New at ILMUNC XXVIII
Creative Committee Offerings
Each year, ILMUNC offers an array of options for delegates, from the traditional committees of the United Nations General Assembly to regional summits and innovative crisis simulations. This year, we are proud to present several new options. Delegates can participate in debate in a variety of committees through our interactive NGO Forum, which will simulate the diverse set of interests represented at the United Nations through the membership granted to non-governmental organizations. Our Historic General Assembly, the 2009 United Nations Copenhagen Climate Conference, offers a retrospective view of its successes and failures and brings to light the continuing concerns surrounding the climate change debate. Both the Assembly of the African Union and the European Council of Ministers emphasize the growing regional integration of our world and the extent of its power. Finally, experienced delegates looking for a fast-paced and unique challenge can choose from a variety of crisis simulations, ranging from historical committees such our new Titans of Industry committee to the futuristic Institute for Intelligence and Special Operations: Mossad.
Delegate Training
Each year at ILMUNC, we strive to create a comfortable environment for both novice and seasoned delegates to become more confident in their Model UN abilities while maintaining and improving the high caliber of debate established at our previous conferences. We will continue to expand our highly-regarded online training program by again providing informative videos on the ILMUNC website before conference. These will complement the documents outlining proper Model UN procedure and other tips for research, negotiation, and general strategy. Our conference will once again feature a Novice Committee, intended for delegates who are new to Model UN and wish to receive guidance throughout their first conference experience. Furthermore, we will be hosting Novice, Advanced, and International Student Training Sessions at the beginning of conference, which will be taught by experienced delegates from Penn’s competitive intercollegiate team, to allow students of all levels to improve and practice before entering committee.
Eco–Friendly Initiatives
ILMUNC is proud to be partnering with the Penn Environmental Group this year in an effort to achieve our long-term goal of becoming a truly "green" conference. We plan to minimize paper waste through more efficient printing of working papers and other conference materials, along with the streamlining and expansion of our recycling process. We hope to give future generations the opportunity to enjoy Model UN and set an example for delegates in their everyday lives by running an environmentally sensitive and sustainable conference today.
Technological Innovation
With our talented and ambitious secretariat and staff, ILMUNC will be producing multiple videos prior to conference–these will be both informational, such as explaining basic Model UN procedure, and engaging. During the conference itself, we will be expanding the role of videos and other forms of media in the delegate experience. Our crisis analysts will release videos to keep delegates apprised of developing situations within their committees, while our media specialists will keep all delegates in the loop with regard to conference logistics and events through the use of various media outlets.
Thinking Globally, Acting Locally
ILMUNC has always been committed to raising awareness regarding the most pertinent issues facing the international community today. Through our Franklin Legacy Charity Program, ILMUNC delegates not only discuss issues of global importance but also have the option to donate to a charity working to address a cause related to our conference’s theme. Additionally, our Distinguished Scholars Program invites prominent faculty members from the University of Pennsylvania and notable members of the Philadelphia community to address committees that are debating issues within their area of expertise. This experience is intended to give delegates even more information to use in their construction of solutions to the expansive problems discussed by the United Nations.