This recap was provided by Madeleine Skaller, CMUNC 2013 Director of Public Relations. All photos are courtesy of CMUNC staff and Secretariat members.
Keynote speaker Tom Fox delivers an inspired speech to the delegates.
This year’s Cornell Model United Nations Conference was called to order on April 11th in scenic Ithaca on Cornell University’s campus. Over 700 high school students from around the world filed into Ithaca’s historic State Street Theater for Opening Ceremonies. The secretariat was joined by keynote speaker, Tom Fox, the Vice President of the Partnership for Public Service and author of the “Federal Coach” column in The Washington Post. Mr. Fox gave an inspiring speech to the delegates about being a leader and making valuable change.
This year’s conference featured exciting and innovative committees including John F. Kennedy’s Cabinet, the Nobel Prize Selection Committee, and the Reunification of the Koreas, in addition to traditional General Assembly committees such as DISEC and Legal. Delegates competed fiercely through four challenging but enjoyable days. The CMUNC staff expertly staged creative crisis situations that shocked and thrilled the delegates. Delegates worked hard to live by this year’s conference theme – “Raise your placard, raise your voice.”
Enthusiastic delegates in the Clinton Global Initiative raise their placards.
Outside of committee, there were many exciting academic and social events to participate in. Delegates were able to take tours of Cornell’s gorgeous and expansive campus and explore the lively Ithaca Commons. Delegates were also able to order the “Motion to Adjourn” sandwich at Collegetown Bagels, Ithaca’s iconic bagel shop. A portion of the proceeds from the “Motion to Adjourn” sandwich went to this year’s philanthropy effort, One World Futbol, an organization that promotes youth empowerment and leadership in developing countries. A Model UN 101 training course was offered for beginners and experts alike in order to hone their debate skills. And of course, there was the famous Delegate Dance hosted in the Johnson Museum, a 6-floor art museum on campus. Delegates danced to today’s pop music while surrounded by priceless works of art.
After four days of stimulating debate, the conference drew to a close and awards were presented. Best Large Delegation went to The Horace Mann School and Outstanding Large Delegation went to The Dalton School. Best Small Delegation went to John. P. Stevens High School and Outstanding Small Delegation went to New Fairfield High School. Overall, the secretariat and staff was extremely impressed and inspired by the high level of debate all weekend and look forward to another great conference next year. Congratulations and thank you to everyone who competed!
The CMUNC 2013 Secretariat at opening ceremonies
CMUNC crisis staff hard at work.
Pree Corps delegates recording events on new media
The theme of this year’s delegate dance was “Raise Your Placard, Drop the Bass”
