It a was special morning for over 200 students and young graduates from all around the world. The annual UN student simulation conference takes place from 2nd to 5th August 2010 at the Vienna International Centre, organized by the United Nations Youth and Student Association of Austria - Academic Forum for Foreign Affairs (UNYSA-AUSTRIA - AFA).
The 16th VIMUN commenced with a festive opening ceremony. Austrian student Marc E. Melich, Secretary General of this year's conference, welcomed all participants and wished everyone 'fruitful discussions and enjoyable days in Vienna'. During this four-day-conference, the delegates are taking on the roles of diplomats and debate current issues in six different committees.
Wilfried Lütkenhorst, Managing Director of the Division of Regional Strategies and Field Operations of the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), emphasized the great gender balance among the VIMUN participants. Furthermore, he presented the work of his organization and reminded that last year's food, financial and fuel crisis has to be seen as a wake up call: 'The UN system is being questioned now!'.
At the fringes of the conference, students will have the chance to visit the city of Vienna and experience Austrian culture including a visit to City Hall to meet the Mayor of Vienna and a reception at the Diplomatic Academy of Austria.
Debates and negotiations will be summed up at the General Assembly held on the 5th of August.
UNIS/VIC/172 - 29 July 2010 - Students to Tackle Global Issues at Vienna International Model United Nations (VIMUN) Conference
