:: DAIMUN ::

From the Desk of the Secretary General

Dear MUN Directors, Teachers and Delegates,

A little over 66 years ago, 51 nations stood cautiously optimistic, having just become the first members of what was to be the largest global effort to fulfil seemingly simple and fundamental aims – to maintain international peace and security and to save succeeding generations from the scourge of war. 66 years after that day in San Francisco, the current 193 member nations of the United Nations Organization still stand circumspect – watching, debating and analysing what has arguably been the largest and most important mass movement towards world democracy in those 66 years. What started in late December 2010 as a one-off protest in Tunisia ignited the undercurrent of resentment that existed in the North African countries. Almost a year and a half later, the entire Middle Eastern and North African region has been swept by a wave of democracy – a movement led not by the Kalashnikovs of army generals, but by the banners, screams and shouts of the men, women and youth of these nations.

Today, the world stands at a moment in history where there is an overwhelming support for democracy, freedom, and the basic rights the United Nations is symbolic of; a moment led not by governments, but by the people. Whether the situation in Libya, ended amidst bloodshed, or the fight against corruption in India and the creation of the Lokpal Bill led by fasts and protests, the sweeping drive for change we see around us today is a direct result of the perceived apathy, inaction and inefficiency of those in control and in power. It is for times like this that the seemingly utopian and idealistic principles of the UN were designed, and now it is time the UN moves beyond principles and answers this call with action, supporting the right to self-determination of the people, supporting this cry for democracy.

It is only apt then, that in keeping with this year’s theme of World Democracy, the Dhirubhai Ambani International Model United Nations (DAIMUN) takes on an even greater international character. DAIMUN, this year, will not only be a forum for Indian schools, but will function as a conference for all THIMUN affiliates and Round Square schools that believe, as DAIMUN does, in the need for students to discuss global political issues. The Special Conference of DAIMUN 2012 deals with issues of world democracy – the situation in Egypt, the legitimacy of secessionist states and the freedom of the media. Delegates will have the opportunity to debate issues ranging from Economic Reforms in North African Countries to the Legality of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of India in the new Advisory Panel committee that will serve as an advisory body to the Security Council.

It may seem, amid this talk of furthering World Democracy, that the opinions of mere teenagers on a single Friday morning are ineffectual. On the contrary, delegates, it is the views of these teenagers, these students representing the leaders of today that form the views of the leaders of tomorrow. Brett Dennen, a little known singer from North California, once said, “You don’t need no reason or a three piece suit, to argue the truth.” Though the suit may not be optional at DAIMUN 2012, delegates, for these 3 days, you will have the most important resource of the UN at your disposal – the ability to debate, critique and argue the truth.

Make the most of it delegates.

Looking forward to an experience most unforgettable,

From the Desk of the Deputy Secretary General

Dear Delegates and MUN-Directors,

My name is Nishka Choraria and it is my honour and privilege to serve as the Deputy Secretary- General of DAIMUN 2012.

My first day at a MUN conference was spent in a room filled with jargon and people in suits. However, over the course of the conference, it began to make sense: donning the shoes of representatives of countries and proposing and debating novel solutions to solve real world issues was empowering in a way without compare. It was no longer a room filled with formalities, suits and strange lingo, but a room filled with restless, ambitious and like-minded youngsters aiming to conquer world problems with fresh ideas and new measures.

DAIMUN, a THIMUN affiliated conference, is a platform for the youth of today to appreciate and understand the world from a different point of view, discount all existing prejudices, discuss real issues with a fresh perspective and put forth innovative solutions. Today, our existence is no longer affected just by those around us, but by people and events occurring all around the globe. We are a part of a global community. As the youth of today and the leaders of tomorrow, it is our duty to understand and tackle these pressing issues here and now.

The theme of DAIMUN this year is of utmost importance: World Democracy. It is a concept which each of us has dealt with in our everyday life. A concept which is causing uprisings all over the world. A concept which has the power to unify or break down entire nations. In today’s world, democracy is one of the most critical players behind the scenes of most events in the spotlight. We aspire to address this issue at every level: the social, economic, political and ideological. This year, in the Special Conference and the newly introduced Advisory Panel on the Question of South Asia, delegates will have the opportunity to directly deal with these issues.

As Mahatma Gandhi once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world”. Now is your time to shape the world and to be that change!

I’d like to wish all delegates best of luck and I look forward to a productive conference!

From the Desk of the President, General Assembly

Dear Delegates and MUN-Directors,

DAIMUN has, and always will be, a conference where today’s youth are given an opportunity to hone their debating and diplomatic skills. The General Assembly, the chief deliberative, policymaking and representative organ of the United Nations, is an ideal platform for tomorrow’s decision-makers to understand and analyze the issues that plague the world today, approach them critically and reach a consensus. DAIMUN strives to epitomize MUN-ning of the highest quality, and the DAIMUN GA plays a key role in this process.

On that note, I, Atreyo Sinha, President, The General Assembly, would like to extend a warm welcome to you all to the 9th Session of the Dhirubhai Ambani Model United Nations, 2012. This year’s General Assembly will comprise of GA1 – Disarmament and International Security (DISEC), GA2 – Economic and Financial Committee (ECOFIN) and the Special Conference on the Theme of World Democracy (SpecCon). The topics this year are pressing issues in the world today, and it is imperative that these be resolved at the earliest.

Since 1945, The General Assembly has been shaping the world by providing representatives of nations with a unique forum for multilateral discussion of the full spectrum of international issues covered by the Charter of the United Nations. With this in mind, I, along with the chairs of GA1, GA2 and SpecCon, hope to provide you with an unforgettable experience at DAIMUN 2012, where you will indeed Confer, Challenge and Conquer. May reality be yours.

"The road to success must be founded on the principle of partnership and a deep sense of justice and responsibility."