The Decolonisation of the Iberian Model United Nations (IMUN) Logo
The Decolonisation of the Iberian Model United Nations (IMUN) Logo
Inês C and Haley T.
The annual Iberian Model United Nations (IMUN) conference is experiencing its 30th edition. As seen in the image above, the original IMUN logo (depicted on the left) presents a sailing vessel surrounded by olive branches. The newest logo (shown on the right) discards this depiction of a vessel and instead takes a more minimalistic approach, keeping the notion of the olive branches. The removal of the vessel from the logo was due to its colonial implications. Often, vessels are interpreted as symbols of “conquest” and a reminder of the “violent displacement of indigenous communities” at the hands of European imperialism (“A Dark Symbol of Settler Colonialism”, Sea). The IMUN Press team recently interviewed Mr. Peter Andrews*, the CAISL IMUN director, about the history of the original logo and the process of its modification.
The original logo was created in 1994 by then high school student Michael A. The original request was to include both elements of Portuguese culture and international cooperation. Thus, the iconic Portuguese caravel and olive branches (representing peace and a reference to the actual United Nations logo) were likewise included in the design. However, several years ago, IMUN students began to challenge the notion of the caravel, claiming it symbolises the violent expansionism much linked to European colonialism. Additionally, the irony of the caravel image was noted upon; while the UN was encouraging peaceful progress in its aim to eradicate colonialism, the current IMUN logo seemed to reinforce it.T
The new logo (designed by Mariya and edited for the 30th conference by Alexandra P.) presents a more modern and minimalistic approach. While the original logo was considered quite controversial, Mr. Andrews found it important to stress that both logos were products of hard, independent work by students, each with the aim of representing the very aim of IMUN: international cooperation and resolution of disputes.
Furthermore, the UN´s recent stress upon its Special Committee on Decolonisation and Portugal´s apology regarding its significant involvement with the international slave trade make the logo change timely. The United Nations Special Committee on Decolonisation (C-24) was established by the General Assembly in 1961 as its subsidiary organ. In its opening 2024 session, UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, expressed the importance of the C-24 in helping colonised territories achieve the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, such that they can progress towards their decolonisation (“Special Committee on Decolonisation Crucial for Successful Evolution…”, United Nations). This process, in turn, will contribute to the committee’s overarching goal of eradicating colonialism.
As of 2023, Portugal´s president, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, stated the importance of his country apologising and taking responsibility for its involvement in the transatlantic slave trade. Between the 15th and 19th century, six million Africans were kidnapped and involuntarily transported and sold into slavery across the Atlantic in Portuguese vessels. So far, Portugal has rarely commented on its past and the topic of slavery is not usually taught in schools. Rather, the country´s colonial era (including its occupation in territories such as Angola, Mozambique, Brazil, Cape Verde and East Timor Leste) have been a source of Portuguese pride. Nevertheless, on the 25th of April 2023, Portugal broke its silence as President Rebelo de Sousa claimed that Portugal should both apologise and assume responsibility of its past actions (“Portugal Should Apologise for Role in Slave Trade, Says Its President”, The Guardian).
While the UN Special Committee on Decolonisation and Portugal's apology and attribution of responsibility did not directly cause the modification of the IMUN logo, it merely proved that in these modern times, it is important that changes are made to progress and adhere to the UN´s overarching goal to eliminate the harmful remnants of colonial idolisation.
Inês C. and Haley T. (Co-heads of IMUN Press)
*The paragraph below is paraphrased from the transcript of Mr. Andrews´ interview
Works Cited
"A Dark Symbol of Settler Colonialism." Sea, 20 Sept. 2024, sea.edu/program-blogs/a-dark-symbol-of-settler-colonialism/. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.
"Portugal should apologise for role in slave trade, says its president." The Guardian, 25 Apr. 2023, www.theguardian.com/world/2023/apr/25/portugal-should-apologise-for-role-in-slave-trade-says-its-president. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.
"Special Committee on Decolonization." United Nations, www.un.org/dppa/decolonization/en/c24/about. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.
"Special Committee on Decolonization Crucial for Successful Evolution, Development of Non-Self-Governing Territories, Secretary-General Says, Opening 2024 Session." United Nations, 15 Feb. 2024, press.un.org/en/2024/gacol3374.doc.htm. A