2021 Blog

2021 was the second consecutive year of an online IMUN conference. Though there were many challenges to hosting the conference online, this year's conference had participants from 20 schools from all over the world, integrating multiple perspectives on important issues. 

Today marks the second day of the second IMUN online conference, and the second debate of the SPC 1, or Special Conference. In this second debate, the third resolution was discussed, with many delegates suggesting possible amendments that could be implemented.

The first issue of the General Assembly Committee involved the question of ethnic cleansing and measures taken to eradicate it. Delegates debated this topic by using the People’s Republic of China’s resolution. During lobbying, prior to the official debate, China showed immense concern about this issue and worked closely with countries like Finland, Israel, Argentina, Denmark, Arab League, Spain, and UN Women to consider possible solutions that would be further discussed during the actual debate.

On the 12th of November, 2021, the opening ceremony marked the first day of the second IMUN online conference. Immediately following the opening ceremony was the SPC 1, or Special Conference one, debate on South Sudan´s resolution. This resolution was based on the question of measures taken to ensure the fair distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine. 

This year, IMUN has 20 schools participating, one of which is the American International School of Johannesburg (AISJ), an International school stationed in South Africa. This is the first time that the AISJ has ever participated in the IMUN conference. The IMUN press team had the honor of conducting an interview with the school's director.

Political cartoons are drawings made for the purpose of conveying commentary on politics, politicians, and current events (Britannica). These cartoons play a significant role in the political discourse of society, with the capability to offend people from all sides of the vast political spectrum. 2021 marks the first year that IMUN has ever had a designated political cartoonist, Judy Q, who created the following cartoons to represent both IMUN and other current events.

Two years of living with the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world we live in. While there have been many small, country-specific changes-- from new health regulations to lockdown mandates-- one aspect of the world that has changed for everyone is the economy. Even though many countries are trying to reach a point of normalcy again, the continued rising of case numbers and protests against regulations make it infinitely more difficult for the economy to stabilize. 

Afghanistan has a long history of being an unstable country. For the last 4 decades, the middle-eastern country has been through foreign invasions, civil war, revolutions, and Taliban rule (NPR). In the present day, the world watches as the country falls into unrest once again. In May of 2021, the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, and the country’s political identity returned to what it was 20 years ago. The world is now left questioning if Afghanistan will ever be stable again. 

Ethnic cleansing is a controversial topic-- a confusing description when one considers the long list of horrific actions that occur under its name. Explored in this article are the reasons for ethnic cleansing’s controversial nature, as well as its relevance in today’s world.

On October 18th, 2021, the IMUN press team was given the opportunity to interview the Head of Press, Ms. Elizaveta K. Press team is a group of aspiring journalists who observe the IMUN conference and produce articles on debate topics, as well as general news relevant to modern-day issues. In this interview, Ms. Elizaveta K shared her opinions on IMUN online as well as some advice for those experiencing IMUN for the first time.

On the 19th of October of 2021, the IMUN press team had the opportunity to interview the Head of Admin, Aliya T, for the 2021 edition of Iberian Model United Nations. The Admin team works hard to make sure that the conference runs as smoothly as possible through rigorous organization and note-taking.

The IMUN press team had the opportunity to interview Contança C, the Head of Special Conference. The Special Conference is much like the general assembly, with the same debate format, but concerns less generalized issues. In the meeting, we discussed some of the backstage emotions and journeys that she had to take to make this conference run smoothly. 

In October of 2021, the IMUN press team was given the opportunity to interview the President of the Security Council, Ms. Anita S. The Security Council concerns all issues relating to international peace and security. In this interview, Ms. Anita S. shared her opinions on IMUN online as well as some advice for people who are experiencing IMUN for the first time.

"Our world was pretty broken already. We cannot just ignore this fact when rebuilding. We cannot build a house with broken bricks."

-  Pedro L, Secretary General 

The centuries-old conflict between Israel and Palestine garnered international attention  in early April of this year, overwhelming multiple social media platforms with several posts about the issue. The sudden virality of this conflict raises the question-- why did the conflict between Israel and Palestine gain so much attention after years of quiet?

Over the last decade, Myanmar has continued its shift from a military dictatorship to a democratic government. One example of this transition is the gradual allowance of freedom of the press, along with the release of many political prisoners. Despite those efforts to move towards democracy, military leaders maintained power and influence over the country and continued its genocide on ethnic minority groups. In 2017, around 700,000 Rohingya (a group of an ethnic minority group) people were forced to flee to nearby countries due to the genocide led by the military. This event foreshadowed the end of the already-endangered democracy in Myanmar.

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the entire world, killing millions of people and affecting everyone's way of life. There have been undeniable social and economic changes due to the pandemic and the issues with sustainability and the environment.

2021 marks the second consecutive year of the COVID-19 pandemic.For most people, the past two years have been full of anxiety and stress, but for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), COVID-19 has caused many more problems that directly affect their everyday lives. Due to false and biased information relating to COVID-19's origins, AAPIs have faced verbal and physical harassment, property damage, and general discriminatory behavior.

As the year of 2021 draws to a close, there is no better time to discuss and consider this year’s UN-declared theme: The International Year of Peace and Trust. Though the theme seems rather simple at first glance, it actually raises multiple questions--  Why is it relevant? Wasn't 1986 already the International Year of Peace? And, most importantly, what does acknowledging this observance actually achieve?

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, “Everyone has the right to education… Education shall be directed to the full development of the human personality and to the strengthening of respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms." Education is a right, not a privilege, and everyone should be allowed to have one, even though some circumstances these past couple of years have made it so less accessible.