European International Model United Nations
The European International Model United Nations (TEIMUN) foundation aims at educating students about international relations and diplomacy through providing several Model United Nations conferences and workshops. TEIMUN is a member of the European Model United Nations Network (EMUNNET),[1] and uses the standardized EMUNNET Rules of Procedure.
History
TEIMUN was founded in 1987 when a group of American students spending parts of their studies in the Netherlands organized the first TEIMUN Conference.[2] TEIMUN originally stemmed from the United Nations Association of the United States of America (UNA-USA).[3] The TEIMUN Conference was the first MUN Conference to be organized on the European mainland.
A major turning point occurred when the Groningen branch of the Dutch United Nations Student Association (DUNSA) or SIB (in Dutch) took on the responsibilities for organizing the conference through the organizing committee. This partnership between UNA-USA and SIB transformed the conference from a predominantly American undertaking to a truly international program. Later, the cooperation between SIB and UNA-USA in organizing the conference was replaced by the organizing work of the SIB-TEIMUN Foundation alone. The organization of TEIMUN then became a Dutch undertaking. Since 2008, TEIMUN is an independent foundation which organizes several UN simulations.[4]
Over the years, TEIMUN has grown steadily. The TEIMUN conference became one of the largest and most important MUNs on the European mainland, with participants registering for the conference from over 65 different countries. The program was expanded over the years and currently covers seven different councils. It currently encompasses the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Human Rights Council, the Historical Crisis Council, the International Court of Justice, the North-Atlantic Council, and the European Council.
In the past, UNESCO, the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and the UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) have also been part of the conference.
Structure
The TEIMUN Foundation has a unique structure. While most Model United Nations are associations, TEIMUN does not have members. The TEIMUN Foundation has its office in Groningen. The Board of Directors has seven members and is responsible for organizing several conferences such as GrunnMUN and the TEIMUN conference. Since 2017, the MUN-Society has been added to the list of events. Moreover, there are four Supervisory Board members and four Audit Committee members. The Chairman of the Board of Directors is ultimately responsible.
The intellectual content of the conferences is provided by 18 staff members, headed by the Secretariat, consisting of a Secretary General and an Under Secretary General. These staff members come from all over the world.
Finally, the organization is also supported by three journalists, who are responsible for the GrunnMUN Chronicle and the TEIMUN Telegraph, reporting on the proceedings in the councils and events throughout the week.
TEIMUN
The principal event is the TEIMUN conference. In 2017, this seven-day conference was held from July 9th to July 16th and hosted in The Hague. During this conference, approximately 200 students from all over the world had the opportunity to experience the workings and decision-making processes of the United Nations, NATO, and the EU through role-playing in one of the simulated councils. Through lively debates and intensive back-room discussions, participants gain a more thorough understanding of multilateral diplomacy in world affairs. Moreover, this simulation greatly enhances public speaking and debating skills, and adds to the intercultural competencies of the participants.
Besides facilitating the sessions, the TEIMUN Conference offers other activities throughout the week. The Conference begins with a large Opening Ceremony, welcoming interesting, high-profile speakers in the fields of (international) politics, diplomacy, defense, journalism, or other fields. Afterwards, participants will have the opportunity to speak with ambassadors of the countries they are representing.
Moreover, being in the International City of Peace & Justice, the participants will visit some of the many international institutions The Hague houses, such as the International Criminal Court (ICC), the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), the Peace Palace, and the former Yugoslavia Tribunal. Optional cultural excursions are offered as well.
Finally, as a truly international conference with participants from over 60 different countries, social activities are organized to emphasize intercultural exchange, such as the Orange Party and the Global Village.
GrunnMUN
GrunnMUN stands for the Groningen Model United Nations. GrunnMUN is a one-day simulation, similar to TEIMUN. This conference is held in the city of Groningen, in the north of the Netherlands. GrunnMUN is primarily intended for students residing in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, students from other countries and international students also participate in the conference, which is held entirely in English; therefore, fluency in English is a prerequisite for participants.
Currently, GrunnMUN is expanded to five councils, including the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Human Rights Council, the North-Atlantic Council, and the European Council.
In 2014, the conference was held on Thursday, March 6th.
In 2015, the conference was held on Thursday, March 5th, with the theme “The Challenge of Change – New power perspectives”.[5]
In 2016, the conference was held on Thursday, March 3rd, with the theme "Pushing Boundaries: Constructing a Contemporary Status Quo".
In 2017, the conference was held on Thursday, March 9th, with the theme "Dare to Doubt: Revisiting Established Norms".
References
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