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Blog
Want to learn more about Lambert MUN from its own members? Searching for sources for your next position paper? Stressed for your first conference? You've come to the right place!
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By Naina Agrawal
In August of 2022, the UN secretary general, António Guterres, cautioned that the world is now in "a time of nuclear danger not seen since the height of the Cold War." On January 24, 2023, the Doomsday Clock was set at 90 seconds to midnight, primarily due to the risk of nuclear escalation, and such escalation has not stopped. In the wake of such rising atomic tensions, it is fitting that the eleventh review cycle of the Non-Proliferation Treaty of Nuclear Weapons, otherwise known as the NPT, has begun. The NPT emerged in the mid-20th century, at the height of the Cold War, when the fear of the atomic bomb loomed over everyone. The Soviet Union and the United States were locked in a tight arms race and had created stockpiles of such deadly weapons. Nations began to worry for their safety, and in 1968, the Non-Proliferation Treaty of Nuclear Weapons was born. The three pillars of this Treaty were to curb the spread of nuclear weapons and their technology, promote the peaceful use of atomic energy, and reach the goal of achieving nuclear disarmament. 1970 the Treaty entered into force, and 191 states have joined it since then. Of those 191 states, only five are nuclear weapon states: the United States, Russia, the United Kingdom, China, and France. Since the implementation of the NPT, every five years, the treaty members have review conferences to assess the performance of the Treaty and make recommendations on how to strengthen and improve it. The next review conference will happen in 2026. In the three years before that meeting, the Preparatory Committee (PrepCom) assembles annually to prepare for the upcoming NPT Review Conference and help member states address various issues before they come together for the larger conference. The PrepCom helps set the agenda, share perspectives, and work on drafting the final document that the Review Conference adopts. The first PrepCom occurred from July 31 - August 11 in Vienna this year. The main objective of this meeting was for States to consider specific matters of substance relating to the implementation of the Treaty and relevant decisions. State parties brought up accountability and transparency in national reports regarding offensive arms. Current nuclear activity, such as the US deploying a nuclear-armed submarine to South Korea, was questioned. Finally, the plans for the next two PrepCom meetings and the Review conference made progress. The biggest takeaway for PrepCom was that it called for accountability in States parties, the strengthening of the review process, and, most importantly, reaching consensus and success in 2026 regarding the goals of the NPT. Resources for continued exploration: “Risk of Nuclear Weapons Use Higher than at Any Time since Cold War, Disarmament Affairs Chief Warns Security Council | UN Press.” United Nations, United Nations, 31 Mar. 2023, press.un.org/en/2023/sc15250.doc.htm. Scheinman, Adam. Statement by the United States to the NPT Review Conference Cluster 3 ..., 9 Aug. 2023, www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/U.S.-Statement-on-Cluster-3-Specific-Issue-Strengthened-Review-Process.pdf. “The United States Reaffirms Commitment to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons - United States Department of State.” U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, 31 July 2023, www.state.gov/the-united-states-reaffirms-commitment-to-the-treaty-on-the-non-proliferation-of-nuclear-weapons/. “United Nations: Office for Disarmament Affairs.” United Nations | Office for Disarmament Affairs, meetings.unoda.org/npt-/treaty-on-the-non-proliferation-of-nuclear-weapons-preparatory-committee-for-the-eleventh-review-conference-first-session-2023. Accessed 20 Aug. 2023. “[3rd Meeting] First Session of the Preparatory...” United Nations, United Nations, 1 Aug. 2023, https://media.un.org/en/asset/k1v/k1vmu562fb. Accessed 20 Aug. 2023.
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By Hunter Dzerve
Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or a newbie competitor, there are some things you cannot attend a MUN Conference without. Here is our comprehensive list of the top ten things you can’t forget to bring. Number One: A printed out version of your background guide and position paper. Depending on what competitions you decide to attend this year you may or may not be allowed to have your electronics. This means that all of your prior research should be printed out ready-to-go before your first committee session takes place. This is an amazing way to be prepared for anything that will come your way and even if your conference allows electronics it’s always good to have a back up. Number Two: A notebook. Now this one may seem self explanatory but it really is useful! When you have unmods the best way to become a signatory in a resolution is to be one of the countries writing everything down. This way you have already written a large part of the resolution and you know in detail what you want to be passed and/or changed. Number Three: Sticky Notes. The sole way that all countries communicate during committee is through sticky notes. If you agree with what someone said and want to talk to them during the next unmod, this is the best way to do it. Sending sticky notes out to multiple different countries allows for you to make an impact in your committee and show your leadership. Number Four: A differently inked pen. This tip might sound a little silly at first, but it actually makes a big difference. If you show up to the committee and write all of your sticky notes in a purple pen, that makes you stand out from other countries in the committee. You are sure to become more memorable this way. Number Five: A snack/drink. Committee sessions can last for up to three or four hours regularly, so it is important to bring any food or drink that are essential to your success. Be sure to check with your Chair or Co-Chair first to see if they are allowed in your committee room. Number Six: Power Cords. This only applies to conferences that have a technology policy, but it is important to make sure all your computers are charged before committee. Throughout the day you will be using your computer a lot so it’s a great idea to bring a power cord just in case. Number Seven: A folder/binder. Bringing a folder or something to hold all your materials in is crucial for committee. Oftentimes Chairs will tell you to take your placard home with you, and you don’t want to get that wrinkled or squished. It’s easiest when everything is in one place. |
AuthorsHunter Dzerve is currently a Senior at Lambert High School and is a writer for Model United Nations. This is her third year in Model UN and hopes to continue the club in university. |