ARIS MUN 2020
In the spirit of both open and international mindedness, we extend nothing but warm greetings from Al-Rayan International School in Ghana. Our names are Riwa Mattouk and Yasmin Alfa and we’ve had the privilege of hosting this year’s conference virtually. Our theme, “The Future We Want” resonates very well with us because we have witnessed the severe effects of COVID-19 around the globe and experienced its impact on our lives in varying degrees. If we are to become today's leaders and tomorrow’s decision makers, then we must fight for the future we want, the future we hope for and the future we dream of. Discussing this theme is of great importance in understanding who we are as people and what role we are to play in shaping the future we so earnestly desire.
Our hope for ARISMUN 2020 is that all participants give themselves the opportunity to think outside the box and tread into situations with both an open mind and an international mindset. If you, like us, are compelled to be the change and strive for the future you want, then ARISMUN 2020 virtual conference is the place for you to voice your opinions and be the change. Welcome to ARISMUN 2020! Riwa Mattouk & Yasmin Alfa.
As ARIS sets forth on its mission towards ‘inspiring, empowering, and transforming,’ ARISMUN 2020 plays its part in achieving just that. In the 5 years that Al-Rayan International School has offered MUN as an extracurricular activity, it has become a platform for students to explore topics that are current and pertinent to our modern global issues. Student delegates learn about diplomacy, international relations, research techniques, public speaking, debating, compromise, and writing skills in addition to improving their critical thinking, teamwork and leadership abilities. Along with this, ARISMUN intends to foster a respectful space where students can interact with one another in a very professional and diplomatic manner.
For our very first conference, the ARISMUN secretariat has carefully curated topics for each committee with topics that are relevant to current situations and aim to stimulate intense debates and discussions that eventually lead to the drafting of feasible solutions. Committees for our conference will include the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Security Council (UNSC), UN Women, Disarmament and International Security (DISEC), General Assembly (GA), a very special Crisis Committee, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
We hope to live up to your expectations and that you leave this conference becoming a better leader whose principles and ideals will greatly contribute to the vision of The Future We Want, the theme for our conference this year.
Finally, delegates, remember to continue to inspire your communities by recognizing your common humanity, empower them through the skills you will have equipped yourself with through this conference and transform the world to be a more peaceful one, for every single one of us. We wish you a great debate.
My name is Nadia Abdoulaye and I am currently an IB DP final year student at Al- Rayan International School. I joined MUN thinking it was just another club. “It will look great on my college application”, I thought as I handed in my form. This mentality changed after the first committee session of my first conference. I was so captivated by the diplomacy and seriousness of it all and I was determined to excel in it.
Although I was quite new to the parliamentary procedure(and honestly very confused about it all), I did not let that stop me from winning the position of ‘Best New Delegate’ in my committee last year. MUN has become such an important part of my life. I enjoy MUN because unlike any other club I am involved in, it allows me to grow and broaden my knowledge on how the world functions.
I have acquired and developed so many skills and I have made my “forever” friends in this club. When I am not busy with school work or drafting resolutions or opening speeches, I enjoy reading, listening to music, watching movies, and interacting with my friends.
I hope your MUN experience has been an exciting one, and I look forward to fruitful and meaningful interactions with you all!
Hello! I am Fidaus Alfa, a final year student in Al-Rayan International school and will be your USG of delegate affairs at ARISMUN. My MUN journey started 6 years ago when I was forced into the club because I was too quiet and reserved. At that point what could I possibly do? It took time for me to be able to open up and debate. I used to sit through committee sessions for hours without uttering a single word. I kept thinking “okay I will raise my placard next” and then chicken out.
I had my MUN breakthrough when our MUN club held a simulation during assembly to show the other students what it was like. I was Burundi in the Burundi crisis. My director did this to push me and break my shell open. I guess it worked after all. All it took was me asking my first point of information. All of a sudden MUN was no longer a measure my parents put in place to open me up. It became a part of me, I was able to communicate better in general.
Debating became one of my favourite things to do. This experience is one that I hold close to my heart and I hope this virtual conference will be a lifetime experience for many of the delegates attending.
Hello! My name is Ouail and I am a senior in my final school year at Al-Rayan International School (ARIS). I am from Algeria and I have lived in Ghana my whole life. I enjoy many hobbies, including sports, watching movies, learning new things, and listening to music. Having attended quite a number of conferences, the opportunity to be a part of the MUN club has contributed to shaping my self-confidence and open mindedness as an individual.
Although this is my first time as USG of IT, my team and I are working hard to ensure that you have the best MUN experience here at ARIS. I am sure that this conference will be one of a kind, and I look forward to meeting you. Welcome to ARISMUN 2020!
Hi! I'm Sara Minai and I'm the DSG of this year's conference:) It's an absolute honour and pleasure to be a member of the secretariat and I couldn't ask for a better team to work with. This is my fifth year in MUN and thirteenth year in ARIS, practically my second home now! MUN has always been a platform for me to be able to meet new people and develop problem solving and public speaking skills, I hope it becomes the same for you.
Despite having participated in a vast number of conferences since 2015, ARISMUN 2020 will be the first time I serve as a member of the Secretariat. I aim to approach this conference with the experience of a veteran and the enthusiasm of a newcomer and I’m looking forward to welcoming you all, even if it's through a screen.
I was also asked to describe myself, but there's no way I could do that and still seem interesting enough. Ummm, I'm an avid listener of Harry Styles, Maggie Rogers and Nick Drake. I'm notorious amongst my (three) friends for knock-knock jokes and that's it really. I really hope that this conference lives up to your expectations and that you have the most incredible time ever. That's what MUN is really about.
My name is Anik Mukherjee and I’m from India. I’ve lived in Rwanda for 13 years of my life, but for the past 4 years, Ghana has been my home. I am in my final year of High School at Al-Rayan International School where I’m completing the second year of IB. I’ve always had a passion for debate. I was in my high school debate team from the age of 12 where I made my way to finals, debating with high school seniors and other students way older than I was.
My passion for debate led me to join MUN once I got the chance. Since then, I’ve attended a handful of conferences gaining valuable experience and recognition. As USG of Chairs and a member of the Secretariat for this conference, I’ll work closely with the secretariat and committee staff to ensure that ARISMUN is of high quality and standard.
ARISMUN 2020 Committees and Topics
