United Nations

UNIS/VIC/168
3 August 2009

15th Vienna International Model United Nations (VIMUN) Introduces Young Students and Graduates to the World of Diplomacy

VIENNA, 3 August (UN Information Service) - About 200 students and young graduates from all over the world are learning the skills of international diplomacy at the 15th Vienna International Model United Nations (VIMUN). For four days (3-6 August) the participants between the ages of 18-35 from approximately 40 countries are gathering at the Vienna International Centre (VIC) to debate current issues of international politics.

The Vienna International Model United Nations is organized by the United Nations Youth and Student Association of Austria - Academic Forum for Foreign Affairs (UNYSA-AUSTRIA-AFA) as part of its activities in the field of international understanding in Vienna. Through the Model United Nations young people have a chance to understand the challenges of international politics through simulation of multilateral bodies.

It replicates the negotiations of specific committees and organs of the United Nations. Participants act as delegates of a foreign country, not their own, or a non-governmental organization (NGO) and have to negotiate and protect the national interests of their chosen country. The challenge is to argue from a different angle to gain a better understanding of different perspectives on world politics, problems and crises. The young delegates have to prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with supporters and adversaries, resolve conflicts and navigate through the rules of procedure.

The 15th Vienna International Model United Nations (VIMUN) also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Vienna International Centre (VIC), which is home to the United Nations family in Vienna and, along with New York, Geneva and Nairobi, one of four United Nations headquarters worldwide.

The following issues are being discussed in seven different committees during VIMUN 2009:

• Security Council (SC): "Decision on an Urgent Political Crisis (Pakistan)"
• Human Rights Council (HRC): "Human Rights of Migrant Workers"
• United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO): "Corruption Prevention to Foster Small and Medium Sized Enterprise Development"
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): "Ground Water Resource Exploitation through Isotope Techniques"
• Commission on Population and Development (CPD): "The Effect of HIV/ AIDS on the Population in Sub-Saharan Africa"
• International Maritime Organization (IMO): "Measures to Prevent Piracy at Sea"
• Security Council Committee established pursuant to Resolution 1267 (1999) concerning Al-Qaida and the Taliban and associated Individuals and Entities; also known as 'The Al- Qaida and Taliban Sanction Committee (SCC)': "From Terrorist Threats to Attacks: Measures to Increase Awareness to Enable Effective Prevention"

The committee sessions are conducted by Chairs and Co-Chairs and all delegates have to obey rules of procedure similar to those used in real UN conferences.

In addition to the serious discussions, VIMUN 2009 offers the would-be diplomats the chance for socializing together too. A highlight is today's reception at the Vienna City Hall which is hosted by the Mayor of Vienna, Michael Häupl.

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For further information, please contact:

Maria Naderhirn
NGO/CSO Liaison, UNIS Vienna
Telephone: (+43-1) 26060-3324
Email: maria.naderhirn@unvienna.org

or

Mathias Steinhauser
Secretary-General, Vienna International Model United Nations (VIMUN)
Mobile: (+43-699) 19 03 79 65
Email: vimun@afa.at
Website: http://www.vimun.org or http://afa.at

Journalists are welcome to attend the reception at the Vienna City Hall on Monday, 3 August 2009, 8-10 pm, and the reception at the Diplomatic Academy on Tuesday, 4 August 2009, 7-10 pm