Model OAS General Assembly (MOAS)

Department of International AffairsSecretariat for External Relations

Purpose of the MOAS The Model OAS General Assembly (MOAS) is a

program of the Department of International Affairs (DIA) of the OAS, designed to promote democratic values among the youth of the Hemisphere by familiarizing students, faculty and academic institutions of the Americas with the work of the OAS and its Member States, as well as with the Organization’srole as the premier politicalforum in the Hemisphere.

The MOAS is a simulation exercise of the proceedings of the OAS

General Assembly for students of the Hemisphere, where they represent the 33 active OAS

Member States, advocating their assigned countries’ policies and interests, and engage in general debate to discuss Hemispheric

issues related to democracy, human rights, security and

development. Several MOAS take place every year: for

universities, high schools and OAS Interns.

WHAT IS THE MOAS?

OBJECTIVESOBJECTIVES

• Promote democratic values among the youth.Promote democratic values among the youth.• Generate an understanding of the mission, Generate an understanding of the mission,

role, structure and functions of the OAS.role, structure and functions of the OAS.• Analyze the major political, economic, social Analyze the major political, economic, social

and security issues in theand security issues in theAmericas.Americas.

• Highlight the relevance ofHighlight the relevance ofdiplomacy as a problemdiplomacy as a problemsolving instrument.solving instrument.

• Train dedicated leadersTrain dedicated leaders

HISTORY

HISTORY: The MOAS began in 1980

MOAS for High Schools: Annually at OASHeadquarters in Washington, DC.

MOAS for Universities: Until 1999 heldannually in Washington, D.C, only.

Since 2000 the MOAS is also held inother OAS Member States that offerto host it.

MOAS abroad: Canada (2000), Mexico (2003), Dominican Republic (2006), Colombia (2006), Argentina (2001 and 2007), Chile (2008).

Washington MOAS (WMOAS): Annually in April. MOAS prior to the OAS General Assembly, in the same

country or region where the Assembly takes place: Medellin, Colombia (May 2008); San Pedro Sula, Honduras (April 2009); Lima, Perú (May 2010).

Represent their assigned country’s interests and policies.

Understand their assigned countries’ perspectives through research and contact with diplomatic representatives.

Understand current regional issues.

Draft resolutions and negotiate support from other delegates.

Debate and approve resolutions during committee meetings.

Practice parliamentary procedures and diplomacy to reach consensus and address regional problems.

STUDENTS´RESPONSIBILITIES

MOAS for High School StudentsWashington, DC

MOAS FOR UNIVERSITIES

MOAS General

Secretariat

MOAS Communications

Center

TranslationInterpretation

MemberMemberStatesStates

(34 delegations)(34 delegations)

ObserverObserverCountriesCountries

STUDENTS PARTICIPATION IN STUDENTS PARTICIPATION IN THE MOAS EXERCISETHE MOAS EXERCISE

MOAS MOAS AuthoritiesAuthorities

DELEGATIONS

Delegations to the MOAS include 10 students and 1 faculty advisor. Each delegation:

Conducts research, learns about its assigned country and engages in contact with that country’s diplomatic representatives.

Drafts resolutions on the topics of the Agenda prior to the MOAS.

Signs a Code of Conduct. Is charged a registration fee to

cover the conference costs. Is responsible for its own travel,

lodging, food and miscellaneousexpenses.

BASIC DOCUMENTS (As posted on www.oas.org)

OAS Charter as per its 1967 amendment and subsequent amendments.History, structure, principles and objectives of the OAS.Inter-American Democratic Charter.Agreements and official conventions relevant to the topic of the agenda and/or policies of the represented member state.Assigned country’s views and policies.Documents/webs related to Agenda topics.

BENEFITS FOR UNIVERSITY STUDENTS OF:

POLITICAL SCIENCE, INTERNATIONAL OR COMPARATIVE POLITICAL STUDIES AND INTERNATIONAL STUDIESLAW OR INTERNATIONAL LAWGOVENRMENT AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATIONINTERNATIONAL BUSINESSLANGUAGE, EDUCATION AND MULTICULTURAL STUDIESCOMMUNICATION AND JOURNALISM

BENEFITS FOR ALL STUDENTS

Learn about current political, social and security issues in the region and the impact of multilateral negotiation in the Americas.Use of negotiation and diplomacy as problem solving instruments.Practice of communicationand public speaking skills.

BENEFITS FOR THE INDIVIDUAL

Negotiation skillsLeadershipInter-cultural experiencePublic serviceNetworking

Courses based on MOAS in Universities of the Americas

For more information about the MOAS, please For more information about the MOAS, please visit our Web Site:visit our Web Site: www.moas.oas.org

Department of International Affairs

Irene KlingerIrene KlingerDirector

Nelly RobinsonNelly Robinson MOAS Coordinator

Phone: (202) 458-6897Fax: (202) 458-6239

E-mail: moas@oas.org