For information only - not an official document

UNIS/VIC/219
19 July 2018

Students and young graduates convene to address world challenges at 24 ^th Vienna International Model United Nations conference

VIENNA, 19 July (UN Information Service) - Aspiring young diplomats aged 18 - 35 will gather in Vienna from 30 July to 2 August to put their negotiation skills to the test at the 24 ^th Vienna International Model United Nations (VIMUN) conference. 

VIMUN is an annual simulation exercise of multilateral bodies and gives students and young graduates from about 40 different nations the chance to enter the world of diplomacy in an authentic UN setting.

During a Model UN conference, each participant is considered a delegate, representing a UN Member State in a committee of their choice, albeit excluding their country of origin. Acting like real delegates, the participants prepare draft resolutions, negotiate with supporters and adversaries, resolve conflicts, navigate through the rules of procedure and follow diplomatic courtesy.

The following topics will be discussed in five different committees during VIMUN 2018:

• Human Rights Council (HRC): 70 Years Universal Declaration of Human Rights: "Freedom of Religion or Belief and the Right to Privacy in the Digital Age"
• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): "Radioactive Waste and Spent Fuel Management"
• Security Council (SC): "The Situation in the Middle East" (Syria)
• United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA): "Current Challenges for the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space: Economic Exploitation, Future Tourism and Space Debris"
• World Trade Organization (WTO): "New 'Trade Wars', Regional Economic Alliances and the Sustainable Development Goals: What Role for the WTO?"

The conference participants will be welcomed by the United Nations Youth and Student Association of Austria - Academic Forum for Foreign Affairs (UNYSA-AUSTRIA-AFA) President Michael Pfeifer. Speakers at the opening ceremony include the Chair for the Vienna Model United Nations Club (VMC) Kevin Lechner, the Austrian UN Youth Delegate 2018 Natalie Haas, and Deputy to the Director of the United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna Sonja Wintersberger. Moreover, the Mayor of Vienna will welcome the participants to the conference during a reception at the City Hall on 30 July.

The conference, organized by UNYSA-AUSTRIA-AFA and hosted by the United Nations Office at Vienna (UNOV) at the Vienna International Centre (VIC), attracts up to 250 participants each year.

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Media representatives are invited to cover the event including the opening session on 30 July. Those who are not already accredited to the VIC should email to press.vienna[at]un.org by 25 July 2018.

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For further information, please contact:

Maria Naderhirn
NGO/CSO Liaison
United Nations Information Service (UNIS) Vienna
Telephone: (+43-1) 26060-3324
Email: maria.naderhirn[at]un.org

or

Michael F. Pfeifer
President
United Nations Youth and Student Association of Austria/
Academic Forum for Foreign Affairs (UNYSA-AUSTRIA-AFA)
Email: vimun[at]afa.at