Amman- November 25, 2016
The German Jordanian University held their third annual Model United Nations conference where they tackled many political issues and problems around the world, all divided into 5 committees which were Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), General Assembly (GA), Human Rights Council (HRC), Health Care Reform (HCR), and Security Council (SC).
President of the MUN Hussam Al Khreisat kicked off the ceremony with his speech in which he welcomed all the guests, delegates, and staff. Husam highlighted the amount of hard-work and dedication that has been devoted by the staff to make this conference a successful one. The guests attending were two remarkable and truly inspiring youths within our region, both Abdallah Abu-Sheikh and Bariq Mahadin.
Abdallah is a Jordanian entrepreneur based between Africa and the Middle East who served as a CEO of Air Rum and Royal Air Ltd until 2015 and then established his own investment consultancy, focusing on energy solutions and renewable energy in particular. He gave an outstanding speech that blew the audience away, receiving a standing ovation at the end of his speech. "It definitely warms my heart to see that the youth doing their absolute best to vocalize their views and opinions in every way possible", expresses the 22 year old.
Secretary General Osama Mahmood approached the podium to inform the audience about this year's topics at hand, theme which is called "Transforming Challenges", and to formally announce the opening of the conference.
Following the opening ceremony of the 3rd annual GJU MUN conference, members of all committees took their seats and began motions to proceed with the introductory speeches. Each speech lasts around 2-3 minutes, summarizing their positions and interests regarding the topics at hand.
There are a total of five committees each assigned two distinct topics to debate and attempt to resolve.
Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)
ECOSOC's session kicked off with its first topic on migration and its effect on economic and cultural development.
In the International Monetary Fund's opening speech, the delegate emphasized on the importance on skilled migrants, defending it "no matter how controversial it would be politically, it brings expertise to countries". The delegation of Switzerland's speech message was that of support for migration as source of "cultural diversity". Many delegated touched on the second topic as well and how essential it is to support women empowerment.
General Assembly (GA)
The weaponisation of social media in modern times is the main topic on the table for the GAs first session. The delegates made their open remarks and began debating a resolution.
United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC)
The HRC began its session with the topic of protection of civilians' human rights and healthcare in war zones. Delegates are expected to debate the illegal targeting of unarmed civilians and infrastructure under armed conflict.
The delegate of Panama started the session by calling on all countries to "ensure basic human rights under armed conflict" and the protection of minorities, stating that "it is an integral responsibility of all". The delegation of Russia reaffirmed that position by asserting that "there is nothing more important than human life".
Health Care Reform (UNHCR)
The first issue to be examined in the HCR committee was assisting asylum seekers who have become stranded due to EU border closure and relocation programs.
A number of delegates voiced their concerns in their speeches. The delegation of Jordan expressed eagerness to support a resolution stating that Jordan "accepted a huge number of refugees despite its lack of resources". The delegation of Libya criticized how refugees are being treated in Europe, calling it "inhumane" and advising that more assistance is provided to them. The delegation of Palestine referred to the incident of a boy being washed ashore after an attempt to seek asylum failed. The delegate called on "drawing the spotlight" on this issue.
Security Council (SC)
Counter-terrorism actions to be taken post 9/11 was the first topic to be discussed in the SC. It is a rather unique topic where delegates are put in a historical scenario to debate measures to be taken post the 9/11 terrorist attack.
Speeches were led by the Delegation of Syria who emphasized on the importance of the matter at hand, calling it a "tragic event" and expressed his condolences as well as offering assistance. The delegation of South Africa joined in offering the nations condolences stating that they were all "deeply saddened by this event", and clarified that this is a "war on terror rather than a war on Islam".
