PHUNC 2013 Recap

by andrew.monioudis on December 20, 2013

This recap is provided by Nabeel Ahmad, the Secretary General of the Pennsylvania High School United Nations Conference 2013.

Since its inception in 2012, the Pennsylvania High School United Nations Conference (PHUNC) at Penn State University has continued its promise of providing delegates with a small, close-knit atmosphere that develops a relationship with delegates, staff, and the chairs while taking part in crisis committees. With no more than 30 delegates per committee, PHUNC strives to focus on a delegate’s public speaking, writing, and critical thinking ability all while delegates are kept on the edge of their seats during various crisis being introduced. PHUNC is sponsored by the Penn State International Affairs and Debate Association (PSIADA).

Delegates debate in the Nixon Administration committee.

PHUNC 2013: To Frontiers and Beyond, under the leadership of Nabeel Ahmad, began the evening of December 6^th with keynote speaker Dr. Errol Henderson, a tenure Penn State professor specializing in international relations, analyzing war and peace. Dr. Henderson spoke of power and influence and race and change, occasionally referring to the great Nelson Mandela during his struggle in the apartheid era South Africa. Students were then led to the first committee session Friday night. Later that evening, PHUNC’s inaugural College and Philanthropy Fair took place. Delegates enjoyed our college fair as various colleges here at Penn State attended to showcase their summer high school programs. The Philanthropy Gala followed featuring a presentation by PHUNC’s philanthropy effort, the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, whose mission is to conquer pediatric cancer by providing emotional and financial support to the children and families of those affected.

PHUNC 2013 featured crisis committees such as the Nixon Administration: From Vietnam to Watergate, African Union 2020, Imperial Council 1940: Japan at Crossroads, European Council, Council of Ministers of Colombia and United Nations Security Council 1975. Our theme, To Frontiers and Beyond, allows delegates to delve into ideas that can progress philosophically, scientifically and technologically, economically, or militarily.

Most notably the tables were turned and delegates represented various army generals and admirals in Imperial Council 1940: Japan at Crossraods, which sought to further Japan’s aggression in Eastern Asia while various resources were strained during World War II. In the European Council, delegates debated on how to stop the spread of a deadly outbreak of a disease while the World Health Organization was shut down.

PHUNC was happy to partner with Penn State Dining Commons for delegates and adviser to enjoy a delicious brunch buffet with their committee chairs. After committee session all day, delegates crossed the most thrilling frontier at PHUNC: the dance floor! Our Delegate Dance featured DJ Frenchie and a Dance Dance Revolution competition. Delegates were also given a special opportunity to pie-your-chair in the face in which all proceeds go to the Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon.

PHUNC 2013 this year introduced the Best New Delegate award, giving rookies in crisis committees a chance to shine. Mount Lebanon High School this year took home 1 Best Delegate, 3 Outstanding, 4 Honorable Mention and 1 Best New Delegate.

Awards:

Best Large Delegation: Mount Lebanon High School

Outstanding Large Delegation: Great Valley High School

Best Small Delegation: Saint Ann School

Notable performances were given by Wilson High School and Downingtown STEM Academy.

If you are interested in attending PHUNC 2014 please email phunc@psiada.org to be added to next year’s mailing list and visit our website at www.phunc.org. For more information about PHUNC 2013’s philanthropy partner, Penn State IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon, please visit thon.org.

Posted below are some more pictures from the conference!