European International Model United Nations
The European International Model United Nations (TEIMUN) foundation aims at educating students about international relations & 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[edit]
TEIMUN was found in 1987 when a group of American students who were spending parts of their studies in The Netherlands organised the first TEIMUN Conference.[2] TEIMUN originally came 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 took place when the Groningen branch of the Dutch United Nations Student Association (DUNSA) or SIB (in Dutch) took on the responsibilities for the organization of 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 programme. Later on, the cooperation between SIB and UNA-USA in organising the conference was replaced by the organising work of the SIB-TEIMUN Foundation alone. The organisation of TEIMUN now became a Dutch enterprise. 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 biggest and most important MUNs on the European main land, with participants registering for the conference from over 65 different countries. The programme was extended over the years and currently it covers seven different councils. Currently it 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 UN Environmental Programme (UNEP) have been part of the conference as well.
Structure[edit]
The TEIMUN Foundation has a unique structure. Where 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 takes care for organizing several conferences such as GrunnMUN and the TEIMUN conference. Since 2017, the MUN-Society is 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, which are headed by the Secretariat, consisting of a Secretary General and a Under Secretary General. These staff members come from all over the world.
Lastly, the organization is also supported by three journalists, who are responsible for the GrunnMUN Chronicle and the TEIMUN Telegraph, in which they report on the proceedings taking place in the councils and the events taking place throughout the week.
TEIMUN[edit]
The principal event is the TEIMUN conference. In 2017, this seven-day conference is being held from the 9th of July until the 16th of July and is hosted in The Hague. During this conference, approximately 200 students from all over the world have the opportunity to experience the workings and the decision-making processes of the United Nations, NATO and the EU through role-playing in one of the simulated councils. Through sparkling 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 competences of the participants.
Besides facilitating the sessions, the TEIMUN Conference offers other activities throughout the week. The Conference starts with a large Opening Ceremony, welcoming interesting, high-profile speakers in the field of (international) politics, diplomacy, defense, journalism or other fields. Afterwards, they will get the chance 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.
Lastly, being a truly international conference with participants from over 60 different countries, social activities will be organized to emphasize on intercultural exchange, such as the Orange Party and the Global Village.
GrunnMUN[edit]
GrunnMUN stands for the Groningen Model United Nations. GrunnMUN is a one-day simulation, similar to TEIMUN. This conference is being held in the city of Groningen, in the north of the Netherlands. GrunnMUN is primarily thought for students residing in the Netherlands. Nevertheless, students from other countries and international students also participate in the conference, which is held as well entirely in English; therefore it is a prerequisite for participants to be fluent in English.
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 6.
In 2015, the conference has been held on Thursday, March 5 on the theme “The Challenge of Change – New power perspectives”.[5]
In 2016, the conference has been held on Thursday, March 3 on the theme "Pushing Boundaries: Constructing a Contemporary Status Quo".
In 2017, the conference has been held on Thursday, March 9th on the theme "Dare to Doubt: Revisiting Established Norms".
References[edit]
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