Name: MUN@TIU2019
Start: 2019-05-24T9:30
End: 2019-05-06T18:00
Location: Tokyo International University

Our Inaugural Conference

On July 6, 2018, MUN@TIU 2018 officially kicked off. Hosted by a team of experienced MUN enthusiasts, the conference was the first MUN event to be hosted by Tokyo International University Model United Nations club. Over the course of the three-day conference, participants representing 35 countries discussed what role outer space plays in global peace and security, which actions can be implemented to ensure outer space are not used for military purposes, and how member states can cooperate to promote peaceful development of outer space technology.

Below is the report of MUN@TIU 2018, which aims to capture the main activities, achievements, and outputs of our inaugural conference. If you find what we do interesting, considered MUN@TIU 2019 your next destination this May!

Admin team planning the reception for Day 1

Planning Stage

As the weather grew warmer from spring to summer, the same went for the preparation for MUN@TIU 2018 - everything was up and running. The team was more than welcoming to outstanding delegates from not only Japan but also other countries to come and participate. We received numerous applications from delegates from different nationalities. To ensure that international participants are well catered to their needs in Japan, the organizers were always ready to answer any inquiries whether it be access, fee, and application procedures. There were also efforts to provide pick up services from various locations near the venue and the airport for delegates who were unsure of how to commute in Japan.

Delegates follow our chairperson - Phan Xuan Dung - to the venue.

Day 1

After the last steps of preparations, the Opening Ceremony officially started at 3 P.M with the presentation on the conference’s objectives and the opening remarks from our club president. After that, all delegates received a briefing of rules of procedure and code of conduct by the Dais, followed by the opening speeches in which they present their country’s stances, situations and potential solutions. At exactly 6.30 P.M, after all the hard work and passionate speeches, the first day of the conference came to an end, and delegates moved to our lovely dining hall in Building 1 to enjoy the Reception Dinner. Delegates and organisers alike were enjoying the performance by TIU’s Jazz Band Mellow Dolphin. Their sweet music brought ease to everyone and marked the end of Day 1.

TIU’s Mellow Dolphin jazz band prepare for their performance.

Day 2

On the second day, we started the day with the keynote speech by Mr. Tsuneo Nishida - former Permanent Representative at the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations. In his 45-minute speech, he discussed whether the United Nations is still relevant in this modern world. Mr. Nishida inspired the audience with an emotional yet informative speech about the dilemma of how to protect human rights while facing security issues. He concluded by posing a question for the delegates to ponder on: whether or not the United Nations can still give meaning to future international relations.

Following the address, all delegates moved to fruitful discussions and lively debates on the topic of Weaponization of Space. The Dais of the conference were glad to see that the delegates showed a high-level of understanding of their countries’ stances and their capability of sharing their ideas, even though Weaponization of Space was considered as a new yet quite challenging topic. Before the end of the third session, all delegates succeeded to submit the three draft resolutions. After that, all delegates and organizers moved to the dining hall to attend the Activity Night. The MUN@TIU 2018 team once again astonished the delegates with their preparation and decoration of the dining hall. The foods were delicious, the music was beautiful, and the games were fun. They even surprised the delegates with the mini live show performed by talented TIU students. We could not ask for a better night.

Day 3

Despite the exhausting second day, there were no signs of slowing down on the discussions regarding amendments on the third day. After receiving feedback from the Dais and further discussion, delegates were able to identify the flaws and polish the quality of the draft resolutions even further. Two draft resolutions were introduced in the afternoon and one draft resolution was passed at the end of the session. For many delegates, they were proud of the achievements in three days and looked forward to attending the 2019 conference. In the Awards and Closing Ceremony, the Dais honorably presented the Delegate of Israel with the “Best Delegate” Award, the Delegate of China with the “Best Position Paper” Award, and the Delegate of Germany with the “Outstanding Delegate” Award. We believed that all delegates had had precious memories together and hoped that we could all see each other in the near future.