Committees of SMUN 2011:


1) The General Assembly (Plenary):
The General Assembly (GA) is the main decision-making body of the United Nations. It includes all 192 member states; each member state has one vote. It is empowered through Article XI of the UN Charter to “consider the general principles of cooperation in the maintenance of international peace and security.” The GA addresses issues involving all aspects of the UN’s work, including humanitarian, peace and security, and human rights matters. It also plays a significant role in the process of standard-setting and the codification of international law. The Assembly meets in regular sessions intensively from September to December each year, and thereafter as required.

Agenda for the GA
- Situation in the Middle East and North Africa, with special reference to:
1) Protection of human rights and treatment of refugees,
2) Sovereignty and security issues, in the light of anti-terrorism operations.
- Safety and reliability of nuclear power and measures taken by governments globally to ensure environmental stability.

2) The Economic and Social Committee (ECOSOC):
The ECOSOC serves as the central forum for the discussion of international economic and social issues. The council’s 54 member governments are elected by the General Assembly for an overlapping term of three years. There are special reservations made according to geographical requirements. The ECOSOC was established under the United Nations Charter as the principal organ to coordinate economic, social, and related work of the UN’s specialized agencies, functional commissions and regional commissions. It is responsible for promoting higher standards of living, facilitating international and cultural co-operation and encouraging universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Agenda for the ECOSOC
- The uprisings in the Middle East and its economic implications to the international community, especially in regard to the price and availability of petroleum and oil

- Discrimination based on sexual orientation and physical violence and other discriminatory practices carried out on such individuals.


3) International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):
The IAEA is the world´s center of co-operation in the nuclear field. It was set up as the world´s "Atoms for Peace" organization in 1957 within the United Nations family. The Agency works with its Member States and multiple partners worldwide to promote safe, secure and peaceful nuclear technologies. The IAEA´s mission is guided by the interests and needs of Member States, strategic plans and the vision embodied in the IAEA Statute. Three main pillars - or areas of work - underpin the IAEA´s mission: Safety and Security; Science and Technology; and Safeguards and Verification. As an independent international organization related to the United Nations system, the IAEA´s relationship with the UN is regulated by special agreement. In terms of its Statute, the IAEA reports annually to the UN General Assembly and, when appropriate, to the Security Council regarding non-compliance by States with their safeguards obligations as well as on matters relating to international peace and security.

Agenda for the IAEA
- The consequences of the nuclear non-proliferation policy weakening over the years.
- The role of governments in fighting illicit trade and sale of nuclear armaments among the countries.


4) The Security Council:
The United Nations Security Council is one of the principal organs of the United Nations and is charged with the maintenance of international peace and security. Its powers, outlined in the United Nations Charter, include the establishment of peacekeeping operations, the establishment of international sanctions, and the authorization of military action. Its powers are exercised through United Nations Security Council Resolutions. There are 15 members of the Security Council, consisting of 5 veto-wielding permanent members (China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and United States) and 10 elected non-permanent members with two-year terms. Security Council members must always be present at UN headquarters in New York so that the Security Council can meet at any time.


Agenda for the SC
- Legitimacy of drone attacks and protection of civilians with regard to counter terrorism activities.
- Eliminating the trade of small arms in Africa.

What’s New at SMUN 2011?

As you consider registering for SMUN 2011, we are excited to announce the following improvements to the conference this year. These additions will hopefully bring a better substantive experience for delegates and a better overall experience for both delegates and faculty advisors!
1) Spectacular Opening Ceremony: We at SMUN 2011 aim to make our Opening Ceremony a ‘larger than life’ event. We are investing significant resources into securing an outstanding keynote speaker, bringing in entertainment, identifying applications for multimedia and production equipment, and employing aesthetic improvements to enhance the image and experience of our Opening Ceremony.
2) Improved Staff Trainings: This year, at SMUN 2011, we have decided to place significant emphasis on staff training in order to ensure that our delegates have the best experience possible while in session. Following the feedback of our faculty advisors over the years, such training will significantly improve the delegates experience in larger committees as well as ensure excellent development of crisis situations as well as during the debate sessions.
3) Multimedia and Presentation In-Conference: The recent on-campus renovations have provided SMUN with new opportunities that will further enrich the SMUN-ning experience. Multi-media and presentation devices have been recruited in order to make session more interactive and informative.
These are just a few of the many wonderful improvements we have made to make your experience SMUNtastic. Whether you’ve been coming for years or this is your first SMUN, we hope to make your MUNning experience unforgettable.
We look forward to your wholehearted participation and hope to see you at SMUN 2011.


Qualifications:

SMUN is open to all students from Std IX to Std XII. Students who are inclined towards debate, international relations and current affairs are encouraged to participate.

Delegations: One delegation will consist of one to four delegates, one delegate assigned to each relevant committee, representing a specific country. Some delegations represent not single countries, but internationally recognized agencies, such as Amnesty International or the IMF.
Please note, the Delegate Fee will be Rs. 500 /- per delegate. Demand draft may be made payable to Sophia High School. Fee should be paid while registering.

Position Papers:
Each delegate is required to write and submit a position paper on each agenda that has been set for the delegate’s committee.
Position papers are ALSO necessary for delegates representing agencies.
A position paper outlines the country’s stand on the agenda in question. It may contain references and examples in order to better explain the country’s outlook on or response to the agenda in question.

The position papers are to be printed in the Times New Roman font, in size 12 font and must not exceed one side of an A4 sheet.
Delegates are required to submit the position papers online to their respective Houses’ email addresses which are enlisted.

Some Useful links:
Delegates may use this links to guide and aid their research.
• www.unausa.org
• www.cyberschoolbus.un.org
• www.un.org

Furthermore, all delegates are strongly advised to refer to the official websites of their country and committee.
The final date for submission of position papers is October 10th, 2011.



Orientation

Venue: Sophia High School, #70 Palace Road. Bangalore-560 001

The orientation will be held on September 1st , 2011.
Position papers must be submitted online to each delegate’s respective House’s email address.
If you have any questions or queries please get in touch with one of our coordinators.
We can be contacted at:
Student Coordinators:
Anjali Devaiah- 9900162340
Sheetal Naroth- 9739163038
General Assembly:
Tanvi Sunil- 9742828138
Economic and Social Council:
Maryanne Pais- 7760429563
IAEA:
Swati Thomas- 9538835446
Security Council:
Mannat Sait- 9900978866

We can also be contacted by email. Position papers must also be sent to the corresponding House’s email addresses:
Registration email - sophiasmun@gmail.com
General Assembly- sophia.plenary@gmail.com
Ecosoc - sophia.ecosoc@gmail.com
IAEA - sophia.iaea@gmail.com
Security Council - sophia.securitycouncil@gmail.com