The campus Human Rights Organization hosted an Model United Nations to debate climate change and global emissions issues. With 14 different countries represented and divided into six different geographical regions, 25 students were asked to research their countries’ position and prepare speeches defending their environmental policies on March 21 in the GCB. Amanda Oswold, a senior and political science major from Utah, volunteered to be a part of the Chinese delegation. “It was my first time doing Model U.N., but I would definitely do it again,” she said. Faatui Tonumaipea, a freshman and social science education major from Samoa, participated as a delegate from the Federated States of Micronesia. “I chose to represent this region in the Model U.N. because it is the region where I am from, and the issues we talk about today as far as climate change have a great effect on the land I come from and the traditions we value,” he said. “Being involved today I was hoping to get an idea of whether or not the Pacific Islanders’ opinion was even being considered and talked about on the international stage as far as combating emissions,” Tonumaipea added. “This Model U.N. also gives us more information and practice on how to help our current situation and find out what has been done before, so we can give back to and preserve our homeland,” he said. The first session involved coming together on an emissions level agreement, according to the 2011 Emissions Gap Report. At times, the caucuses involved a moderator in which delegates were able to persuade other countries to join in their resolution. At the end of this section, the decision was made to decrease emissions by 1.5 Celsius in trying to meet the 2020 Global Emissions goal. Vatauomalotetele Fanene, an undeclared freshman from Samoa, sat next to Tonumaipea representing the country of Tuvalu. “Not too many of these bigger developing countries understand the reality of being surrounded by water on an island,” said Fanene. “It is scary when we talk about the effects of climate change, because to us Polynesians it is a very personal issue,” she added. Ashtyn Rummler, a senior and political science major from Idaho, was one of the moderators who helped organize the event. “We got the idea to do this Model U.N. to kind of open students up and practice international relations. It takes a lot of research to embody your country, and I thought the delegations did a great job today,” said Rummler. The second section after lunch consisted of a surprise sustainability topic where a panel of judges asked delegations to find ways in which their countries’ domestic policies were adapting to meet global emission goals. After a cross-examination process, the five judges gathered around to deliberate on prizes for categories such as best arguments, most authentic costumes, and most in character. In addition, all who participated received a certificate of completion. Lindsey Graham, a freshman and HTM major from Cook Islands, represented the country of Nigeria. “I really thought everyone today did a great job of persuading others towards their political agenda. I thought Brazil, China, and the Western Nations were particularly persuasive,” said Graham. After hearing from all of the countries in the first session, Rummler said, “In my opinion, I thought the African group did a great job of talking about and understanding their countries’ positions.”At the end of the debates, Michael Murdoch, professor of Political Science, stood up and commended students on their hard work and research, which made for a great Model U.N. “This event is usually a culmination of a semester-long class and many of you did it within a week’s notice, if that. I am very impressed,” said Murdoch.
Writer: Sydney Odell ~ Multimedia Journalist
