auckland from the 4th till 6th of September, I’d urge Uni students from across the country to get a team together and register at nzmsc.registrations@unyanz.co.nz . Auckland is also an active regional internationally for University students, as we will be sending 17 people to Brisbane in July to attend AMUNC09.
We look forward to seeing all our members at the forefront of UNYANZ events, both regionally, and nationally.
Nick MastersAs winter begins to set in, Wellington UNYANZ is certainly not going into hibernation. In May, a group of around 20 university members enjoyed a dinner and film night. The film ' Sampari' was part of the Human Rights Film Festival. It featured an indigenous leader from Western Papua participating in the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues in New York. May also saw the launch of the first 'World Issue Negotiation' simulation for university members. The fascinating and stimulating discussion and debate focused on what the UN strategy should be to tackle the global drug trade.
A Mini-Model UN was recently held at Tawa College, with positive feedback coming from all parties involved. If you are a high school student and want a mini-Model UN held at your school in the Wellington UNYANZ region, talk to your teachers and get in touch with us and we can make it happen!
Congratulations to Lia Paddy (High Schools) and Helen Dempster (University), who were appointed as our Security Council event coordinators! We can look forward to two great events later in the year!
The Wellington region is looking forward to having members from all other regions coming to visit for the 10th Birthday celebrations and NZ Model UN!
Mark Mulholland
Wellington President
The Canterbury Region, following on from it’s extremely successful Model United Nations Conference, held a Post-MUN Dinner for Canterbury UNYANZ members to bring some of the delegates back together again, and the new Council has been working hard on other plans for the future for its members.
The month of June provides the lead up to the Association’s annual conference, NZMUN09, and Canterbury has a large number of young high school students aspiring to take the stage in Wellington and produce some excellent discussion. The Council plans to prepare these students for the challenges of this event, especially considering many of them will be new to the concept, during this month. A ‘MUNting’ (MUN Training) will be run by high school students within the Regional Council on the 26th of June, and on that note, I am very pleased that we have tremendously strong prospects for future leadership in the Canterbury Council.
But for those of you who cannot make NZMUN09, the Council has produced a Calendar of high school events for the rest of 2009 that has been sent to all UNYANZ members, to help maintain awareness of what the Canterbury and National Councils are planning. After all of this, Canterbury will turn to its next Regional conference, which we are hoping to make bigger and better than ever before.
The Council’s primary goal is to enhance relationships with schools, and to give a broader range of young people the opportunities that we have had through the Association. This process will begin in earnest in the third high school term this year, with meetings to be established with the appropriate staff at schools in Canterbury that UNYANZ has not been strongly associated with previously.
Anton Smith
Canterbury PresidentOtago has had a successful couple of months since the last issue.
Our most recent event was the high school Model United Nations, which is organised with the Dunedin Rotary club. For some of our members, this meant chairing (and/or being secretary) a Model UN debate for the first time. The favourite resolution of the day was a ‘fun’ one about world war. The hypothetical war started due to a disagreement between the P5 and G4, leading to Carla Bruni being kidnapped at Eurovision. The event was a success and a good time was had by all. At the prize giving, two delegates were awarded an all-expenses-paid trip (funded by Rotary) to Wellington to attend the NZ Model United Nations in July.
Straight after the Otago MUN, the Otago region AGM was held. The new Regional Council is nearly the same as last year, except the role of secretary is now filled by Chelcie Lutton. Also, Otago now has Kurt Purdon as a high school representative.
Now Otago UNYANZ members are busy studying for upcoming exams, and will be back in action next term to start organising the third annual university-level Model Security Council, which is planned to be held early next term so delegates have the opportunity to then go to the National Security Council in Auckland.
Otago President
BEYOND UNYANZ
Children’s Climate Forum In Copenhagen
UNICEF is looking for a young New Zealander to attend the Children's Climate Change Forum in Copenhagen this December, to take place alongside the potentially historic re-negotiation of the Kyoto Protocol.
----
Do you want to be a Kiwi Climate Ambassador?
Are you passionate about taking action on climate change? Are you aged 14 – 17? Then don't miss your chance to speak out on this crucial issue in front of a global audience - and inspire more young people to get involved.
UNICEF NZ is giving you the opportunity to represent New Zealand at the Children's Climate Forum in Copenhagen in December 2009.
This December, UNICEF and the city of Copenhagen in Denmark will host a Children's Climate Forum. The forum will bring together young people from all over the world who will share their views on how we should face up to the threat of climate change.
The New Zealand delegates will join delegates from the Pacific Islands and will have the opportunity to present at the Forum on how climate change is affecting young people in the South Pacific.
Following the children's forum, there will be a high-level meeting of decision makers representing every country in the world which could potentially lead to an historic agreement on how to tackle climate change. This meeting will is called the Fifteenth Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC COP15).
For your chance to attend the Children’s Climate Forum you will need to answer the following questions in a short written statement of no more than 700 words.
1. Why is climate change an important issue to you?
2. What are some environmental problems you have heard about in the South Pacific Region?
3. Do you know of any sustainability initiatives in your own community? If yes, what are they?
4. Have you been involved in any climate change initiatives yourself? (If yes, please describe your involvement).
5. What can young people do about climate change – and how would you encourage them to take action if you were to go to Copenhagen?
6. If selected, how would you distribute and share your learning from Copenhagen once you come back to New Zealand?
7. What do you think the world leaders should decide at their meeting in Copenhagen?
For detailed instructions on how to apply, go to http://unicef.org.nz/page/282/KiwiClimateCallOut.html
The deadline for submitting your entry is 12 noon on Friday 19th June 2009
WFUNA Competition
This competition is run by the World Federation of United Nations Associations (WFUNA).
DEVELOP A NUCLEAR DISARMAMENT EDUCATION CAMPAIGN
* Win a trip to the United Nations Annual NGO Conference being held in Mexico this September.*
Now through the end of July the World Federation of United Nations Associations will be accepting submissions for this year's Students for a Nuclear Weapons Free World Contest.
Your mission is to design/develop a local campaign that educates, invigorates, and mobilizes your community (local, regional, national, online, or anywhere) especially youth to become a part of the global movement to free the world of nuclear weapons. Use your resources to create your own campaign with events, materials, videos, posters, journals, web pages, social networking groups or anything you can take from imagination and bring into action.
Send us links, pictures, execution plans, journals and more! A handful of the most creative, engaging, and effective campaigns will be selected as winners. Winners will be invited to present their campaigns to the United Nations Department for Public Information and Non-Governmental Organisations (UN DPI/NGO) conference in Mexico 9-11 September 2009.
The theme for the 2009 conference will be on disarmament.
For more information and directions, Read Here or email hub@wfuna.org
Making a Select Committee Submission
The University of Auckland’s Political Studies Department is hosting a free public workshop presented by Rob Thomas to assist people interested in making submissions to the Select Committee on Auckland's Governance. This is a non-partisan community event to encourage community participation in the decision making process.
At the workshop we will:
- Discuss a brief history of the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill 2009
- Learn how to make a submission to the Select Committee
- Learn how to effectively formulate your ideas for a formal submission
The workshop is open to anyone who would like to make a submission. You do not need to RSVP – just come along and feel free to bring anyone who might also be interested in making a submission.
Friday, 19th June 6-8pm
University of Auckland Clock Tower, Room 039, 22 Princes St, City Campus
Please bring along your own writing equipment. We will facilitate your workshop and provide reference material. If you would like to find out more please contact us at:
e.deronde@auckland.ac.nz
ENACT.org.nz Competition
The following is a competition run by the Peace Foundation.
To celebrate Youth Week in Aotearoa (May 23rd-31st) and the launch of its new-look ENACT website (www.enact.org.nz), Peace Foundation is running a competition and will be giving an amazing iPod shuffle to the best entry! What we want to know is:
* How can New Zealand youth contribute to a more peaceful society? *
Students can illustrate this in a variety of ways – either in essay or poster format, in a short movie clip or with an original idea of your own! Some ideas might include how youth are contributing at present at a local level, or possibilities for engaging with peace at a national
or even international level.
For more ideas check out the Enact website under Peace Issues for information on current peace topics!
Entries close on Friday 26th June. Post your entries to:
Youth Week Competition,
The Peace Foundation,
PO Box 24-429,
Manners St.
Wellington
or email to una@peacefoundation.org.nz.
NZIIA Christchurch Meetings
The New Zealand Institute of International Affairs has an impressive range of speakers on the horizon. The institute's meetings are well worth attending...
AFGHANISTAN: A VIEW FROM THE CENTRE. - Lieutenant-Colonel Jeremy Ramsden, MNZM.
Wednesday, 10 June 2009 - 5.00 for 5.30 pm - Room 208, Macmillan Brown Centre
Lt.-Col.Ramsden was commissioned into the armoured corps from Portsea Officer Cadet School in 1979. He has a BA in politics and history, a PG Dip. in Human Resource Management, and an M.Phil in Development Studies. He was ADC to the Gov.-Gen. in 1985-6; a UN Truce Observer in Lebanon at Golan Heights, 1986-7; a senior instructor in the multi-national Observer Force in Sinai, 1992-3; he headed the civil military affairs project cell in Bosnia in 1999; in 2008 he was Deputy Chief of Plans at the HQ of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, for which he became the first New Zealander to be awarded the Nato Meritorious Service Medal. In 2003-5 he was NZ defence advisor to Fiji, Samoa, and Tonga, and he is currently Head of Intelligence at HQ Joint Force, at Trentham.
Forthcoming meetings include...
- Mon 29 June Murray McCully, Minister for Foreign Affairs
- Tues 28 July John McKinnon, Secretary of Defence on The Defence Review
- Tues 25 Aug Dr John Wood, former Ambassador in Washington, American Foreign Policy: Plus Ça Change. . .
eMUN - An Online Model UN!
The following is message from Daniel Farrell, who's behind a new online Model UN Project. This is worthy of a look ...
eMUN is a great new oportunity for Model UN attendees all over the world. To our knowledge, eMUN is the world's first online model UN. We are really looking forward to running this, but first, we need you to sign up. eMUN was supposed to start on June 1st, but we don't have nearly enough people registered to be able to run it. Check out http://emun.lamdacorp.com for more information. eMUN is being run by two people who have attended UNYANZ events - one has been attending for 3 years, the other started attending this year. Because of this, we have decided to allow a discount for UNYANZ members. Make sure that you either use the discount code UN001 on Eventbrite, or you don't use the link on the webpage, and use http://emun1.eventbrite.com/?discount=UN001 so you can get the discount. We hope you all can be a part of eMUN.
If you have any questions, feel free to email admin@emun.lamdacorp.com
|