The Twelfth annual Model United Nations Security Council at Frostburg State University will be held on Wednesday, March 31, 2004 in the Lane Center on the Frostburg State University campus. The Model is an all-day event lasting from 9:00 a.m. to 2:15 p.m., with coffee, donuts and juice provided in the morning, and meal passes for the campus cafeteria for lunch.
The Model UN is designed to give area high school students a better understanding of the United Nations and the role it plays in the world. Participation in the model gives students greater insight into the workings of multilateral diplomacy. Students also learn about important issues in contemporary world politics. Delegations are expected to research both the issue and their member country so that they can provide accurate representation at the model. Each delegation will have the opportunity to give an opening statement reflecting their country's position. Each delegation will also be given the opportunity to question and debate other delegations regarding their positions on the issues. The simulation follows UN rules and procedures (with some modifications).
This year's simulation will focus on the Post-war political
transition in Iraq. With the June 30 deadline for transfer of sovereignty to
the Iraqis fast approaching, the escalating power struggle between the Shiites,
Sunni, Kurds and other groups for control of the future Iraqi government threatens
to turn into a civil war. The United States has asked Secretary General Kofi
Annan to negotiate terms of a political transition process that would satisfy
all parties. The Security Council will be asked to decide to what extent the
UN should become involved in supervising this volatile and fragile political
transition. The Security Council will also be asked to debate whether or not
it should create a large UN peacekeeping force to replace the U.S. dominated
military presence on the ground now. The members of the Security Council will
have to work to overcome the divisions that resulted from last year's bitter
debate over the U.S. and British policy of disarming and changing the regime
in Iraq with military force.
Each participating school will be assigned at least one country on the Security
Council to represent (the number depends on the number of students and the number
of schools participating). Each delegation is provided with a set of briefing
papers (see links below) which include: description of the United Nations and
its major organs; background paper on this year's issue; current situation report
concerning this year's issue area; rules and procedures for the model; the United
Nations Charter; and a schedule of the days activities.
We enjoy bringing this exciting experience to area students. If I can be of any further assistance or if you require any further information, please do no hesitate to call or e-mail me at the numbers listed below
Steve Twing: (301) 687-3097; stwing@frostburg.edu
Briefing Papers:
Major Organs of the United Nations
Rules and procedures for the model
Additional Information: