This conference recap article was written and submitted by Zoie Petrakis, Chargé d’Affaires for SCMUN 2018.
After a year of dedicated preparation, the University of Southern California’s MUN Organization ran its most successful SCMUN yet! The group’s 60-member staff orchestrated its conference consisting of 13 unique committees on the weekend of March 24-25, 2018. With great excitement and the spirit of the UN in mind, 650 delegates representing over 50 schools and independent groups spent their weekend discussing international affairs in USC’s newest and most impressive building—Fertitta Hall. This year’s conference welcomed both local students from California as well as delegations from as far away as Monterrey, Mexico. The Secretary-General, Rahul Francis, passionately led his capable staff throughout the conference in order to provide delegates with an educational and inspiring weekend.
This year, SCMUN was comprised of three General Assembly Committees—DISEC, ECOFIN, and SOCHUM—four ECOSOC Bodies—UNHRC, UNDP, UNESCAP, and G20 Summit—as well as three specialized bodies—ICJ, Historical UNSC, and a Joint Crisis Committee focused on Catalonian Independence. For the second year in a row, SCMUN also ran two Novice Committees on the Sunday Sessions.
Delegate in the DISEC committee giving a Moderated Caucus Speech.
Educational Focus
SCMUN 2018 not only challenged experienced delegates, but was also tailored to new MUN programs and novice delegates. One of the greatest things to note about SCMUN was the conference’s substantive quality and the high level of debate. Chairs were eager to simulate their topics and the delegates were dedicated to producing the best resolutions possible. The committees and topics were selected to engage delegates in some of the most interesting and pressing topics of our time. To name a few, The United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) focused on Detention Rights and Rights to Privacy in a Digital Age, while the Novice United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) discussed Zoonotic Diseases. In the preparation process, chairs produced detailed and well-written Background Guides (some being as long as 60 pages) and provided delegates with helpful feedback on position papers and research. At the conference, the more traditional committees ensured that delegates delved into deep and thoughtful debate facilitated by the immersive experience that the SCMUN staffers created. Whether it was through delegates presenting their draft resolutions in caucuses or writing crisis notes that affected the course of their committee, SCMUN 2018 proved to be an exciting and immersive experience for all those involved.
Delegates in the UNHRC discuss during Unmoderated Caucus.
This substantive excellence stemmed from innovation and creativity in developing committees and topics. One of the new and most interesting committees run at SCMUN 2018 was the International Court of Justice (ICJ) focusing on the Iran-Contra Affair, which was executed using traditional THIMUN rules of procedure. The committee, consisting of both judges and advocates, required delegates to prepare stipulations and memorials (rather than position papers), which were then used to drive the debate during the proceedings. It was clear that this committee had one the highest levels of debate at the entire conference. To make the experience even more memorable for delegates, SCMUN staffers acted as witnesses, having prepared both costumes and interactive dialogues that would drive the delegates to engage even further with the case at hand. The ICJ was truly one of the most memorable and interesting committees at SCMUN 2018!
Staff members of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Professionalism & Experience
This year, SCMUN strived for the utmost professionalism, prioritizing its attendees’ experience before, during, and after the conference. Unlike other conferences, the Delegate Affairs team provided schools with assignments as soon as they registered, so that delegates had adequate time to conduct thorough research prior to committee. For advisors specifically, members of the Secretariat welcomed Best Delegate’s very own Kevin Felix Chan to run an Advisor Training Session that was attended by both veteran advisors and those wishing to expand their new MUN programs. In addition to the committee sessions, SCMUN 2018 offered interested students official tours of the university to ensure that they were able to see the campus while visiting USC. Delegates also loved the classrooms in which committees were held, due to their tables, technology, and bountiful room for caucusing. The venue for SCMUN 2018 seemed ideal for the size of the conference and needs of the delegates. Furthermore, the Secretariat made themselves available throughout the venue to address any delegate needs and improve the conference experience as a whole.
Members of the SCMUN 2018 Secretariat.
Conclusion
As one of the newest and fastest growing conferences in Southern California, SCMUN is truly a conference to keep an eye on. Its professional execution paired with a high level of debate and positive experience for delegates gives it a spot as one of the best conferences to attend in the Spring. SCMUN offers delegates and advisors an educational experience, tailored to delegates’ diverse interests and backgrounds. One of the most memorable moments from SCMUN 2018 was the Closing Ceremony in which staff members and delegates alike rejoiced on the amazing weekend by watching a video of compiled memories and by honoring the delegations that performed best. The excitement and joy in the room was unmatched as it left everyone excited for the next SCMUN. Check out this video of the 2018 SCMUN Closing Ceremonies!
In 2019, the conference is pleased to be welcoming Zack Ali, a rising Junior studying Public Policy and Spanish, as Secretary-General. He is so excited to continue this upward momentum for SCMUN and along with the Secretary-General of 2018, Rahul Francis, wishes everyone—Fight On!
Best Large Delegation: Calabasas High School
Outstanding Large Delegation: Mountain View High School
Best Small Delegation: Monta Vista High School
Outstanding Small Delegation: Granada Hills Charter High School
Best Novice Delegation: Manhattan Beach Middle School
SCMUN 2018 staff members “fighting on” at Closing Ceremony!
