Articles by THIMUN Qatar

THIMUN Qatar sets theme for 2018 conference

#TQ2018, thimun qatar
Posted on

Gender Equality and Empowerment for Women and Girls

The 2018 THIMUN Qatar conference theme is Gender Equality and Empowerment for Women and Girls, inspired by Sustainable Development Goal 5.

Women and girls continue to suffer discrimination and violence in every part of the world.

Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.

Providing women and girls with equal access to education, health care, decent work, and representation in political and economic decision-making processes will fuel sustainable economies and benefit societies and humanity at large.

http://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/gender-equality/

THIMUN Qatar will incorporate many of the key issues surrounding this Sustainable Development Goal (SDG), and each committee or commission will incorporate one gender-related issue as one of its four topics. In addition, THIMUN Qatar runs a Special Committee dedicated to its theme, and this will incorporate issues that are key to SDG 5.

Some of the Agenda items to be covered include

  • End all forms of discrimination against all women and girls everywhere
  • Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in the public and private spheres
  • Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and FGM
  • Recognize and value unpaid care and domestic work
  • The promotion of shared responsibility within the household
  • Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decisionmaking in public life
  • Ensure universal access to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights
  • Undertake reforms to give women equal rights to economic resources
  • Improved access to ownership and control over land and other forms of property
  • Improved access to financial services, inheritance and natural resources
  • Enhance the use of enabling technology, in particular information and communications technology, to promote the empowerment of women
  • Adopt and strengthen sound policies and enforceable legislation for the promotion of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls

 

New Conference Launch in Kinshasa

thimun qatar
Posted on

Submitted by TASOK MUN Director, Colette Chalier

Press Team

If you see students all dressed up today… it’s because they are practicing to become delegates for Model United Nations!

We are pleased to let you know about our up-coming conference, called KINMUN. This is the first ever MUN conference in Kinshasa, hosted by TASOK. It is being organized by the traveling MUN team who recently returned from Qatar, with support from MUN advisors/directors. Our Press Team is led by Alina Ali Rawji, an experienced Press Corps member at conferences in both Nairobi and Doha.

Our advanced MUN students “buddied” with the newer students. We are welcoming a delegation of 49 students from Jewels International School, and a delegation of 13 students from the American International School in Brazzaville. The conference will take place at TASOK:

– Friday, March 24 (6:00 – 8:30 pm)
– Saturday, March 25 (8:00 – 4:30 pm)

See further details on our conference website:
https://sites.google.com/view/kinmun/
And our club blog: http://tasokmun.edublogs.org/

THIMUN Qatar 2017 Concludes

TQ Heroes
Posted on

As delegates wrap up with their debates, finalize resolutions, and congratulate one another on their accomplishments over the last few days, it has come time to reflect on all that has happened at THIMUN Qatar 2017 – the pressure and the frustration, but also the satisfaction and the success. Anyone who has ever been involved in any aspect of THIMUN Qatar knows the immense amount of work that goes into having a successful conference, and so we should take a moment to celebrate all that work.

As we close on THIMUN Qatar 2017, Ms. Martin’s advice for the future comes to mind: “What problem do I most want to see solved? How can I make a career out of what needs to be done?” By working through the various issues presented at this conference, each participant of THIMUN Qatar 2017 has begun to visualize the tangible ways in which they can start to carve out a path for themselves  – a path that will allow them to continue to work towards resolving the issues that were discussed and debated at this year’s conference in meaningful and important ways.

 

Because this year’s theme was “Employment and Decent Work”, delegates, particularly those in the Committee on Employment and Decent Work, have worked tirelessly these last few days to attempt to begin resolving issues related to this theme –  understanding that “all people deserve to have employment and decent work”. The process of working with these issues during lobbying and merging, debating and voting, has undoubtedly left them all with a greater understanding of the work that still needs to be done, and hopefully, a greater sense of urgency and passion for seeing it through as well.

As we leave THIMUN Qatar 2017, take a moment to reflect on all that has been accomplished here in the last few days – not only the resolutions that have been debated, but also, all the collaboration went into the conference, the memorable conversations that have been had, and the inspiration this conference has instilled within us.

HELA shares their story with Directors at #TQ2017

THIMUN Qatar 2017, THIMUN Qatar Afghanistan Initiative
Posted on

THIMUN Qatar hosted the Hope for Education and Leadership in Afghanistan (HELA) meet and greet session on the second day of the conference. Organised by the delegates of Afghanistan, this session included a presentation about HELA, what it stands for, its goals, and recent accomplishments. The meet and greet was attended by directors from a number of countries, and was conducted by the delegates of Afghanistan. Directors witnessed an incredible presentation that tugged at their hearts, and left quite a few teary eyes. The shockingly emotional stories that were unveiled promoted promises of support and help from many of the directors.

One of the stories that brought the directors to tears was about how, two years ago, five students from Afghanistan attended a conference, and, upon returning back to the country, established an organisation to promote THIMUN-style Model UN. Today, two of those students are here, and providing an opportunity for their own students to represent the organisation – to demonstrate what they stand for.

HELA students  told of the difficulties they faced, and how they joined the organization. Recently HELA sponsored a one-committee MUN conference, and for the 16 delegate spots, over 200 young Afghans applied.   The strength, courage, and determination of these students was clear to everyone who heard their stories.

Mutual collaboration between the directors from the vast number of schools, along with the different organisations that assisted Hela in achieving further goals, was the fundamental aim of this meet and greet. It’s safe to say that the goal was met. Receiving assistance for delegates from Afghanistan to attend future conferences in Qatar and to organise conferences in Afghanistan itself were other goals of the meet and greet. Many teachers expressed both admiration and a willingness to get their students involved to support the fledgling organization.

One director was moved by what the delegates had to say when asked a question about how the girls made it to THIMUN Qatar. The situation was so bad that it was difficult for the girls to even step out of their houses. A girl answered the question by saying that of course it’s difficult beyond imagination, but that they need to take risks to overcome any barriers thrown at them in order to make the changes that they want to see.

Future Leaders of the Arab World at #tq2017

THIMUN Qatar 2017
Posted on

The Arabic Committee this year is comprised of twenty-five delegates, all of whom have a combined interest in strengthening their Arabic language skills, and a desire to learn more about the issues facing Arab nations today. It is one thing to be able to speak Arabic, but being able to reason, debate, and negotiate in Arabic demonstrates a whole new command of the language, which has benefits beyond that of communication – this Committee fosters the same sort of diplomacy in its delegates that is essential for addressing some of the most pressing issues faced in the Middle East today.

The energy in the Arabic Committee during Opening Speeches today was inspiring; when the chairs asked for delegates to present their speeches, delegates raised their placards with pride, excited to express their interest for the Conference. They presented with poise, spoke with clarity and confidence, and wanted to continue speaking even when the Chairs politely asked them to wrap up their speeches, and the process repeated as new delegates were chosen. Amid all the speeches, the delegates were taking notes attentively and asking the Chairs questions, excited to immerse themselves in the Conference.

 

If these speeches were any indication of how their Conference would go, the delegates all displayed essential traits of future world leaders, fueled by a desire to see change for the better.

The Arabic Committee this year is comprised of twenty-five delegates, all of whom have a combined interest in strengthening their Arabic language skills, and a desire to learn more about the issues facing Arab nations today. It is one thing to be able to speak Arabic, but being able to reason, debate, and negotiate in Arabic demonstrates a whole new command of the language, which has benefits beyond that of communication – this Committee fosters the same sort of diplomacy in its delegates that is essential for addressing some of the most pressing issues faced in the Middle East today.

The energy in the Arabic Committee during Opening Speeches today was inspiring; when the chairs asked for delegates to present their speeches, delegates raised their placards with pride, excited to express their interest for the Conference. They presented with poise, spoke with clarity and confidence, and wanted to continue speaking even when the Chairs politely asked them to wrap up their speeches, and the process repeated as new delegates were chosen. Amid all the speeches, the delegates were taking notes attentively and asking the Chairs questions, excited to immerse themselves in the Conference.

If these speeches were any indication of how their Conference would go, the delegates all displayed essential traits of future world leaders, fueled by a desire to see change for the better.

Ambassador to Netherlands Addresses #TQ2017 Participants

THIMUN Qatar 2017
Posted on


The Dutch Ambassador, H.E. Bahia Tahzib-Lie, gave us the honour to interview her after her remarkable speech during the opening ceremony of THIMUN Qatar 2017. Her words indicated her excitement and happiness to be present. Ambassador Tahzib-Lie expressed her hopes to be able to interact with us and stated how proud she is to witness so many “amazing motivated, talented, inspirational students who gathered from all around the world.” The ambassador also underlined the importance for the delegates to think outside the box, as well as listen and try to understand delegates from different backgrounds. She admitted it would be challenging as they would have to listen to opinions different from their own. She commented on the great similarities between THIMUN Qatar and The Hague, where people from all around the world come together and solve issues made her feel right at home. “You are the future leaders” she added, “This is the place to be to further develop leadership skills.”

What brings you here to the Opening Ceremony?
“I am representing The Hague, and also the The Netherlands, and I am very proud that this Model United Nations conference has the name of The Hague in the title. And also, I am very happy that we are speaking about peace and justice this year. The Hague is the city of peace and justice.”

What do you expect from the conference?
“I expect fresh ideas, a lot of talented students who are able, after two days of lots of negotiations, to compromise solutions and to be proud of themselves and what they achieved. I am expecting new future leaders—Global leaders.”

Any advice for the delegates?
“To enjoy what they are doing, to challenge themselves, and also to listen to others.”

What is the most challenging part of your job?
*Laughs *
“I try to challenge myself to give my best every day and my team is giving their best everyday. I see my job as a continual challenge but also as a pleasure.”

What do you think is the most pressing issue of 2017?
“Migrants, climate change, human rights, CSRS, decent work is very important, everyone should have the right to work. I think the whole range of civil and political rights and economic social and cultural rights are extremely important. So the summary would be Peace, Justice and Development.”

THIMUN Qatar Opening Ceremony 2017

THIMUN Qatar 2017
Posted on

 

THIMUN Qatar’s Opening Ceremony was held on Wednesday, January 25th, 2017. It opened with a performance by the American School of Doha’s Band, welcoming the delegate ambassadors onto the stage for the Flag Procession, as the School’s Choir echoed sentiments about embracing each nation’s diversity by singing “The World is our Home”.

 

 

The overarching theme of the ceremony, in addition to that of the conference, was “Employment and Decent Work,” the eighth UN Sustainable Development Goal – a theme that connects with us, as delegates, specifically, and the rest of the world, collectively. The theme implies that the issue is not necessarily about having a job and being able to earn an income, but moreover, about having an employment process that is non-exploitative and fair. “All people deserve to live and work with dignity,” as Lisa Martin, Head of THIMUN, said.

Employment may not be something that we, as delegates, are always concerned about, having assumed that the work we do in the future will be determined by parental and societal expectations. This conference, however, offers those who are passionate enough about others, and who aspire to dedicate their lives towards being global citizens, the opportunity to consider fields of study they may be interested in pursuing. As Ms. Martin expressed, our time should be devoted towards improving something that inspires or concerns us, and translate this interest into a career. And what better environment to be inspired in than at THIMUNQ, a conference that prides itself on promoting a mutual desire to solve global issues?

Another sentiment expressed was that all young people, as agents of the future, should be given the opportunity to grow together. Broadening perspectives on the issues discussed in each committee — including gender discrimination, female empowerment, corporate responsibility, sustainable development, and economic growth — is essential for instilling the desire to create change, which requires difficult and intricate planning in order to be effectively implemented.

 

 

The ultimate aim of the conference is to go after something you’re passionate about. We are driven by aim, and when we are driven, we have the desire to make change. We hope that this conference can inspire delegates to gain further insight about topics of global concern, and to work collectively to come up with possible solutions in response to these concerns.

You can see the Opening Ceremony Video here:

TQ Heroes: Andrew Newman

THIMUN Qatar 2017, TQ Heroes
Posted on

The TQ Heroes series is highlighting the work of the special individuals and organizations that work tirelessly behind the scenes to make THIMUN Qatar events happen. In this edition, we highlight those who administer this event, visually document the important occurring events, spend extra hours helping this conference come to life, and help directors be better ready for their jobs.

 

HELA and JB on Dhow

Andrew Newman, coming from the John Burroughs School, his participation as a photographer in both QLC and THIMUN Qatar, and his documentation and place as a director have been key pieces in this program’s success over the last few years. He is a longstanding member of the THIMUN Advisory Board and Director of MUNITY Press in The Hague.

When you think of THIMUN Qatar, what comes to mind?

“Brilliant students in the Middle East region working actively and compassionately to make the world a better place to live.  I also think of Cameron Janzen and Lisa Martin who have lead this program, built it to what it is today, and have sacrificed so much to give us all these amazing programs.”

Is there anything about your current job that you are proud of and enjoy doing?

“I admire the leaders of HELA (Hope in Education and Leadership in Afghanistan) who I witnessed on Tuesday presenting their NGO and ideas for the future of MUN in Afghanistan to the ambassador of Afghanistan in Qatar.  Being in that room, watching them, was a highlight of my teaching career.”

The Boys

If you could say one thing to young people today, what words of advice would you have for them?

“The voice of the youth is our future. It is your responsibility to use it wisely and respectfully.”

 

 

THIMUN Qatar 2017 Kicks off in Style

THIMUN Qatar 2017
Posted on

THIMUN Qatar’s Opening Ceremony was held on Wednesday, January 25th, 2017. It opened with a performance by the American School of Doha’s Band, welcoming the delegate ambassadors onto the stage for the Flag Procession, as the School’s Choir echoed sentiments about embracing each nation’s diversity by singing “The World is our Home”.

IMG_5204

The overarching theme of the ceremony, in addition to that of the conference, was “Employment and Decent Work,” the eighth UN Sustainable Development Goal – a theme that connects with us, as delegates, specifically, and the rest of the world, collectively. The theme implies that the issue is not necessarily about having a job and being able to earn an income, but moreover, about having an employment process that is non-exploitative and fair. “All people deserve to live and work with dignity,” as Lisa Martin, Head of THIMUN, said.

 

Employment may not be something that we, as delegates, are always concerned about, having assumed that the work we do in the future will be determined by parental and societal expectations. This conference, however, offers those who are passionate enough about others, and IMG_4699who aspire to dedicate their lives towards being global citizens, the opportunity to consider fields of study they may be interested in pursuing. As Ms. Martin expressed, our time should be devoted towards improving something that inspires or concerns us, and translate this interest IMG_4754into a career. And what better environment to be inspired in than at THIMUNQ, a conference that prides itself on promoting a mutual desire to solve global issues?

Another sentiment expressed was that all young people, as agents of the future, should be given the opportunity to grow together. Broadening perspectives on the issues discussed in each committee — including gender discrimination, female empowerment, corporate responsibility, sustainable development, and economic growth — is essential for instilling the desire to create change, which requires difficult and intricate planning in order to be effectively implemented.
The ultimate aim of the conference is to go after something you’re passionate about. We are driven by aim, and when we are driven, we have the desire to make change. We hope that this conference can inspire delegates to gain further insight about topics of global concern, and to work collectively to come up with possible solutions in response to  these concerns.

IMG_4808