Introduction:
Lagos Regional Secondary Schools Model United Nations (LARSSMUN) Conference is a yearly interactive educational event, recognized by the United Nations, for senior secondary school students within and outside the country. These students, known as delegates at the conference, take on roles as representatives of United Nations member to discuss and debate most pressing global issues, and proffer innovative solutions to the problems. LARSSMUN delegates use this conference to develop their diplomatic skills and relations needed to build a more tolerant and peaceful future. It creates an avenue for these delegates to build valuable friendships and promote cooperation.
LARSSMUN Conference broadens the horizon of participating students and creates more awareness on real life issues affecting our world today. It provides an avenue for the participants to have fresh knowledge and understanding of international activities and encourages them to be more involved in world affairs. The students at the end of the conference leave with fresh drive for success, enhanced skills and self-assurance to grow and become assets to themselves, their schools and the society as a whole. The experience they gain from this conference will assist in building their resilience to real life challenges and leadership problems they may encounter.
- The theme of the 2020 edition is: Engaging the Youth in Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Leaving No One Behind.
The committee and interactive sessions give the participants the chance to understand and realize the need to utilize youth creativity and strength to create a more tolerant and peaceful society which is required in the world today.
How Does Model United Nations Operate:
The basic principles of Model United Nations remain the same; regardless of where the conference is taking place:
- Each delegate is assigned a UN Member State and a UN body or Committee, and he/she assumes the role of that country’s representative at that UN body or committee.
- The delegate researches his/her country’s position on the selected committee topics, paying particular attention to their country’s perspective on the topics to be discussed at the Committee Sessions. The topics are issues of global importance.
- The committee sessions are held in accordance with Rules of Procedure. The delegates present statements of their countries’ position then debate and negotiate with the other delegates, through formal and informal debates.
- At the end of the whole debate and negotiation, a consensus is reached and a resolution is drafted. The drafted resolution is further scrutinized for possible amendments and finally adopted through the majority vote as the final RESOLUTION.
Benefits of Model United Nations to Students:
1) Model UN events provide active learning opportunities for delegates, allowing them to explore and analyze a situation affecting different people in unusual 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.
2) Helps the students appreciate the relevance of academic study to real world problems and utilize the skills learned through their school’s course curriculum or degrees.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5) 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.
6) 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.
Students’ Eligibility:
- Students should be in Senior Secondary 1, 2 or 3
- They should understand the United Nations and its affairs
- Verified research skills and ability to comprehend research topics
- Effective communication skills
- Students should possess leadership qualities
- Students should be team players and eager to learn
- Students should be disciplined and smart
How to Complete Registration Form:
- The participating students are required to select any 3 countries/committees of their choice from the country/committee matrix. (1 out of 3 could be allocated to you based on availability)
- 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)
- Ensure that the country chosen is a member of the committee selected as appropriately indicated in the country/committee 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-served basis. Delegates are thereby encouraged to send in their application forms early.
- Essays are rated according to performance. The best essays will receive awards.
***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.
Registration Deadline:
Submission of Essays and Position Papers
A compulsory essay on ‘Promoting peace and non- violent conflict resolution’ is to be submitted by each delegate. It should come along with evidence of payment of conference fee and complete registration form with one passport photograph attached. These materials must be delivered on or before MAY 15, 2020 which is the deadline date. All accepted delegates are expected to individually submit their countries’ position papers on or before the deadline of MAY 15, 2020.
Please Note That the Position Paper Is Separate from The Compulsory Essay.
Advertisements:
Advertisement in Conference Brochure
Participating schools are expected to take advantage of the unique nature of the LARSSMUN conference and advertise their schools and facilities in the programme brochure. The conference brochure would be sent to other Model United Nations clubs around the world, Embassies, government agencies in Nigeria, stakeholders and the stakeholders and the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
LARSSMUN 2020 Brochure Advert rates are:
Full Page: N130, 000.00
Inner Front Cover: N170, 000.00
Inner Back Cover: N200, 000.00
Advertisers should please send in their artwork (colored) in a Flash Disk or CD Rom with photocopy of payment teller to the NigMUNS office on or before August 28, 2020.
LARSSMUN 2020
Committees & Topics
- GENERAL ASSEMBLY
- Youth as the untapped resources in the achievement of the SGDs
- Promoting sustainable development that leaves no one behind
- SECURITY COUNCIL
- Strengthening universal peace and security through sustainable development
- Combating the growing threat from extremist ideologies
- Engaging youth in the fight against internet-related extremism, radicalization and domestic terrorism
- ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COUNCIL (ECOSOC)
- Promoting economic growth and prosperity in the developing world
- Strengthening domestic resource mobilization by boosting rural economic activities and incomes
- HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION (HRC)
- Sustainable development as a powerful tool for the realization of all human rights
- Addressing hate speech, online harassment, misinformation and disinformation
- UNITED NATIONS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (UNDP)
- Fostering youth inclusion in the implementation of the SDGs
- Partnering with the private sector, civil society and citizens in achieving the sustainable development goals
- UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANISATION (UNESCO)
- Ensuring equal access to education and vocational training to persons with disabilities
- Integrating culture into the international development policies
- UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN FUND (UNICEF)
- Reducing maternal mortality and ending preventable child deaths
- Ensuring equal access to all levels of education and vocational training to children in vulnerable situations
- WORLD HEALTH ORGANISATION (WHO)
- Ensuring universal and equitable access to safe, affordable drinking water, sanitation and hygiene for all
- Preventing and treatment of narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol
- FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL ORGANISATION (FAO)
- Leaving no one behind in the fight against hunger
- Providing support for small farmers and rural communities in achieving the sustainable development goals
- COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN (CSW)
- Eliminating all harmful practices such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation
- Enhancing the use of enabling technologies, in particular ICT, to promote women empowerment
- UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (UNEP)
- Taking urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts
- Promoting recycling, cleaner production technologies and more sustainable consumption patterns
- UNITED NATIONS FRAMEWORK CONVENTION ON CLIMATE CHANGE (UNFCCC)
- Promoting the active participation of African youth in weather and climate change issues
- Incorporating climate impacts in our educational curricula
- UNITED NATIONS POPULATION FUND (UNFPA)
- Eliminating all forms of violence against women and girls in public and private spheres
- Paying greater attention to the hygiene of women and girls, and those in vulnerable situations
- UNITED NATIONS OFFICE ON DRUGS AND CRIME (UNODC)
- Promote rule of law and equal access to justice
- Combating corruption at all levels and in all its forms
- WORLD METEROLOGICAL ORGANISATION (WMO)
- Giving early warnings on severe weather, air quality to save lives and support sustainable development
- Inspiring young people to engage in climate discussions
- UNITED NATIONS INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION (UNIDO)
- Ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns
- Eliminating dumping and minimizing the release of hazardous chemicals and materials
- INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION UNION (ITU)
- Impact of emerging and destructive technologies on sustainable development
- ICT as a key driver in improving educational and economic prospects
- ECONOMIC COMMUNITY OF WEST AFRICAN STATES (ECOWAS)
- Taking advantage of local government’s proximity to the population and the grassroots in achieving the SDGs
- Strengthening the participation of local communities in improving water and sanitation management
- AFRICAN UNION (AU)
- Identifying strategies to achieve the sustainable development goals in Africa
- Eradicating poverty through youth enterprise and entrepreneurship
- EUROPEAN UNION (EU)
- Providing developing countries with affordable essential medicines and vaccines
- Promoting international cooperation for teacher training in developing countries
- INTERNAIONAL LABOUR ORGANISATION (ILO)
- Promoting decent job creation, entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation
- Ensuring safe and healthy workplaces for all women and men
- AFRICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK (AfDB)
- Supporting domestic technology development, research and innovation in Africa
- Promoting youth innovation in the achievement of the SDGs
- WORLD BANK GROUP (WBG)
- Increasing the access of small-scale industries and enterprises to financial services
- Implementing policies for poverty eradication and sustainable development
- INTERNATIONAL MARITIME ORGANISATION (IMO)
- Conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, marine resources for sustainable development
- Impact of rising sea levels and flooding on coastal communities
- SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON YOUTH ACTION ON THE SDGS (SCOYAS)
- The role of youth in localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Ensuring young people’s rights to participate in decisions that affect their lives
- INTERNATIONAL PRESS COMMITTEE (IPC)
- Raising public awareness on the SDGs through education, communication, interaction, advocacy and capacity-building
- Recognizing the transformative power of the information and communication technology in the implementation of the SDGs
- UNITED NATIONS WORLD TOURISM ORGANISATION (UNWTO)
- Tourism as one of the driving forces of global economic growth
- Engaging youth in promoting sustainable tourism in Africa
- INTERNATIONAL CIVIL AVIATION ORGANISATION (ICAO)
- Addressing the impacts of noise and local air output around airports
- Strengthening the resilience of the aviation infrastructure to natural disasters
International Press Committee (IPC):
This simulation was added to LARSSMUN to represent the role of the media in diplomacy and international politics. The program is open to all students who have an interest in international relations, communications, journalism, or similar areas of interest. IPC delegates represent correspondents and news services which are represented in the United Nations Correspondents Association (UNCA). The IPC publishes a daily newsletter of LARSSMUN 2020 – ‘LARSSMUN BRIDGE’ covering the committee proceedings, world developments, and other related news.
Application criteria for the IPC include:
- Completion of the LARSSMUN 2020 registration form with the mandatory essay.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks
- A motivational letter with previous experience in school journalism or ability to function effectively in the IPC.
Basic Conference Information:
Requirement for Participation
Application for participation is open to Senior Secondary School Students and schools can register as much students as possible.
Acceptance of Application
Students who have been accepted to participate at LARSSMUN 2020 will be notified on or before May 22, 2020.
All applications and payments of conference fee must be received on or before MAY 15, 2020.
NOTE: Registration forms must be returned with one (1) passport photograph, mandatory essays and evidence of payment of conference fee.
Registration
- Registration is from DECEMBER 30, 2019 till MAY 15, 2020. 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. Preferential
Arrival / Departure
- Arrival is on or before 10.30am on the 7th November, 2020 and departure is on or before 11. 30am on 11th November, 2020.
Special Events:
Special Intergenerational Dialogue on Engaging the Youth in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Leaving No One Behind:
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the United Nations blueprint for a more sustainable future for all. It is therefore very important that we engage the youth in advancing the SDGs through dialogue as a means of ensuring that no one is left behind.
Guest Speakers
LARSSMUN 2020 will attract notable and dynamic personalities relevant to International relations. Experienced minds who have insightful knowledge on the conference theme will also be invited. 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 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 World Cultural Night.
World Cultural Night
There are thousands of cultures and traditions across the world, each one unique in its own way. 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 LARSSMUN 2020 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 classroom, school environment, family and society. We should therefore recognize 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.
Schools that are interested in making presentation 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 dress code for the event is: Cultural or traditional dress of Nigeria or that of the delegate’s adopted country. Inappropriate dressing by any delegate will not be tolerated.
Gala and Awards Night
The Gala/Awards Night, a very special event that brings the LARSSMUN Conference 2020 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 LARSSMUN 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 LARSSMUN 2020 Twenty-Six (26) Awards will be presented at the Official Banquet and Awards Night to student delegates, school delegations and accompanying staff who distinguish themselves during the conference.
The Awards are:
- Best Female Delegate
- Second Best Female Delegate
- Third Best Female Delegate
- Best Male Delegate
- Second Best Male Delegate
- Third Best Male Delegate
- Best School Delegation
- Second Best School Delegation
- Third Best School Delegation
- Best Male Accompanying Teacher
- Best Female Accompanying Teacher
- Best Cultural Performance
- Second Best Cultural Performance
- Third Best Cultural Performance
- Best Drama Presentation
- Second Best Drama Presentation
- Best Cultural Costume
- Second Best Cultural Costume
- Third Best Cultural Costume
- Best Conference Director
- Second Best Conference Director
- Best Committee Chairperson
- Second Best Committee Chairperson
- Best Committee Rapporteur
- Second Best Committee Rapporteur
- Outstanding Delegates in each Committee
Conference Theme:
Engaging the Youth in Advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Leaving No One Behind
There is limited time available to achieve the ambitious 2030 Agenda where we will see the fruits for the world’s collective actions. The world is changing, challenges are growing and every single action matters. With more than half of the planet under 30 and a world’s population that is younger than ever before, it is clear that the world cannot achieve the Sustainable Development Goals without the engagement of young people.
Today’s generation of young people is the largest in history. More than 3 billion people (42% of the world’s population) are under the age of 24 years. They are also potentially the most influential, in part due to the rapid increase and geographical spread of internet-enabled devices and other modern communications methods. This cohort represents a powerhouse of human potential that could transform sustainable development.
Yet, the power of young people is probably the most untapped resource in the global endeavors towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals. The nature of the power of young people itself with its enormous potential towards achieving the global goals and the global failure to adequately invest on developing robust engagement strategies that recognize young people as partners has left a gap in the advancement towards the Sustainable Development Goals.
The human right of young people to participate in decisions, institutions and processes that affect their lives is protected by international human rights law. A key challenge and strategic opportunity for all Member States is to move away from a position where many young people are excluded from public dialogue and processes around global developments.
Hearing young people’s powerful voices on their experiences and ideas for change could profoundly change the shape of sustainable development. Many young people are already driving transformative change, and many more are poised to do so, but lack the opportunity and means.
The world needs the youth, and their engagement is critical to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. However, there are still obstacles to seeing such engagements lead to a paradigm shift in young people realizing their rights and driving transformative change because for many development institutions and organizations, successful engagement with young people is more of an ambition than a reality.
To successfully engage young people in the collective action towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, we must ensure that young people have space, voice, audience and influence; young people must be grounded in their agency and rights; young people must be enabled to shape and implement agendas; and young people’s leadership potentials must be encouraged, harnessed and put to work.
It is time to align every Youth with the dream of achieving the SDGs by 2030.
Goals of LARSSMUN 2020:
- Creating a climate for motivating young people to act as agents in advancing the SDGs, leaving no one behind;
- Promoting youth involvement in advancing the SDGs;
- Providing students with the opportunity to improve their knowledge, skills and attitude so they can face challenges and overcome them.
- Promoting socio-cultural integration and peaceful relations among students;
- Empowering youth for Sustainable Development;
- Promoting International and diplomatic relations and skills;
- Encouraging youth interest and participation in leadership, government and International affairs; and
- Creating awareness on the United Nations and its affairs with member states.
Through the conference, students will:
- Understand the need to protect the planet from further destruction;
- Take responsibility of creating a world of dignity for all;
- Take advantage of the opportunities presented by climate action and lay the foundation for a prosperous future for all;
- Grow more interest in International affairs.
- Improve their confidence, leadership and public speaking skills.
- Foster peaceful means of dispute settlement.
- Create lasting friendships.
Nigeria Model United Nations Society (NigMUNS)
Nigeria Model United Nations Society (NigMUNS) is a non-governmental organization registered under the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is also recognized by the Federal Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and has a Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Nigeria Model United Nations Society also prides itself in being the founder of the Model United Nations culture in Nigeria having over 35,000 delegates to show for it. The organization organizes innovative and educational programmes that create a platform for young students to simulate the activities of the United Nations and other international organisations.
NigMUNS promotes interaction and dialogue among young people from different backgrounds, formulating peaceful resolutions to world’s problems and preparing today’s youth for tomorrow’s leadership positions.
As we celebrate our 5th annual conference, we want to continue grooming young students who will use their skills and creative minds to build a more peaceful and tolerant society. Through our various annual conferences which include; Junior Schools International Model United Nations (JUNSIMUN); Lagos Regional Secondary Schools Model United Nations (LARSSMUN); Nigerian International Secondary Schools Model United Nations (NISSMUN); and the Nigerian International Tertiary Model United Nations (NITIMUN), we educate these young people and engage them in discussions about real world issues and how they can help solve them.
Our conferences give students the opportunity to explore and discover their talents and skills. It is an opportunity for young people to challenge themselves and face their fears and also develop their public speaking and communications skills. Through the United Nations simulations, they get to advance their knowledge about certain issues and become more interested and involved in world affairs. The experience they get from their interactions with each other stays with them for life and helps shape them to become ambassadors for peace.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Lagos Office: National Office:
Nigeria Model United Nations Society Nigeria Model United Nations Society
1A, Unity Road, Off Mobolaji Bank Anthony Way 14, Dep Street, Off Danube Street, Maitama, Abuja
P.O.Box 5721, Ikeja. Lagos, Nigeria P. O. Box 7311 Wuse, Abuja
Tel: +234 (0) 1-2906507, (0) 8075203451 Tel: +234 – 9 – 2903635
E-mail: larssmun@nigmuns.org, larssmun@gmail.com Hotlines: +234 (0) 8022412464, (0) 8068896000
E-mail: info@nigmuns.org, nigmuns@yahoo.com
Website: www.nigmuns.org
