Deputy Secretary-General : Sumeir Walia
“There is too much disagreement for disagreement's sake. In a time of persistent challenges that still call into question our most sacred aspirations as a country, we cannot afford shallow callous divisiveness in our public debate.”
- Senator Cory Booker
Dear delegates and MUN directors,
The 21st- century is one that has heralded the collapse of the Westphalian world order, with the meteoric rise of globalization promoting economic interdependence, greater global connections, and relative peace when compared to the tumult of centuries past.
In an increasingly interconnected world, the role of multilateral integration cannot be overstated when it comes to achieving global synergy. Multilateral integration refers to the process of countries coming together to form regional or international organisations and alliances with the aim of fostering cooperation, addressing common challenges, and promoting collective decision-making.
The ancient Silk Road, developed in the 3rd century BC to facilitate the flow of commodities between India and China. The Columbian Exchange of the 16th century - an intercontinental transfer that had profound impacts on societies, such as the introduction of new crops like potatoes and maize to Europe, the spread of diseases like smallpox, and the global diffusion of cultural and culinary traditions. The Industrial Revolution of the 19th century, originating in Britain and leading to the transformation of the global economy and increased dependence and reliance on countries for raw materials. The rise of global diplomacy as a result of two devastating world wars in the midst of the 20th century compelled countries to establish diplomatic institutions and mechanisms to promote peace and cooperation. Throughout history, global interdependence has led to the outsourcing of manufacturing, the rise of multinational corporations, the integration of financial markets, and the promotion of collective security through regulatory bodies, fundamentally transforming the nature of international relations.
This very interdependence has led to the rise of supply chains, allowing nations to leverage their comparative advantages, leading to increased productivity and higher living standards. Interdependence has compelled countries to collaborate in managing shared resources and addressing global challenges. Environmental issues like climate change exemplify the need for collective action, as no nation can single-handedly mitigate the consequences of carbon emissions or protect vulnerable ecosystems. The Paris Agreement, for instance, was signed in 2015 by 195 countries and aims to reduce the global temperature increase to less than 1.5 °C by the end of this century.
However, overreliance on other nations for critical resources or key industries can also create vulnerabilities and compromise a country's autonomy. Global interdependence can exacerbate economic disparities, with powerful nations often dominating trade relationships and exploiting weaker ones. The concentration of wealth and resources in the hands of a few can perpetuate inequality within and between countries, leading to social tension and geopolitical instability.
These complexities, ultimately, are those that will define the role of multilateral integration in the 21st Century. It is only through the discussion, dissent, and debate amongst nations and sovereign-bodies alike that these complexities can be resolved. Delegates, establishing the role of multilateral organisations in our times demands thoughtful consideration and painstaking deliberation, both of which only you can provide.
Your burden here is simple. The stage for DAIMUN 2023 is set.
Warm Regards,
Sumeir Walia
Deputy Secretary General
DAIMUN 2023