NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITYMODEL UNITED NATIONS

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Contents.

2NTU Model United Nations 2015

29 September, 2014

Dear Delegate,

As I write this, pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong jam city streets, ISIS refuses to take a step back, Bank of America pledges 10 billion dollars towards climate change, and Alibaba reaches a market worth of a whooping 71 billion. The world has transformed more in the past decade than it has in the past century. I am unable to quell the surge of uproars in my soul as we head towards civil unrest, climatic change, pro-democratic movements, and sovereignty – all at once. Are you eager to have your voice resonate through the orbit? Are you excited to expand your horizon and to have your say at things that matter? Well, you’ve come to right place.

I, on behalf of the NTU Model United Nations Committee, would like to invite you to our upcoming conference in February 2015.

One of Asia’s largest simulations of the United Nations, the NTUMUN is the perfect platform for you to discuss and debate of the most relevant issues from across the globe. Soaring from a 100 participants in our first year, this year, we are set to host over 700 participants from all over the world from the 6th to the 8th of February 2015.

This year, we are also set for an exciting conference with 10 new councils in contrast to the previously existing 8. Delegates will also be enthralled by the heated debates in specialized agencies like the ‘Futuristic Security Council’, ‘Cabinet of the United States (2008)’ and the first ever Crisis Committee, the ‘Covert Conference for Intelligence Agencies’.

World Press will also experience the excitement while representing major broadcasting networks from across the globe. Via varying perspectives of diverse publishers like the New York Times, Al Jazeera, Xia Hua News Agency and Singapore Press Holdings, readers are set for a never-before-seen experience. We believe that this will aid in simulating fluidity of information and spread transparency across the cohort.

As we work to serve you to the best of our abilities, we assure you that this platform will drive you to unleash your potential. Register now as a Chair, Vice Chair or Delegate (World Press or Council) to join the action. NTUMUN is an exciting educational opportunity and I sincerely hope that you will choose to take part.

Sincerely,

Nidhi SinghSecretary GeneralNTU Model United Nations 2015

Secretary General’s opening statement.Secretary General’s opening statement..........................................................3NTU MUN 2014 through the lens ................................................................4The fastest rising university.......................................................................... 6Tourist hotspots............................................................................................. 8Not to be missed............................................................................................10Cultural mosaic.............................................................................................11For the love of food.......................................................................................12Schedule........................................................................................................14Meet the team................................................................................................16Secretariat......................................................................................................22Committees....................................................................................................24Join us............................................................................................................42Contact us......................................................................................................43

Supported by NTU Student Affairs Office

Organised byNTU Debating Society

Cover photo by Vinay Kumar

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NTU MUN 2014 through the lens.

Inaugurating Ceremony

Day 1 - Scenes from councils across the conference.

Day 2 - The series of caucuses begin.

Work hard, play harder Delegates network across the dance foor in one of Asia’s largest clubs.

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The fastest-rising university.Nanyang Technological University (NTU) is one of Asia’s leading young institutions, providing both

undergraduate and graduate programmes. It is among the world’s top 50 universities and the world’s first amongst universities below the age of 50. NTU stands out from the top global universities by virtue of its youth and spirit, portraying independence, diversity and of course, excellence.

With a thriving environmental landscape, the hilly terrain of the campus is known for its breath-taking landscape and picturesque architecture.

Photo by Sanchar Saran

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Despite being a city-state island, Singapore leaves you spoilt for choice over her myriad of tourist hotspots. Here is our two cents worth on places to visit during your stay:

Tourist hotspots.

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Nature & ParksSingapore has an extensive

display of wildlife parks including the Singapore Zoo, Singapore Botanic Gardens and Jurong Bird Park. The Night Safari and River Safari offer more exclusive experiences with nature. If you prefer a quick escape from urban landscapes, be sure to spend a day cycling at Pulau Ubin, an offshore island, to enjoy its untarnished beauty.Photo by Shankar S

ShoppingSingapore offers a

plethora of options when it comes to shopping. Orchard Road, spread over 3 MRT stops, is lined with over 22 malls. Be it the luxury or the shopping experience at Marina Bay Sands, or the cultural shows at Esplanade, you will be spell bound by the vibrancy of Singapore.

Recreation If you are hoping to enjoy a good break after the rigour of NTUMUN, the resort island Sentosa

is for you. With an exhilarating array of activities to immerse into, nature lovers and fun-seekers will have an equally jolly time here.

Photo by Michael Gwyther - Jones

Photo by Sanchar Saran

HeritageAs the name signifies, Little India

portrays the essence of Indian culture through an assortment of restaurants serving Indian delicacies, sari shops, spice shops, art galleries, mosques and temples. To savour the Muslim culture, do make a trip to Arab Street which hosts a wide range of shops from restaurants to boutiques. Finally, a stroll through Chinatown is a worthy stop, with Chinese New Year just around the corner of NTUMUN. Photo by Sanchar Saran

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Not to be missed. Cultural mosaic.The best thing about visiting a multi-cultural country is enjoying the

opportunity to engage in festivals and celebrations, whenever you visit. Here’s what you can catch during your stay:

It is home not only to Chinese, Malay, Indians and Eurasians, but also to expatriates from all around the world - including North America, Europe and Australia. Over the years, these seemingly dissonant societies have integrated effortlessly, and all have gained substantially by a dynamic cultural exchange.

Henna tattoo artist, Little India, SingaporePhoto by The Wandering Angel S

Lunar New Year of the Goat, begins 19 February 2015. A highly anticipated annual event, Chinese New Year is a treat for both Singaporeans and travelers. It is a superb opportunity to soak in the grand sight of streets adorned in the festive red lanterns and ornaments, the sounds of time-honored Chinese music and mouth-watering smell of the Chinese goodies.

The Esplanade also hosts its annual Huayi – Chinese Festival of Arts offering a plethora of traditional and modern arts performances from theatre to visual arts. Be sure to also spot the island-wide lion and dragon dances, based on Chinese mythological characters, breaking into the streets!

Huayi- Chinese Festival of Arts 2012Photo by Choo Yut Shing

SG50 celebrations, all year round2015 marks the 50th year

of Singapore’s sovereignty. And Singapore’s all set to celebrate its golden jubilee with a blast. Highlights of February 2015 include a public SG 50 Lecture Series where eminent thinkers share their opinion on Singapore’s journey and My SG Trails and Exhibitions designed by students.

A cosmopolite’s paradise, Singapore offers an opportunity to experience a confluence of diverse cultures, languages, customs and festivals.

Almost every Singaporean speaks more than one language, with some being multi-lingual. Mixing of languages has led to the evolution of Singlish; the locals take great pride in this hybrid version of English with heavy influences from Malay, Chinese and Indian languages and dialects.

A visit to Singapore is incomplete without excursions to its ethnic quarters, some of which include Chinatown, Kampong, Little India and Joo Chiat, which leave one astonished at how little we know about the diversity of the human race and forever fills one with great veneration for it.

China Town, SingaporePhoto by Choo Yut Shing

National Day Celebrations, 2011Photo by Brian Jefferey Beggerly

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For the love of food.Serving as a true melting pot of flavours and food, Singapore is a gourmet’s

paradise. The tour begins here:

ChineseUnsurprisingly, Chinese cuisine

commands the largest fraction of Singaporeans, with people flocking to food outlets specialising in dishes of Chinese origin. Hottest on demand are the delicious dim sums brought by Cantonese immigrants, the flavourful chicken rice from the Hainan province, the Hakkan

yong tau fu and the Hokkien Noodles.

Dim sumPhoto by Nate Robert

Chicken ricePhoto by wfairchild

Vegetarian thosaiPhoto by Kai Hendry

IndianThe characteristic aroma of the indigenous spices used

generously in the preparation of Indian dishes has gained quite

a following. The North Indian curries, yogurt-based dishes and tandoori

offerings are local favourites. From South India, vegetarian thosai, seafood dishes and fiery curries have also generated quite a fan base.

MalayMaking full use of ginger, turmeric,

galangal, lemon grass, curry leaves, pungent belachan (shrimp paste) and chillies, Malay cuisine is as spicy as it gets, made bearable only by a plentiful use of coconut water. Nasi lemak, Malaysian coconut milk rice, served with toasted peanuts and cucumber has emerged as breakfast craving in the homelands.

Photo by Em

Photo by Matthew Hine

The Local SpecialitiesApart from all this, several dishes have

evolved to become uniquely Singaporean in nature. The Die Die Must Try List includes Kaya Toast, a standard breakfast item, Rojak, salad with a Singaporean twist, Chilli Crab, sometimes referred to as the national dish and Ice Kacang, Singapore’s traditional dessert.

Chilli CrabPhoto by Freshly Diced

Kaya toastPhoto by Yun Huang Yong

Ice Kacang Photo by chee.hong

Chicken kebabPhoto by P.V. Pranav

Nasi lemak

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Schedule.

08.15 PM

05.15 PM

05.30 PM

07.30 PM

February 6 : Opening Ceremony

05.00 PM Arrival of delegates and other participants

Seating of guests and participants

Opening Ceremony begins

Opening Ceremony ends; Networking over dinner

Dinner

03.00 - 03.15 PM

09.00 - 12.00 PM

12.00 - 01.00 PM

01.00 - 03.00 PM

February 7 : Day 1 of Conference

08.00 - 08.45 AM Breakfast

Council Session 1

Lunch

Council Session 2

Break

03.15 - 06.15 PM Council Session 3

07.00 - 11.30 PM Socials

04.30 - 06.00 PM

09.00 - 12.00 PM

12.00 - 01.00 PM

01.00 - 03.00 PM

February 8 : Day 2 of Conference

08.00 - 08.45 AM Breakfast

Council Session 4

Lunch

Council Session 5

Closing Ceremony

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Nidhi SinghSecretary General

Nidhi Singh is in her penultimate year at NTU, pursuing Computer Engineering and Business. Thus far, she has undertaken various leadership roles across the fields of Engineering, Business and Strategic Affairs. Serving in the organising committee the third year in a row, she hopes to transform NTUMUN as Secretary General this term. She has fundamentally restructured the organization to attract a wider talent pool and is now working with a brilliant team of 40 to ensure success. She is also mobilizing her networks to advance the conference to the next level via valued collaborations. With the spirit of leadership, prolonged relationship-building and life-long learning, Nidhi invites you to join her at NTUMUN 2015. It’s not one to miss.

Meet the team.

Vasantkumar RameshDeputy Secretary General- Internal

Vasantkumar Ramesh is a third year Electrical and Electronic Engineering student at NTU. Previously a member of the logistics team in 2013 and the Financial Controller in 2014, he has stepped up as Deputy Secretary General-Internal for NTUMUN 2015 to lead the finance and logistics teams. His main endeavour is to offer participants the best facilities at the lowest prices to ensure the environment is conducive to excelling during the conference. On behalf of the team, Vasant welcomes you to NTUMUN 2015, and promises to facilitate a professional and energizing conference fostering a unique and rewarding experience for everyone.

One reason for my love for MUNs:

MUN conferences are a platform to simulate eye-opening discussions, not just within councils but also within one’s own conscience.

One reason why I joined the organising committee:

Being a delegate made me anxious to consider turning the tables to experience organizing and shaping the wonderful platform.

One reason for my love for MUNs:

It is an opportunity to be involved in meaningful debates about issues that have a global impact and directly/indirectly affect each one of us.

One reason why I joined the organising committee:

One of the largest MUN’s in Asia, NTU MUN epitomizes the diversity that we see on campus and is a truly multi-cultural experience.

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Aarushi MaganDeputy Secretary General- External

Aarushi Magan is a third year student at NTU, pursuing Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering with a Minor in Business. NTUMUN has been an integral and exciting part of her life since she stepped into university. Progressing from being a participant and sub-committee member in 2013 to holding the portfolio as Press Director in 2014 and leading as the Deputy Secretary General-External in 2015, she wields a panoramic experience of NTUMUN. Eager to see modifications such as new committees with highly pertinent discussion topics and multiple news networks in action, Aarushi greatly looks forward to welcoming you at NTUMUN 2015!

Meet the team.

P. V. PranavDirector General

P.V. Pranav is a second year Mechanical Engineering student at NTU. He has been active in the MUN circuit for an impressive five years, on a journey dating back to high school days. His diplomacy is enviable, even receiving compliments at the prestigious Harvard Model United Nations 2012 where he was conferred the Outstanding Delegate Award. Moreover, he has served in the organizing committees and executive boards of various MUNs. Having embraced the challenge of developing a quintessential diplomatic paradise as Director General, Pranav invites you to join NTUMUN 2015.

One reason for my love for MUNs:

MUN conferences not only plays an integral role in honing leadership and delegation skills, but in its own way is an exercise in research, elocution, and teamwork, all very important skills that we can carry with us into the real world.

One reason why I joined the organising committee:

The chance to work with teams who are as much a part of this as I am is a feeling I can’t put into words.

One reason for my love for MUNs:

MUNs challenge every individual to rise up to a task that is of much more importance than himself or herself.

One reason why I joined the organising committee:

I got the opportunity to use my passion and drive for something bigger and I couldn’t say no to myself.

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Vrajaraj RamakrishnanUSG Finance

Sahil Punjabi USG Logistics Head

Nikita JacobUSG Logistics (S&T)

Shantanu JaiswalUSG Media

Bhavya ChandraUSG Design

Navnita SunilHead of World Press

Akash Khetwani USG Conference

Hakim Ahmad USG Conference

Anushka Shrivastava USG Liaison

Abhay George NainanUSG Business

Aditya Ramakrishnan USG Logistics (F&A)

Kevin CherianUSG Financial Liaison

Lavisha S. PunjabiHead of World Press

--Shantanu Jaiswal, Jacob Sunny, Bobby Ranjan, Abhay Nainan, Rahul Bharti, Aditya Ramakrishnan, Vipul Agarwal, Vrajaraj Ramakrishnan, Ankur Bansal, Aakash Gupta --Sahil Punjabi, Mohammad Sharique Zaman, Varun Agrawal, Utsav Garg, Dhruv Samant, Nikhil Venkatesh, Siddharth

Karthikeyan, Kevin Cherian, Tanishq Gupta, Prabhjot Vicky Grewal, Akshai Viswanathan--Navnita Sunil, Aashika Saju, Sanjana Jayakumar, Sid-dhi Kulkarni, Lavisha S. Punjabi, Ruchika Venkat, Neethu Mohannan, Anjana Rajendran, Anushka Shrivastava, Saloni Gupta, Aswini Raveendran, Bhavya Chandra, Nikita Jacob, Noopur Jain--Akash Khetwani, P. V. Pranav , Nidhi Singh, Aarushi Magan, Vasantkumar Ramesh, Hakim Ahmad--

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Director GeneralP.V.Pranav

USG ConferenceHakim Ahmad

USG ConferenceAkash Khetwani

Head of World Press (Editorial)

Lavisha S. Punjabi

Head of World Press (Design)

Navnita Sunil

USG BusinessAbhay George Nainan

USG DesignBhavya Chandra

USG LiaisonAnushka Shrivastava

USG MediaShantanu Jaiswal

22NTU Model United Nations 2015

Secretariat.

Deputy Secretary General- InternalVasantkumar Ramesh

Deputy Secretary General- ExternalAarushi Magan

USG FinanceVrajaraj Ramakrishnan

USG Financial LiaisonKevin Cherian

USG Logistics Sahil Punjabi

Logistics (F&A)Aditya Ramakrishnan

Logistics (S&T)Nikita Jacob

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Secretary GeneralNidhi Singh

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NTU MUN 2015

Economic and Social Council/ Regional Bodies

General Assemblies

Specialized Agencies

Press Corps

Disarmament and International Security

(DISEC)

Economic and Financial Council

(ECOFIN)

Special Political and Decolonization

Committee (SPECPOL)

United Nations Human Rights Council

(UNHRC)

United Nations Environment

Programme (UNEP)

African Union (AU)

Futuristic Security Council (FSC)

Covert Conference for Intelligence

Agencies (CCIA)

Cabinet of the United States, 2008

Al Jazeera

Xin Hua News Agency

NTUMUN Leaks

The New York Times

UN Press Officers

Singapore Press Holdings

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Disarmament and International Security (DISEC).

1. Application of LOAC on cyber warfare

Warfare now has a fifth domain. After the more conventional domains - land, sea, air and the less conventional domain, space, the information age has led to the birth of cyber warfare. Contrary to popular belief, cyber warfare can cause loss of life and property and yet no international law governs cyber warfare. The Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC) is the standard that governs the behaviour of governments and their armies during times of conflict. In view of the recent spate of cyber-attacks, there is a need to review and update the LOAC to include cyber warfare. However, the grey area covering this modern form of warfare has given rise to questions, not the least of which includes the point at which a cyber-attack warrants the use of force. There is also a need to differentiate between cybercrime and cyber warfare in order to understand how cyber warfare can be regulated by the LOAC. The committee is to analyse and work towards the establishment of clear guidelines regarding cyber warfare as well as the implementation of new regulations regarding their use in the Law of Armed Conflict.

Photo by Jeff Turner 2. Regulations on the use of Unmanned Weapon Systems

Unmanned Weapon Systems (colloquially known as drones), defined by the US Department of Defence as “weapon systems that can be operated autonomously or remotely, can be expendable or recoverable, and can carry a lethal or nonlethal payload”, have in recent years become increasingly popular with the military forces that operate them. Drones have allowed combat to take place without the deployment of soldiers in high risk areas, where rescue or retrieval of troops can be difficult or downright impossible. However, due to their relatively recent introduction to the battlefield, regulations on their use remain rudimentary and transparency regarding their use is limited. The impersonal nature of these new weapons systems has also given rise to new problems, with the lack of actual forces on the ground allowing drone-armed nations to conduct strikes on foreign soil without official declarations of war. The committee is to explore the legality and accountability aspects of drone warfare and work to establish regulations on their use.

Photo by U.S. Navy

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Economic and Financial Council (ECOFIN).

1. Effect of Refugees on Economy

Since the beginning of history, conflict and catastrophes have driven many from their homelands in search of safety and a brighter tomorrow. As of date, there are over fifteen million refugees across the globe, and many more still make the journey every day to find safety. However, the task of hosting refugees brings with it a plethora of issues, and countries already burdened by political or economic issues may see their already-fragile systems shaken by the duty to support displaced individuals. Whether the issue comes from the shock of large numbers entering the workforce and working for less or the difficulty of feeding a refugee population that contributes little to the economy, these host countries often need help to support them. This committee aims to explore the effects of refugees on the economy of a host country as well as to establish standards for direct and indirect aid to refugees through a host country.

2. MDGs

As the deadline for the Millennium Development Goals draws near, progress in achieving the goals has been uneven at best, with some countries making incredible progress and others making very little. In light of the economic crises already faced by the world in the first decade of the millennium, much more can be done to improve the stability of the world economy. Furthermore, a spate of natural disasters all over the world have set back progress in developing countries while setting back goals to alleviate poverty and hunger. As the main UN body involved in the fields of economy and Finance, ECOFIN is to discuss the following goals:

Goal 1: Eradicate Poverty and hunger

Goal 8: Develop a Global Partnership for Development

with the intention of finding the success and failures of the goals so far, as well as suggest changes for a new set of goals and standards to be implemented for the future.

Photo by Mikhail Esteves

Photo by RIBI Image Library

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Special Political and Decolonization Commitee (SPECPOL).

1. Election monitoring

Elections play a key role in democratic transitions, decolonization and in the implementation of peace agreements in nations all over the globe. Some of the largest and the most powerful democracies in the world have been built through efficient and transparent election systems. In recent years there has been an increase in corrupt elections and flawed votes, especially in freshly formed democracies where previously autocratic parties have levied internal ties and influence to their advantage. The UN has assisted and supervised and assisted in various elections throughout the world and has provided almost 100 Member States with electoral assistance. The Electoral Assistance Division (EAD) under the UN plays an important role in ensuring the coherency and consistency of elections. The international community must forge ahead with means to guide and aid such member states to carry out free and fair elections and fulfil the goal of the United Nations to endorse representative forms of government across the globe. Delegates are therefore expected to study the issues which currently hinder the successful transformation young democracies and form a resolution to encourage, standardize, and simplify international assistance in election monitoring.

2. Regulation and control of Private Military Companies (PMC’s)

A Private Military Company or Private military corporation is a non-state organization composed of professional soldiers which provides military services in return for monetary or material gain. The use of private military corporations by nations in both combat and security operations have dramatically shaped the nature of conflict in the 21st century. A two year UN study ending in 2007 revealed that, many private military contractors were operating as military forces despite being hired as security guards. As PMCs are widely argued to be more effective, efficient and innovative than their military counterparts in their respective countries without the risk of endangering the lives of servicemen and women, many countries have opted for this option in high risk operations. However, doubts about their accountability and regulation have sparked debate about their status as lawful combatants under the international law. Many countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, are not signatories of the United Nations Mercenary Convention which bans the use of mercenaries, leading to a lack of initiative in regulation of the field. Delegates must discuss the legality of this new type of military and form regulations for their accountability.

Photo by Transparency International Georgia

Photo by oregonmildep

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United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

1. Right of Return of Refugees

Throughout the history of the Earth, man has time and time again found ways to kill and oppress his fellow man, driving millions from their homes in fear. Unfortunately, the past hundred years have been no exception, and has borne witness to some of the bloodiest conflicts the world has ever seen at the cost of hundreds of millions of lives and tens of millions of people displaced. As of 2014, estimates indicate that around ten million people remain displaced, seeking safety and assistance in countries outside that of their origin. However, in recent years voices in refugee communities around the world have expressed interest in repatriation to countries that are no longer in a state of conflict or crisis. The committee is to explore creating opportunities for the repatriation of refugees, as well as easing their integration by expediting the citizenship process and any other related issues.

2. Children in Armed Conflict

Though mankind has made leaps and bounds in the past hundred years with regards to human rights, in many places in the world today these agreed standards for the treatment of human beings continue to be violated. A particularly egregious example that remains widespread in certain parts of the world is the blatant disregard for children’s rights during times of war. As described by the United Nations Office for the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict describes the six gravest violations of children’s rights during wartime as the killing and maiming of children, their recruitment or use as soldiers, sexual violence against children, attacks against schools or hospitals, the denial of humanitarian access for children, and the abduction of children. The objective of the committee is to improve standards in reporting as well as improving the lives of children who remain affected by conflict.

Photo by Blatant World

Photo by Freedom House

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United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

1. Sustainable Development in the Polar Regions As fossil fuel supplies dwindle across the globe and widespread sustainable

energy sources remain under development, recent studies by the US Geological Survey have shown that up to 22 percent of the world’s oil reserves may be located under the Arctic. With a fortune in energy waiting under the ice, the ‘oil rush’ that may result could potentially damage the fragile ecosystems of the Arctic. Similarly, receding ice fields have given way to new sea passages around the north of Eurasia and North America, a trend shipping companies have been quick to pick up on. Environmental groups have voiced concerns that increased shipping activity might interfere with the hunting habits of local wildlife, and a lack of disaster response facilities in the far north leaves the Northern Sea Route vulnerable to ecological catastrophes such as oil spills. With prospective wells already drilled in Alaska and north of Russia, the time to establish policies that encourage sustainable development is now. The committee is to explore regulations and guidelines that will help ensure the continued stability of our polar ecosystems.

2. Space Debris

Over the past century, thousands of manmade objects have been put into orbit by the governments of the world, and while many continue to serve their purpose today, far more have become obsolete but are left in space because of the costs associated with bringing them back down. This collection of defunct objects in Earth’s orbit is collectively known as space junk or orbital debris. As of 2009, an impressive collection of nearly nineteen thousand objects including spent rocket stages, old satellites, and fragments of objects damaged in collisions continue to orbit the earth, hindering or even endangering further space exploration. Furthermore, instances of large chunks of debris falling to earth have been recorded, and while damage and injuries have been minimal, the threat remains. As a result, a resolution detailing international cooperation regarding the tracking, mitigation of growth and active removal of space debris are of vital importance to the interest of future space exploration and the safety of people on earth.

Photo by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Photo by NASA

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African Union.

1. Containment and Eradication of Ebola

Since its initial outbreak in December 2013, the latest variant of Zaire Ebolavirus has already caused nearly three thousand deaths in West Africa, substantially more than any Ebola virus outbreak in history. While cases outside the outbreak region have been noted in countries such as France and the United States, they have been successfully contained and local transmission remains limited to only five countries. Growing concerns with regards to the safety of aid workers have also been raised, with ten percent of the cases and fatalities being aid workers. With expert estimations expecting a rise to twenty thousand total cases in the coming months and the outbreak being formally designated a “public health emergency of international concern”, a coordinated international effort is essential to stop the outbreak at its source.

2. China in Africa

In 2000, the first Forum on China-African Co-operation (FOCAC) was held in Beijing, a modern affirmation of a relationship that has existed since the days of Imperial China. While the Silk Road no longer functions as it used to, the sea routes that once brought exotic goods to China now supply the industrial powerhouse with raw materials to sustain its unstoppable growth. During the 1990s, Chinese investment in Africa grew by 700%, and as of today China remains Africa’s largest trade partner, having surpassed its long-time competitor the United States in 2009. Over in Beijing and barely a year in office, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has already pledged twelve billion dollars’ worth of funding to encouragement economic and industrial development in the region. With countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom raising concerns over China’s role in the continent, should Chinese involvement be regarded with caution or welcomed?

Photo by NIAID

Photo by @LIQUIDBONEZ

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Futuristic Security Council. Covert Conference for Intelligence Agencies (CCIA).

“The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”- Sun Tzu. In an era of seeming peace, it may surprise you that there are at least 50 raging armed conflicts in the world. With the UN unable to uphold it’s purpose, the leaders of the world are infuriated. As a covert operation, they decide to convene a meeting of their respected intelligence agencies to tackle pressing global issues, especially global terrorism.

Delegates will represent members of these intelligence agencies. Do remember that no one but their President will know of such a meeting. Thus all resources of the state, including the legislature, the army and the police are not at their disposal.

Photo by Coast Guard News Photo by Robert Huffstutter

1919 and 1938 were the most dreadful years in the history of mankind. Although there were victors, the World Wars harshly damaged almost all its participants. The Second World War was largely a continuation of the after effects of the First World War. However since then, the world has been successful in averting such a crisis again.

A few decades down the line, China has highly increased its involvement in Africa. Because of it’s supremacy in Asia, China has now planned to build an easier way to transport its goods to Africa. If it does achieve this, China will control almost all of Africa’s trade along the east coast. The United States of America realize that this may cause a shift in the political balance in the world which has always been controlled by the west. The USA threatens to attack. China, unafraid of a threat of war, continues its work.

The world fears that this contention may lead to a possible Third World War, the worst this world has ever seen. It is now the duty of this committee to prevent this calamity.

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News Networks of the World Press.

With six news networks and backing for more creative forms of expression such as photojournalism, info-graphics and satirical comic strips, the World Press 2015 promises the most authentic journalistic experience in the history of NTUMUN.

UN Press Officers will be conferred the all-important responsibility of releasing statements from NTUMUN and interviewing the Chairs of the various councils.

Opinion from the West, Middle East and Asia Pacific will be expressed by delegates from the New York Times, Al Jazeera and Xin Hua News Agency respectively. In addition, perspective from our little red dot will be communicated by delegates from the Singapore Press Holdings.

Lastly and most interestingly, delegates lucky enough to land in NTUMUN leaks will enjoy the opportunity to critically analyse controversial statements of delegates from other councils and expose them, where they deem fit.

Photo by Alex Barth

Cabinet of the United States, 2008.

The financial crisis of 2007–2008 was a major financial crisis, the worst of its kind since the Great Depression. It became prominently visible in September 2008 with the failure, merger or conservatorship of several large United States-based financial firms. The collapse of Lehman Brothers, a sprawling global bank, in September 2008 almost brought down the world’s financial system. It took huge taxpayer-financed bail-outs to shore up the industry. The underlying causes leading to the crisis had been reported in business journals for many months before September, with commentary about the financial stability of leading U.S. and European investment banks, insurance firms and mortgage banks consequent to the subprime mortgage crisis. Washington’s answer to a self-inflicted financial crisis reminded Americans why they so deeply distrust the political class. The ‘fiscal cliff’ process was secretive and sloppy, and the nation’s so-called leadership lacked the political courage to address our root problems: joblessness and debt. The role of delegates as representatives of the US Cabinet will be to clampdown the crisis in it’s initial phase, that is after the fall of Lehman Brothers so that the effect of the financial crisis would be drastically reduced.

Photo by US Department of Agriculture

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Join us.

Who can apply?• Anyone between the age of 16 and 25 interested in NTUMUN. • Go to www.ntumun.com to apply

Application Procedure• As an individual delegate, send in your application individually. • In the case of delegation, a representative can send in the application on behalf of the entire delegation.

» All members of the delegation must be from the same institution. » There are nine committees in the conference and six press networks to choose from. There must be representation in all committees and the press. At least a quarter of the delegation must be from press.

Deadlines• Application begins: 10th October • Application ends: 10th December (international applicants) or 15th December (local applicants)

• Payment due: 10th January • Position paper due: 25th January

Fee structure• Local delegates - SGD 90• International delegates - SGD 250

Queries• Registration: liaison@ntumun.com• Sponsorship and collaboration: business@ntumun.com• Committee and agenda: conference@ntumun.com

For other queries, feel free to contact : Nidhi Singh Secretary General Email - nidhi.singh@ntumun.com

Find us at :www.ntumun.com facebook.com/NTUModelUN

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