This article has been provided by Ashu Goel, Secretary-General of UPMUNC XLVIII.
The 48th session of the University of Pennsylvania Model United Nations Conference (UPMUNC) commenced on November 6, 2014, in historic downtown Philadelphia, PA. Foreign policy expert Heather Hurlburt, this year’s keynote speaker, implored delegates to take advantage of all the world has to offer, and to truly make an impact in today’s ever-changing society, which differs greatly from the one in which she grew up. With her words and a welcoming video from the UPMUNC secretariat in mind, delegates spread across the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel to engage in a weekend of lively debate.
Delegates in a General Assembly committee wait their turn to be called on in a moderated caucus.
With five General Assembly committees, five Economic and Social Council and Specialized Agencies, and twelve exhilarating Crisis committees, UPMUNC’s twenty-two committees catered to all types of delegates. In the historic Peace of Westphalia General Assembly committee, delegates negotiated the end of the deadly Thirty and Eight Years’ Wars, while elsewhere delegates battled a sudden outbreak of the Simian Flu in the futuristic simulation of the World Heath Organization.
Members of the UPMUNC Secretariat model merchandise for the camera.
Of course, UPMUNC would not be UPMUNC without its innovative and fast-paced crisis committees, whether historical, present-day, futuristic, or fictional. In the Entourage committee, delegates helped superstar Vincent “Vince” Chase navigate his way through Hollywood, dealing with whatever crises UPMUNC’s staff threw at them. Elsewhere, in the Middle East, the death of King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia fueled an uprising in the country. Delegates in the Saudi Arabian Revolution, 2020 committee fought to restore peace to the nation, hoping that the monarchy would not be overthrown. And who can forget the classic Ad-Hoc Committee of the Secretary-General? In this secret, application-only committee reserved for the best on the circuit, delegates acted as the cabinet of newly elected Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. As in years past, Ad-Hoc lived up to its high standards with fast-paced crisis, endless debate, and a committee session turned food and drink reception at a nearby Indian restaurant.
Delegates in the Saudi Arabian Revolution, 2020 committee work together to draft up a directive.
As if the in-committee experience wasn’t enough, UPMUNC dazzled again with its nightly special events. On Thursday night, attendees enjoyed Model UN themed drink specials at a nearby pub while on Friday, UPMUNC threw its annual Cocktail Night, complete with a DJ, lasers, lights, and a dance floor. But Saturday night stole the show. UPMUNC’s renowned DelegateFest at the Roxxy Philadelphia again lived up to the hype, with endless music, dancing, and a bottle parade with confetti at the end to top off a fantastic weekend.
Delegates live it up at DelegateFest on Saturday night.
When all was said and done, four delegations came out on top:
Best Large Delegation: University of Chicago
Best Small Delegation: Claremont McKenna College
Outstanding Large Delegation: Yale University
Outstanding Small Delegation: University of Miami
Chief Operating Officer Paul Marvucic, Director-General Haley Zarrin, Secretary-General Ashu Goel, and Chief of Staff Eliza Rothstein pose for a picture at closing ceremonies.
Congrats to all! UPMUNC would like to thank everyone for an amazing weekend. The UPMUNC secretariat looks forward to seeing everyone next year at UPMUNC XLIX! If you are interested in learning more about next year’s conference, please go to upmunc.org to learn more.
