國際模擬聯合國會議@Singapore

模擬聯合國，就是模仿聯合國各委員會的運作方式和議事規則，針對聯合國關注的議題所召開的國際會議，透過會議的進行，學生可以學習及熟悉國際性議題，培養學生辯論及談判等溝通技巧，並使學生有機會與外國學生作跨文化及外交禮儀及事務等方面的經驗交流，深富教育意義。雙語部推廣模擬聯合國會議已有10年的時間，除了在本校舉辦新竹模擬聯合國外，於每年11月前往新加坡華僑中學參加由海牙國際模擬聯合國會議基金會(The Hague International Model Unieted Nations Foundation，簡稱THIMUN)舉辦的國際模擬聯合國會議。該基金會於1968年創立，為了推廣國際模擬聯合國並提供平台給更多國家的學生參與，於2004年開始在新加坡辦理第一屆的THIMUN Singapore，直到今年第十年，已晉身為亞洲區最具規模的國際模擬聯合國會議，有10個委員會，與會的學生大約1000人。今年的活動於2014年11月17日至21日舉辦，雙語部共有11位學生及兩位老師參加。

Annie Liu (Gr.11)

THIMUN X, a world renowned model united nation that gathers international students from all around the world together to Singapore, is celebrating its tenth annual anniversary. As a delegate, chair, secretary general, supervisors, or guests alike, its not at all surprising to find yourself sitting on your bus seat, jittery with anticipation and shaking your hands in nervous excitement for the upcoming conference. It is, after all, considered one of the top leading MUN conference on global scale; at least it is considered so in Asia. This year, as did so in many of the previous years, THIMUN would take place in November on the campus of the Hwa Chong Institution. As per by THIMUN procedure, this conference transpires across five days and is open to eleven committees that will debate and formulate resolutions on issues ranging from the territorial integrity of the former Soviet Republics to the promoting the human right of access to adequate housing.

In the six days I’ve been in Singapore, I’ve seen the flourishing cultural diversity and meet many new acquaintances. I’ve spent hours walking through the endless malls and shops that always appears to be full of roaming customers. I’ve witness the sparkling delights of Singapore’s beautiful light decorations that sprawl the streets and malls alike, glistening the night with its soothing colors. I’ve tasted different cuisines that exists in Singapore, ranging from Chinese to Indian styled food. And trust me, it was all deliciously fulfilling.

THIMUN itself was a wholly different experience to remember. Debate was full quirks and surprising antics that fortunately ended with the two sides jokingly trading snark remarks. As the long, actively debated days on a total of ten resolution that attempts of resolve six pressing global issue came to an end in the HRC committee, debate too became more friendly and relaxed, contrary to the beginning, where delegates were all nervous and determined to defend their own stances. I’ve seen many different style of debate and learned from it. The many different people that nervously, yet bravely approached the podium showed courage and step by step, gained their hard earned experience. Being in this committee, where I believe the most drama had occurred, have brought tears to my eyes as I thought of leaving these great and amazing people that I’ve had the fortune to meet in the brief five days of conference. Now, as a delegate the partook in THIMUN X, 2014, I carry the sadness of leaving the friends I made with the happiness that I was able to get to meet them.

Claire Kuo( Gr.9)

We stepped off the plane, beginning our week at Singapore for the 10th THIMUN conference with a chill day of relaxation. The next day, dressed up in the formal attire of suits, skirts, and ties, we headed off to the Hwa Chong Institute where we were immediately greeted by admin and escorted to our respective committees. Delegates stepped into the GA3 committee: a huge conference room filled to the brim with red auditorium-like chairs, with a projector screen covering a wall of the vicinity. Minutes later, we started lobbying, each tackling one of the four issues presented to us: taking action against gender-related killing of women and girls, combating sex tourism, eradicating malnutrition amongst children, and reducing the gap between urban and rural citizens as regards to access to health services, education, and sanitation. I wound up with a group of girls on the topic of combating sex tourism. We whipped out our computers and began writing a resolution and socializing simultaneously. The next day, we began intense debate. Each time the floor was open, a sea of placards was raised. The GA plenary was just the same. The conference continued in this fashion for the following days, the flow of debate and controversy continuous with eventful moments now and then, making THIMUN memorable.

Angela Zhang (Gr.9)

This THIMUN Singapore experience was definitely different from all my other past MUN conferences. Not only was it my first time attending an international conference, it was also my first time being in GA6. Before actually going, a lot of people have told me that I’ve signed up for a boring committee, and boy did I believe that. But, after returning, I must say, that is not at all true. Whether it’s the delegate of France opening his speech by saying, “It’s not right that these humanitarian personnel who go to Africa to give aid come back with AIDs,” when discussing the issue of legal measure on safety and security of humanitarian personnel and protection of UN personnel, or the delegate of Russia completely bashing an eleven-clause resolution in under a minute, this conference has been nothing close to being “boring.” We successfully debated on four issues and eight resolutions in the short few days. Most memorable moment  Where should I even begin  First stepping onto the Hwa Chong Institute grounds or becoming friends with the coolest people  The beginning of the opening ceremony or the ending of the closing ceremony  All in all, THIMUN has been such a memorable experience. If you ever get the chance, be sure to go and experience it all for yourself!

Jessica Kim (Gr. 9)

THIMUN X was one of the best MUN conferences I have attended so far. The debate quality was the most advanced, the event was really well organized, and everything about it was professional and satisfying. THIMUN, being the most profound MUN, has always been intimidating for me. Afterall, it was where the best delegates from different parts of the world congregated. Luckily, it was not as I imagined. The experienced delegates were kind toward the fledglings, and the committe united as one, working for one single goal--to improve the world in the way that we can. Even though there were some arguments at the start of the conference, the delegates became close friends and trolled together. Everyone had a good time.

Singapore itself is a very diverse country. No traces of segregation or racism anywhere. Even though everyone looks different, and has different heredity and culture, the country is peaceful and united. Because of this, and because the delegates are from all over the world, debate was more practical. MUNs in Taiwan mostly tries to get the technical things straight, and forgets about the stances of many small nations that we don’t know much about, but in THIMUN, with people from so many different parts of the world with such different perspectives, everything is cared for. Every nation’s stance is respected, and so the resolutions are designed to be beneficial for the majority of nations.

This MUN has made me more humble I think, and reminded me that there will always be many more people better at debate than I am. And I made many new friends during lobbying and at breaks and lunch. By listening to and sharing with people around my age from around the world, it made me a more globalized citizen. It served the purpose of the real UN--Maintaining worldwide peace and security, developing relations among nations, fostering cooperation between nations in order to solve economic, social, cultural or humanitarian international problems. Sure, on a smaller scale, but it is quite an accomplishment for children. It really was an unregrettable experience.

Alexander Ku (Gr. 9)

THIMUN X was truly an unforgettable experience. Not only was it my first international conference, it was the biggest conference I have ever been to. This year I went to the amazing GA2 committee. People from around the world greeted each other in delight trying to find other countries with the similar stance and issue. This year our issues were empowering women through development programmes, International Year of Light and Light-based Technologies, 2015, promoting the creation of a business initiative for the advancement of the Afghan economy, and lastly measures to combat corruption in the Asian economies. While speaking in front of more than 100 people was a nerve-racking experience, I have clearly benefited from this experience as well. From first merging resolutions to attempting to expel the delegate of Turkey outside our room. From opening ceremony to closing ceremony. This experience truly has been a blast and I have met incredible people from Thailand, to Indonesia, and even Canada! It is an experience unlike any other MUN conferences I have ever been to.