Articles by THIMUN Qatar

Agenda for THIMUN Qatar 2018 Announced

#TQ2018, SDGs, thimun qatar
Posted on

THIMUN Qatar is pleased to announce its 2018 conference agenda.The theme of THIMUN Qatar 2018 is Sustainable Development Goal 5-Gender Equality and Empowerment for Women and Girls. All committees have one issue that ties to the conference theme.

THIMUN Qatar is also proud to support the work of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and to incorporate many UNODC mandate issues into our 2018 Conference. Mandate topics are noted with an asterisk (*).

The art of topic selection is fairly specific. All topics must be current, under discussion at the United Nations, and linked directly to UN sources. (The Student Officer Background Reports will help guide delegates to those resources.). Each Committee/Commission has one topic related to the conference theme, one to a specific region or country, and two that more broadly relate to the specific committee. UNODC mandates have been spread widely into the conference agenda, and in some cases have been selected to overlap with the conference theme. Again, Student Officer Reports will link UNODC mandate and materials developed through their Education 4 Justice (E4J) initiative back to the topic and shared so that delegates will have the best and most up to date materials available for their research.

Note that Arabic and French committees had been expanded for 2018, and will run parallel committees to their GA3 and HRC 1 English counterparts.  This year THIMUN Qatar will also reintroduce the Advisory Panel Question (APQ), which is a UNODC-themed panel focusing on Crime and Gender. The APQ President will share their findings with the UNODC through a joint communique at the end of the conference.

All background reports will be linked to the website on/around October 31.

GA 1 Disarmament and International Security
Measures to combat sexual violence in conflict zones
Measures to limit the use of the internet for terrorist purposes
Developing strategies to curb incitement and recruitment of young people to extremist causes
Curtailing the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons in all its aspects *

GA 2 Economic and Financial
The question of gender inequality and its impact on poverty eradication
Permanent sovereignty of the Palestinian people in the Occupied Palestinian Territory over their natural resources
Promotion of international cooperation to curb and recover illicit financial flows *
Protection of global climate for present and future generations

GA3 Social, Humanitarian and Cultural
Improving the situation of women in rural areas
Strengthening international cooperation to combat cybercrime *
Enhancing protection of child migrants and refugees
Preventing corruption and financial crime in sports *

GA4 Special Political and Decolonization
The question of illegal settlements in Occupied Palestinian Territory
Protecting the interests of the peoples of non-self governing territories
Improving Special Political Missions
Towards a united Cyprus

GA5 Administrative and Budgetary
Inclusion of women in peacekeeping operations
Improving the financial situation of the United Nations
Legal measures to reduce tax avoidance by transnational corporations (TNCs) *
Financing of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali

GA6 Legal
Measures to enhance the protection and safety of diplomatic missions
The question of Universal Jurisdiction and national sovereignty and the role of the International Criminal Court
Effects of armed conflicts on treaties
Measures to eliminate international terrorism *

Security Council
The situation in Somalia and Eritrea
The question of Libyan sanctions
The question of DPRK
Measures to curtail all forms of human trafficking and migrant smuggling *

ECOSOC
Reducing vulnerability and building resilience resulting from extreme weather
Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Yemen
Measures to close the economic gender gap
The protection of human rights in the context of terrorism and counter-terrorism *

Disarmament Commission
The question of women, disarmament, non-proliferation and arms control
Strengthening the implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC)
Preventing the acquisition by terrorists of radioactive materials
Full implementation of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)

Environment Commission
Promoting sustainable lifestyles in carbon-intensive countries
Promoting urgent measures to promote green energy
Measures to address the increase in zoonotic diseases
Ocean acidification and its impact on ecosystems

Human Rights Commission 1
Strengthening reproductive rights for women
Reviewing the Human Rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Measures to combat intolerance, discrimination, and violence based on religion or belief
Mental health and human rights

Human Rights Commission 2
Strengthening legal protections for Women and Girls
Reviewing the Human Rights situation in Myanmar
Ensuring the right to education for persons with disabilities
Ensuring the rights of persons belonging to national or ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities

Special Committee on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
Closing the social, political and economic gender gap of Sub-Saharan Africa
Protecting and enhancing the rights of women in Palestine
Improving women’s access to ownership and control of land and other property
Promoting women’s empowerment through information and communication technology

Advisory Panel Question on Crime and Gender *
The Question of human trafficking
The Question of discriminatory penal legislation and policies

GA3-Arabic
Improving the situation of women in rural areas
Strengthening international cooperation to combat cybercrime
Enhancing protection of child migrants and refugees
Preventing corruption and financial crime in sports

تحسين وضع المراة في المناطق النئة
تقوية التعاون الدولي لمحاربة الجريمة الالكترونية
ايجاد طريقة فعالة لحماية الطفولة المهاجرة واللاجئن
منع الفساد والجراءم المالية في عالم الرياضة
‪

HRC 1- Arabic

Strengthening reproductive rights for women
Reviewing the Human Rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Measures to combat intolerance, discrimination, and violence based on religion or belief
Mental health and human rights

دعم قوانين حماية النساء والبنات
اعادة النظر في مسالة حقوق الانسان في ميانمار
ضمان حقوق الاقليات من الجنسيات والعرقيات واتباع الديانات واللغات المختلفة
تقوية وتثبيت حقوق القدرة الانتاجية لدى النساء

GA3-French
Improving the situation of women in rural areas
Strengthening international cooperation to combat cybercrime
Enhancing protection of child migrants and refugees
Preventing corruption and financial crime in sports

Améliorer la situation des femmes dans les zones rurales
Consolider les coopérations internationales afin de combattre contre le cyber crime
Renforcer la protection des enfants des migrants et des réfugiés
Entraver les corruptions et les crimes financiers dans le domaine du sport

HRC1-French
Measures to combat intolerance, discrimination, and violence based on religion or belief
Ensuring the right to education for persons with disabilities
Reviewing the Human Rights situation in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea
Mental health and human rights

Mesures pour combattre les intolérances, les discriminations et les violences basées sur des convictions religieuses
Assurer le droit à l’education pour des personnes handicapées
Revoir la situation des Droits de l’Homme dans la Republique démocratique de la Corée
Maladies psychologiques et droits de l’Homme

International Court of Justice (ICJ)
Nauru vs. Australia
Ecuador vs. Colombia

Sustainable Development Goals: an MUN Resource

#SDG5, Sustainable Development Goals, thimun qatar
Posted on

Many MUN programs choose agenda items that relate, directly or indirectly to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.

One resource put together by the THIMUN Qatar office is a collection of SDG links, categorized by goal, for quick and easy reference. In addition to the goals, the compilation of resources includes the statistical data that particular SDG.  Bookmark this site for future reference, and if you find a great SDG site, contact us!  We’ll share it with our community of delegates!

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: