Conference Theme
Challenges and Change: A Time for New Thinking
Our generation is facing challenges and transformations unlike any other, and we are called upon to approach the challenges of the future with fresh perspective. In a recent address to the General Assembly, new Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon asked:
Will succeeding generations have to ask why we failed to do the right thing, and left them to suffer the consequences? ... I am convinced that this challenge, and what we do about it, will define us, our era, and ultimately, our global legacy. It is time for new thinking.
As we approach AMUNC 2008, we feel that this is a time for new thinking: new thinking towards the role of the United Nations and towards finding solutions to global problems. In 2007, with the election of a new Secretary-General, the United Nations itself entered a new phase, and is forced to adapt to the global transformations of our modern world. Likewise, Australia has recently experienced a change in government, the first for almost 12 years. Thus, this current generation is face with challenges and change of great magnitude and great importance.
During AMUNC 2008, we will address these trends, encompassing them into our theme of Challenges and Change: A Time for New Thinking. Our guest speakers will be invited to address these issues, and all committees will be encouraged to embrace these challenges and change in addressing their various topics.
Core Principles
The theme, Challenges and change: A time for new thinking, as it resonates throughout the conference, will be manifested in the five core principles outlined below: diversity; equality; sustainability; renewal and engagement. Each of these principles forms an integral part of this new thinking described in the conference theme.
1. Diversity
In today’s world, we are challenged to find a way to successfully embrace diversity. AMUNC 2008, as it attracts delegates from a diverse range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, is a forum in which diversity can be celebrated.
Our aim is for delegates to discover new cultures and see the world through different perspectives, not only on an interpersonal basis but also when representing a country whose view they personally may not agree with. We anticipate that delegates will come from a wide range of cultural and religious backgrounds; we understand these differences and plan to take them into consideration when designing social events and delegate/director training.
2. Equality
Increasingly, individuals are realising that to make change in our world, we must instil a culture of peace; that is, we must form a set of values and attitudes that reject violence and prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes. This can be achieved through dialogue and negotiation that both promote equality.
AMUNC 2008 will promote this equality and culture of peace through an emphasis on communication skills, open discussion and understanding. It will provide equal opportunities for all persons – whether as a delegate or representing an NGO without registration cost – especially through our strong focus on delegate welfare.
3. Sustainability
In recent times, global environmental transformations have alerted us to the need to find sustainable solutions to the world’s problems. As reiterated by the Secretary-General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon, we are challenged to act now to find long-term solutions to present dilemmas.
AMUNC 2008 will reduce its carbon footprint, eg through the use of wireless technologies and paper recycling bins, and thus be an example of how each individuals can confront this challenge. So too, AMUNC 2008 is committed to the growth and sustainability of AMUNC. To this end the Secretariat is creating a ‘How to Host AMUNC’ document so that future generations of students can benefit from the wealth of our experiences.
4. Renewal
The United Nations, like many other areas in the world, is undergoing a process of renewal and reevaluation. Now, as ever, we must find new energy to tackle the many challenges of our modern world.
AMUNC 2008 will encourage participants to look at global issues with fresh perspective, and find creative way to renew the planet that we share. This will be achieved through the topics chosen for committees and the guest speakers. It is hoped that by participating in AMUNC 2008, delegates will experience a renewal in their enthusiasm for action.
5. Engagement
Today’s young people are exposed to global realities more than at any other time. Many search for a way to break through and make a difference.
AMUNC 2008, through a focus on delegate training, will assist members of this generation to find a voice and enable them to contribute their ideas. We hope that by doing this, quality debate will result, and delegates will look outside the square, consider themselves engaged in the world in which they lie, and feel empowered to meet the various challenges and change. We hope that the guest speakers will also reinforce this message.