NITIMUN 2018 Registration Guidelines

Introduction:

NITIMUN Conference is an academic exercise where students assume the role of ambassadors of member countries of the United Nations and extensively deliberate on current global issues. It gives students the opportunity to view and understand issues from different perspectives, get acquainted with and appreciate different people and cultures, learn to proffer credible and acceptable solutions to identified national and global problems.

The conference has been designed as a forum where students work with these pressing international issues from a perspective outside of the classroom. Representing the interest of a foreign country further broadens the knowledge of the students on the difficulties and complexities of international relations. The programme brings the activities of the United Nations closer to the youth who are made to assume leadership roles through the simulation.

Students at the conference learn to face and overcome challenges, to respect the view point of rivals, to separate the person from the problem, to face disappointment with the determination to do better next time and to experience the joy of achievement. At the end of the conference, each student is changed having learnt more about himself, gained confidence from some endeavours and discovered previously unrecognized potential. The benefit to the student, Institution and society are great.

NITIMUN 2018 theme is: Youth as Change Agents in the Fight against Hate and Discrimination. The committee sessions will avail the students the opportunity to expand their knowledge base on various aspects of global peace and tolerance, and how they can prevent the spread of hate-motivated behaviour in the society.

How Does Model United Nations Operate:

The basic principles of Model United Nations remain the same; regardless of where the conference is taking place;

1. Participants are assigned a UN Member State. They assume the role of that country’s diplomats at whichever UN body is being enacted. The delegates represent the views of ‘their’ assigned countries, reflecting the countries’ national interests, rather than their own personal opinions on an issue.
2. The delegates research their country’s position on selected topics, paying particular attention to their country’s perspective on the topics to be discussed at the Model UN. The topics are issues of global importance.
3. The committee sessions are held in accordance with rules of procedure. The delegates present statements of their countries’ positions and debate and negotiate with the other delegates, both through formal and informal debate.
4. A resolution is written, debated, negotiated and amended, in line with each country’s interests and in response to the debate. Votes are held on the resolution and the amendments. A final resolution is produced, which is acceptable to a majority of delegations and represents the final product of the meeting.

Benefits of Model United Nations to Students:

• Model UN events provide active learning opportunities for delegates, allowing them to explore and analyze a situation affecting unfamiliar people in unfamiliar settings. They negotiate and reach consensus on the best action for all, working individually and as part of a group. Delegates develop their communication skills and build their self-confidence.
• The UN can be a difficult organization to grasp – it is not a world government, but a system of many organizations which together affect our lives in many ways. In order to influence the way in which the UN works, we must understand the UN – one way of doing this is by taking part in a Model UN event.
• Model UN work not only educates participants about the problems the world is facing, but also suggests the means by which progress can be made and problems resolved, peacefully and justly.
• Helps the students appreciate the relevance of academic study to real world problems and utilize the skills learned through their Institution’s course curriculum or degrees.
• Provides a multicultural learning experience, as it gives students the opportunity to meet others from diverse backgrounds and nationalities and helps them break out from their own prejudices and preconceptions about world affairs.
• Instills responsibility and discipline as the students assume the role of ambassadors and speak out on behalf of nations in a bid to resolving issues.

Students’ Eligibility Requirements:

• Students in Tertiary Institutions within and outside Nigeria
• Proven ability to compile extensive research on chosen topics with a clear understanding of country’s position
• Ability to communicate clearly and express thoughts and ideas in a coherent manner
• knowledge of the United Nations
• Demonstrated leadership skills

How to Complete the Registration Form:

1. Select any 3 countries of your choice from the country/committee matrix attached that you can represent (1 out of the 3 could be allocated to you depending on availability)
2. Select any 3 committees of your choice from the country/committee matrix attached that you wish to simulate (1 out of the 3 could be allocated to you also depending on availability)
3. Ensure that the country chosen is a member of the committee selected as appropriately indicated in the matrix

Special information on country/committee selection and assignment:

It is important to note that we cannot guarantee that each student will be assigned the country/committee of his or her choice. Certain criteria may result in a change in delegates’ choice. Some of which are:

• Most countries are allocated on first come, first serve basis. Delegates are thereby encouraged to send in their application forms early.
• Essays are rated according to performance. The best essays sometimes get their choice of allocation.

**   Students who apply to sit on the Security Council should be of academic excellence and possess good public presentation and analytical skills. Accompanying staff should please assist us in this regard.

 Submission of Essays and Position Papers:

Every registration form should be submitted along with the mandatory essay on “Youth as Change Agents in the Fight against Hate and Discrimination” on or before the deadline of May 1, 2018. Students are encouraged to start preparation and research as soon as they receive registration confirmation and countries/committees allocated to them.

NOTE:             Delegates MUST return Completed Registration Forms with 1 passport photograph each (with names clearly written at the reverse side), Curriculum Vitae and evidence of payment of conference fee.

 All accepted delegates are expected to individually submit their countries’ position papers on or before May 1, 2018. Note: that the position paper is different from the mandatory essay.

 Acceptance of Application:

Students who have been accepted to participate at NITIMUN 2018 will be notified on or before May 7, 2018.

Mode of Dressing:

 The standard mode of dressing for delegates is corporate.

• Suit and tie for the male
• Corresponding formal outfit for the female – skirt/trouser suits (no jeans, sneakers or casual)
• Traditional/Cultural Attire for World Cultural Night
• Formal Dinner or Traditional Outfit for the Closing Dinner

Note:  Disobedience to the dress codes will attract expulsion from the conference. See Code of Conduct

            attached.

Special Notice on Election into Committee Positions:

Chairpersons and Rapporteur of the NITIMUN 2018 Committees will be elected during the conference.

Student delegates interested in any of these positions should submit their typed applications on or before the arrival day, September 8, 2018 for screening by the Electoral Committee. See Conference Schedule.

Committees and Topics:

1).        GENERAL ASSEMBLY (GA)

1. Eliminating racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance
2. Building a global partnership to combat online extremism

• Emerging tension between nationalism and multilateralism

2).        SECURITY COUNCIL (SC)

1. Domestic terrorists as a threat to peace and security
2. Combatting the proliferation of small arms and light weapons

3).        ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL (ECOSOC)

1. Engaging young people in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
2. Social and Economic impacts of religious intolerance and violent unrest

4).        HUMAN RIGHTS COUNCIL (HRC)

1. Equality and non-discrimination as fundamental principles of international human rights
2. Violation of the fundamental rights of people living with albinism

5).        INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION (ITU)

1. i) Tackling hate crime in the cyberspace
2. ii) Exploiting the internet to promote hatred

6).        UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UNDP)

1. Relationship between discrimination, inequality and poverty
2. Crime as an obstacle to achieving sustainable development

7).        COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN (CSW)

1. Women empowerment as a key driving force for societal transformation and economic prosperity
2. Women and girls as victims of sexual exploitation by militant groups

8).        UNITED NATIONS POPULATIONS FUND (UNFPA)

1. Engaging boys and men in the fight against gender discrimination
2. Impact of discriminatory laws on poor women

9).        UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (UNEP)

1. Preventing young people from conflicts based on natural resources
2. Gender equality in sustainable environmental development

10).      UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATIO (UNESCO)

1. Critical role of education in the fight against discrimination and prejudice
2. Tackling the root causes of extremism and violence

11).      UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN FUND (UNICEF)

1. Discrimination against children with disabilities
2. Implementing the right to education of internally displaced children

12).      WORLD BANK GROUP (WBG)

1. Promoting social cohesion through education
2. Investing in youth initiatives that fight exclusion and marginalization

13).      AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (AfDB)

1. Facilitating young enterpreneurs access to markets, capital and networks
2. Addressing the social and economic needs of marginalized communities

14).      AFRICAN UNION (AU)

1. Reducing youth exposure to online hate speech in Africa
2. Tackling of incitement to religious or ethnic hatred

15).      EUROPEAN UNION (EU)

1. Tackling the increasing open expression to hate speech and incitement to violence
2. Human rights and democratic challenges posed by extremist political parties

16).      ECONOMIC  COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES (ECOWAS)

1. Educating local communities on hate crimes and diversity
2. Impact of herdsmen and farmers conflict on socio-economic development of the region

17).      INTER-PARLIAMENTARY UNION (IPU)

1. Strengthening laws that protect citizens against unequal treatment and discrimination
2. Providing law enforcement agencies with the necessay resources and laws to fight hate crimes

18).      INTERNATIONAL LABOUR ORGANIZATION (ILO)

1. Tackling discrimination and inequality of access to work
2. Promoting greater employment opportunities for people living with disability

19).      UNITED NATIONS ALLIANCE OF CIVILIZATIONS (UNAOC)

1. Dialogue and understanding among civilizations, cultures and religions
2. Tackling prejudice and building stronger communities

20).      ORGANIZATION OF ISLAMIC COOPERATION (OIC)

1. Combating discrimination and intolerance on the grounds of religion or belief
2. Confronting the ideology of radical extremism

21).      UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME (UNODC)

1. i) Online recruitment and radicalization of young people by terrorist groups
2. ii) Preventing incitement to atrocity crimes

• Human trafficking as a human rights violation

22).      UNITED NATIONS HIGH COMMISSIONER FOR REFUGEES (UNHCR) – The UN Refugee Agency

1. Promoting respect, safety and dignity of refugees and internally displaced persons
2. Trafficking and exploitation of vulnerable groups in conflict situations

23).      INTERNATIONAL ORGANISATION FOR MIGRATION (IOM)

1. Promoting cultural diversity and integration of migrants
2. Countering the rise of xenophobia and discrimination against migrants and refugees

24).      JOINT UNITED NATIONS PROGRAMME ON HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS)

1. Protecting the right to life and right to health of people living HIV/AIDS
2. The consequences of stigma and discrimination around HIV and AIDS

25).      UNITED NATIONS WORLD TOURISM ORGANIZATION (UNWTO)

1. Racism within the tourism industry
2. Preventing tourists from having prejudiced perception of others

26).      INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANIZATION (ICAO)

1. Racial profilling at airports
2. Building bridges of tolerance across communities

27).      INTERNATIONAL PRESS COMMITTEE (IPC)

1. Developing ethical principles for online media or journalism
2. Social media and negative stereotyping

28).      SPECIAL COMIITTEE ON YOUTH ACTION AGAINST DISCRIMINATION (SCYAAD)

1. Strengthening young people’s resilience against radical influences
2. Young people as active agents of peace-building and positive social change

• Tackling incitement to all forms of hatred by political leaders

Basic Conference Information:

Requirement for Participation –

Application for participation is open to Students from Tertiary Institutions within and outside Nigeria. All applications and payments of conference fee must be received on or before April 27, 2018.

Registration –

• Registration is from January 15, 2018 till May 1, 2018. Delegates who register after this date will be subjected to a 10% surcharge and placed on the waiting list.
• NigMUNS will not make any refund of payment from two months before the conference.
• Any swapping or changing of delegate after registration will attract a fee of N3, 000.

 Arrival / Departure:

• Arrival is from 2pm on the 8^th September, 2018 and departure is on or before 11.30 am on 13^th September, 2018.

 Special Events:

 Special Intergenerational Dialogue –

Delegates at the NITIMUN Conference are not merely model for new knowledge and discovery, but they are also instruments of social change. The Special Intergenerational Dialogue affords distinguished personalities from the government and non-government sectors with the opportunity to present their views on the theme of the conference; interact and dialogue with the students and provide them with useful insights on their role as Change Agents in the Fight against Hate and Discrimination.

 World Cultural Night –

Every people and every place possess a unique culture. Experiencing different ways of life and discovering new cultural heritage have become leading motivations for people all over the world. This interaction between diverse cultures, can lead to tolerance, respect and mutual understanding among people.

The NITIMUN 2018 cultural night is to improve students’ relationships and interactions with each other. Our specific goal is to create cultural awareness and better understanding for all participating delegates, this translates to better relationships in the school environment, family and society. We should therefore recognise the role of cultural diversity for the benefit of present and future generations.

Celebrating our Cultural diversity makes life vibrant, richer and more interesting, because it allows us to interact with each other and to better appreciate our own culture. Respect for cultural diversity is the starting point for peaceful and inclusive society. It is an opportunity to unify the future generations and to celebrate all the richness and benefits we get from being such a diverse community.

Institutions wishing to perform at the World Cultural Night should notify us on or before the deadline of registration to book for a slot. The duration for each presentation is between 5 to 7 minutes. The mode of dressing for this event is: Cultural or traditional dress of Nigeria or that of the delegate’s adopted country. Improper dressing by any delegate will not be tolerated.

  

Guest Speakers –

NITIMUN 2018 will attract notable and dynamic personalities relevant to government, international relations, and contemporary issues to the conference. In addition, we will introduce in-committee guest speaker programme to ensure that all delegates have the opportunity to hear from real experts on their committee topics.

 Gala and Awards Night –

The Gala/Awards Night, a very special event that brings the NITIMUN Conference 2018 celebration to its climax, is where we recognize outstanding students and Institutions, role models whose achievements are a source of pride and inspiration to young people. We also show our thanks to staff advisers and institutions for their continued support.

The event aims to provide delegates the opportunity to interact freely with very important personalities and diplomats in an atmosphere devoid of the usual protocol associated with the offices of these personalities.

 

Awards:

Participation in NITIMUN yields tremendous educational and personal rewards. Each delegate should rightly feel great pride in doing the research necessary to participate and in successfully playing the role of his/her country during the conference.

As a means of recognizing outstanding efforts in this area, we are pleased to present several awards with prizes at the conclusion of NITIMUN 2018. Twenty-six (26) Awards will be presented at the Gala and Awards Night to student delegates, Institution delegations and accompanying staff who distinguish themselves during the conference.

 The Awards are:

1. Best Female Delegate
2. Second Best Female Delegate
3. Third Best Female Delegate
4. Best Male Delegate
5. Second Best Male Delegate
6. Third Best Male Delegate
7. Best Institution Delegation
8. Second Best Institution Delegation
9. Third Best Institution Delegation
10. Best Male Accompanying Teacher
11. Best Female Accompanying Teacher
12. Best Cultural Performance
13. Second Best Cultural Performance
14. Third Best Cultural Performance
15. Best Drama Presentation
16. Second Best Drama Presentation
17. Best Cultural Costume
18. Second Best Cultural Costume
19. Third Best Cultural Costume
20. Best Conference Director
21. Second Best Conference Director
22. Best Committee Chairperson
23. Second Best Committee Chairperson
24. Best Committee Rapporteur
25. Second Best Committee Rapporteur
26. Outstanding Delegates in each Committee

  

Theme:

Youth as Change Agents in the Fight Hate and Discrimination

We live in a society where there is an increase in harsh, hateful rhetoric against people because of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, disability or other personal characteristics, and the experiences of discrimination can alienate and isolate members of minority groups. In this regard, young people have a role to play in leading others to stand up, speak out, and take action against discrimination, wherever it raises its ugly head.

Discrimination and intolerance strike at the heart of those values that a democratic and dynamic society cherishes especially the fundamental principle that all persons are created equal. Hate tears society along racial, ethnic, gender, and religious lines and in some instances, those prejudices run so deep that they motivate the commission of hate crimes.  Hate crimes more than any other crime, can trigger community conflict, civil disturbances, and even riots.

In the fight against discrimination and hate, youth have the major roles to play, especially as they are more open to education; learning and relearning. With youth, come creativity, energy, optimism, and determination. So with the right opportunities, there is so much we can benefit from the demographics of youth in this fight, particularly when they are involved in policy making and the design of initiatives for peace and stability.

Young people are the key to the future of our world, so they must play leading roles in building a better world. The statistics of youth around the world hold very positive potentials for our chances of eliminating discrimination. So many youths around the world are quite dedicated to working for a better world, and as such require basic supports in their various capacities to lead the fight against discrimination and hate.

We must create opportunities for young people to engage in creative self-reflection and to explore the diversity around them in open, honest, and creative ways, while learning about the causes and effects of prejudice and bias, with a view to a lifelong journey toward fairness and nonviolence.

Now, more than ever, young people everywhere must work together to counter the racism, discrimination, and intergroup violence that pose significant threats to the full participation of all youth as credible leadership successors, and change agents in a global democratic society.

Objectives of NITIMUN 2018 Conference:

• To provide a platform for the students to share ideas on hate crime and discrimination;
• Engage young people to be active partners in the fight against hate and discrimination;
• Create a climate for motivating young people to act as agents of peace and diversity;
• Expose the students to the principles that are important for the development of good citizenship;
• Enable young people to plan and gain greater control over their future;
• Gain insight into the workings of the United Nations and the dynamics of international relations by providing opportunities to assume the roles of UN representatives;
• To sensitize students on the importance of peace and tolerance; and
• Promote mutual understanding about divisive issues, and create friendships across barriers.

 

Through the conference, students will:

• Learn to appreciate differences in opinion;
• Foster greater interest in international affairs;
• Understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens;
• Learn to develop respect for others regardless of their economic status, gender, race, nationality, class or religious beliefs.
• Develop and experience important social skills such as teamwork and group cooperation, conflict resolution, mediation, debating, negotiation, consensus-building, critical thinking, public speaking and listening; and
• Develop self-confidence and successfully deal with significant life challenges.

 

Nigeria Model United Nations Society (NigMUNS):

Nigeria Model United Nations Society (NigMUNS) is an international educational and youth development organization established in 2004. It is registered as a non-governmental and non-profit making organisation under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; recognized by the Federal Ministry of Education and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and has a Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

Our mission is to help young people discover their own voice, to find their own purpose, to make their unique contribution and release their full potential. Since the inception of our annual conference series in 2005, Nigeria Model United Nations Society has helped more than 19, 000 students prepare for the future with leadership and responsible global citizenship.

NigMUNS prides itself as the founder of the Model United Nations culture in Nigeria. Today, the organisation hosts 5 annual conferences for primary school, secondary school and tertiary institution students, namely – Junior Schools International Model United Nations (JUNSIMUN); South East Regional Secondary Schools Model United Nations (SERSSMUN); Lagos Regional Secondary Schools Model United Nations (LARSSMUN); Nigerian International Secondary Schools Model United Nations (NISSMUN); and Nigerian International Tertiary Institutions Model United Nations (NITIMUN).

Our programmes present an invaluable opportunity to curious and intelligent students to explore the world in the context of the United Nations. In doing so, the students learn to face and overcome challenges, to respect the viewpoints of rivals, to separate the person from the problem, to disappoint with the determination to do better next time and to experience the joy and exhilaration of achievement. Each student participant is completely changed, having learned more about himself or herself, gained confidence from some endeavours and discovered previously unrecognized potential.