THE 1ST SAIMUN MOCK DEBATE 2019
THIS IS WHAT WENT DOWN!
Saturday 2nd March was the day secondary and university students gathered at Strathmore University to experience the long awaited debate. Sensitization had been adequately done and therefore anticipation was looming among the students. The debates kicked off as soon as delegates were briefed on what was expected of them.
The committee chairs took time to train the delegates on the rules of procedure as they were all in agreement that a mock debate is a simulation of the main conference and therefore it is better if mistakes are rectified and guidance provided during this session.
The Social, Humanitarian and Cultural committee (SOCHUM) was tasked with discussing ‘‘Deliberating state sanctioned torture on political prisoners ’’. There seemed to be a sense of agreement at least among the majority that prisoners are still human beings and do not lose their rights for the mere reason that they have been imprisoned because human rights caters for all including the prisoners.
The Economic and Social Council’s (ECOSOC) topic was “investing in the youth with the objective of achieving climate change’’. This topic turned out to be enjoyable to the delegates. Perhaps it is because the topic was actually enjoyable or because the delegates were youths and hence resonated with the topic. Either way, what we can certainly establish is that the delegates unanimously agreed that the youth are the future and therefore they are key players in climate change action.
The Disarmament and International Security’s (DISEC) topic turned out to be an emotive one, not because there was a lot of disagreements as it is expected of most emotive topics, but because delegates from various states outlined how they have been victims and to some extent casualties of lapse in cyber security. It turns out that developed states have been affected as much or even greater than other states. It was for this reason that states emphasized the need for ‘‘implementation and ratification of cyber security treaties and legislation to promote international peace and security” which was actually their topic.
At the end of the debates, the committee chairs expressed their satisfaction that there was proper grasp on the rules of procedure and that proper solutions to the challenges identified were also provided.
Special thanks go to the students for taking time out of their schedules to show up, the chairs for proper stewardship of the debate, Strathmore University for hosting us and the secretariat for organizing the debate and ensuring it was a success.
Sub Saharan International Model United Nations (SAIMUN) is a five-day international relations simulation for both high school and university/college students that is held annually at the United Nations Office in Nairobi (UNON) Gigiri. The international meeting is attended by more than 800 students from all over the world, in which they debate the major issues of the international political agenda. SAIMUN19 now beckons all of us to once again take part. The theme is “Youth Leadership at its Peak:The role of the Youth In Sustainable Development” It will be held from 8th -12th July 2019, so make sure your calendars are marked!
SAIMUN also strives to offer an all-rounded journalism experience to the media team through simulating different media: a newspaper — The Daily SAIMUNER, a video news channel on YouTube — SAIMUN News, this blog along with various social media platforms. To get all this and more, subscribe to our mailing list below.
