THIMUN SINGAPORE - 2019
THIMUN Singapore was first established in 2004 as a sister conference to The Hague International Model United Conference. The annual gathering of delegates and chairs brings together a wide range of personas. From China to France, pupils, and teachers from all around the world travel to the Lion City to participate in this highly esteemed conference.
Day 1-
The DAIS delegates arrived at Mumbai airport (with the one typical latecomer of course), eagerly awaiting their Singaporean adventures.
Day 2-
Arriving early in the morning, the students went to the hotel and checked into their rooms. Then, in great spirits, they headed to the Bugis Mall where they tasted some local Japanese cuisine. After this and some light shopping, they headed to the city centre and the Gardens by the Bay, a conservatory and greenhouse. There were complete ecosystems set up, complete with an indoor waterfall. In awe, the students meandered through this man-made wonder. They dined at the Marina Bay Mall, and then travelled on foot to Marina Bay to observe a water and light display, which was simply spellbinding. This unique experience amazed each and every one of the students.
Day 3-
This day, perhaps, was something that all the students were looking forward to - it was Universal Studios day. With great energy and a quick breakfast, it was the only day of the trip that all the students were early to get on the bus. Upon arriving at Universal, the seasoned veterans dashed to the most extreme of roller-coasters, hoping to beat the ever-growing queues. On the other hand, the less experienced beginners sauntered through the park, enjoying the sights and indulging themselves with their incessant photo-clicking. The students all had a blast and begged their teachers to let them stay on for just a little while longer. Sadly, however, that was not to be. The students had a bit of fun playing around with optical illusions at the TrickEye museum, and then, complete with Universal Studios merchandise and souvenirs, returned to the hotel. It is safe to say that this was most students’ favourite day of the trip.
The Conference:
After registration on Monday, the 18th, the official THIMUN conference began on the 19th of November. DAIS delegates were in a multitude of committees - ranging from double delegation in ECOSOC and the Human Rights Council to delegates in nearly every General Assembly. Most of the first day was spent in lobbying: a stage that requires delegates to diplomatically reach out to and negotiate with other delegates.
During lobbying, delegates merge their carefully-crafted clauses with those of other delegates. This year's THIMUN Conference Agendas were engaging and interesting - whether it was the Question of Kashmir in GA1, or the issue of rising support for Anti - Vaccination (aka Anti-Vax Moms) in the ECOSOC. Many committees saw intense power struggles (read: push-up competitions by the one and only Ahaan Bhansali) over the post of main submitter in the bloc’s resolutions.
Day two of the conference saw delegates waiting with bated breath to see their resolutions ratified. Once the bloc’s resolution was ratified by the chair, main submitters would make the exciting journey to the approval panel. The approval panel is where resolutions are taken from a collaboration of ideas and clauses to a resolution ready for an upcoming debate. Delegates work within their respective schools on resolutions and then bring them together with like-minded delegates to form one or two resolutions from the bunch. They wait in anticipation, and their sighs of relief fills the air when their resolution is approved. Working at the approval panel is a collaborative effort, where the process is overlooked by Frances Laughlin, the Co-Chair of the THIMUN Foundation.
Day three - Are you ready for the gala night? After three days of constant debating and lobbying, the Dinner and Dance Night coming up on Thursday offered a great opportunity for participants to relax. Participants indulged in the great ambience, flashing lights, an extensive display of delicacies, and bottomless drinks as they dance the night away. This year, with around 950 participants from around the world, the gala was a huge event, full of pulsing heartbeats to the base and thriving masses of bodies.
Day 7-
The conference, and the trip ended with speeches, performances and quite literally, a bang - of the gavel as the Secretary General, Deputy and President of the General Assembly come together to conclude THIMUN Singapore 2019.
Anirudh Fadia and Treya Agarwal- 10 C