An Inside Look into the Creation of the CLEIMUN18 Theme
Note: Claudia Stephens is the Co-Secretary-General for CLEIMUN18 and is a guest writer for The Plain Delegate.
When brainstorming a theme for CLEIMUN18, my co-Secretary-General, Anthony, and I, searched for a concept that would resonate with all those who participated. We focused our ideas around the concept of having a theme relevant to current worldwide events, with the hopes that the theme would inspire our delegates, chairs, and advisors to think about how Model United Nations translates into our own realities. Everyday, we hear of the increasing violence that has become a prevalent topic in international politics. With this ongoing trend, it only seemed right to focus our conference theme on maintaining unity through these turbulent times.
The United Nations has always focused on diplomacy. Cooperation and effective communication amongst nations is key to being able to tackle international issues. This same pillar of diplomacy is also clear to any participant of Model United Nations. One cannot pass a resolution without talking to others and gaining their support. One cannot understand other perspectives without listening. This concept in itself can be a challenge, especially between countries with long histories of differentiating ideas. The violence and terrorism that has now overshadowed us has only strained these relationships further, as many of those affected have fearfully retreated towards isolationism. But as these forces grow stronger and more dangerous, we must now more than ever unite to fight this.
Our theme for CLEIMUN18, Diplomacy in a Violent World, serves as both a goal and a challenge for all delegates and chairs. Can we as a world set aside all of our differences, recognize the violence and destruction occurring throughout, and be a beacon of change that will bring peace, empathy, and prosperity? If so, then the only means to accomplish this is with diplomacy. Regardless of the current state of global affairs, communication and peaceful diplomacy must always persevere.
