For information only - not an official document
UNIS/VIC/199
29 July 2014
VIENNA, 29 July (UN Information Service) - Students and young graduates between the ages of 18 and 35 will put their diplomatic skills to the test when they meet here for an annual United Nations simulation exercise. About 250 students from more than 40 nations will participate in this year's Vienna International Model United Nations (VIMUN) to be held from 4 to 7 August 2014 at the Vienna International Centre (VIC). They will discuss topics ranging from the treatment of migrants, refugees and asylum-seekers to the legalization of soft drugs, the management of severe nuclear accidents and sustainable energy for all.
Organized by the United Nations Youth and Student Association of Austria - Academic Forum for Foreign Affairs and hosted by the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV), VIMUN 2014 will see the students and young graduates assume the role of a diplomat of a country and negotiate on their behalf. The rules of procedure are similar to those used in real UN conferences.
While simulating the roles of delegates the students develop leadership skills as well as research, writing, public-speaking and problem-solving skills. The participants gain experience in consensus building, conflict resolution and cooperation. The best delegates will be given an award at the closing ceremony.
Johannes Tropper, a student of political science and law from Vienna, will this year fill the position of the Secretary-General. Martin Nesirky, Acting Director of the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna, will speak at the opening.
The VIMUN is part of a worldwide series of Model United Nations meetings. The year 2014 marks not only the 20th anniversary of this conference in Vienna but is also held to honour the 35 years of existence of the Vienna International Centre.
Media representatives are invited to cover the opening session on 4 August and the event, and those who are not already accredited to the VIC should email press[at]unvienna.org by 1 August 2014 COB for accreditation.
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For further information, please contact:
Antonia
Seilern
Associate Expert, UNIS Vienna
Telephone: (+43-1) 26060-5606
Email: antonia.seilern[at]unvienna.org
or
Johannes
Tropper
Secretary-General, Vienna International Model United Nations (VIMUN)
Mobile: (+43-664) 133 61 58
Email: vimun[at]afa.at
Website:
http://www.vimun.org or
http://www.modelun.at or
http://afa.at
