Two gavel-loving Chairs.
Situated in a city famous for being both the “hipster” capital of Asia and a food-lover’s ultimate paradise, Taipei American School Model United Nations (TASMUN) is a conference that offers an expansive menu of experiences to suit every palate.
The theme for this year’s conference is Transforming Our World Beyond 2015. Inspired by the expiration of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, TASMUN delegates will debate the most pressing topics the global community faces in the near future.
Delegates discussing committee topics during a moderated caucus.
Taiwan often finds itself at the center of international controversy regarding its political status, so it comes as no surprise that even the youngest members of the local community have a considerable interest in international affairs.
With nearly 500 participants from schools across the island, as well as from Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, and South Korea, this conference provides aspiring middle school and high school delegates with the opportunity to debate and resolve the issues currently seizing the interest of the international community in what is at once an engaging and constructive environment.
A Chair reminding delegates of proper resolution formatting.
TASMUN, a THIMUN-recognized junior conference (Grades 7-10), comprises 14 committees (including an Advisory Panel, International Court of Justice, and an International Security Summit), and yet this conference also allows participants to extend themselves beyond the typical conference experience by providing novel opportunities on a yearly basis.
The TASMUN Secretariat for 2015 has made the unique decision to implement UN4MUN procedure in two of its committees. This is a new framework for Model UN debate that seeks to more closely emulate the real United Nations General Assembly.
Committees following this procedure will strive to adopt all resolutions by consensus, which means that delegates will be required to negotiate and refine a draft resolution through both formal and informal sessions until no disagreements remain. While the committee’s success will rely upon the experience and maturity of all those participating, the goal is that this new procedure will foster an environment of cooperation and inclusive decision-making.
Delegates working together to merge their resolutions.
TASMUN will also take bolder steps this year to go beyond conference debate to make a positive difference in the local and global community – indeed, to change lives. TASMUN will be hosting a special delegation of three students from Afghanistan through a coordinated effort between the NGO Skateistan, UN-Habitat in Kabul, and members of the Taipei American School community. These special guests will provide the keynote address this year, and fundraising initiatives will complement this unique opportunity for reciprocal enrichment and intercultural understanding.
A familiar sight at TASMUN.
With particular emphasis on properly implementing the next-generation Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this year’s conference will encourage participants to address issues across all six core-categories of the SDGs – including justice, partnership, dignity, people, the planet, and prosperity.
Thus, TASMUN 2015 will serve up a combination of new consensus-oriented committees and special guests who will bring a compelling perspective to the issues, and in this way the leadership team intends to continue to educate, inform, and encourage the leaders of tomorrow.
For more information about TAS MUN, check out its video and website.
(This Conference Recap was provided by Justin Rhee (11), TASMUN Co-Secretary General)
