World Trade Organization - Harvard Model United Nations

World Trade Organization
Harvard Model United Nations 2011
Dear Delegates,
Alexander N. Barrett
Secretary-General
Anusha Tomar
Director-General
Kevin Lee
Under-Secretary-General
Administration
Julia S. Howland
Under-Secretary-General
Business
Stephanie Oviedo
Comptroller
Christopher D. Coey
Under-Secretary-General
Substantive Support
Erfan Soliman
Under-Secretary-General
General Assembly
Jonathan K. Yip
Under-Secretary-General
Economic and Social Council
Hunter M. Richard
Under-Secretary-General
Specialized Agencies
It is an honor and a privilege to welcome you to the fifty-seventh session of the Harvard
Model United Nations General Assembly! The General Assembly has occupied a unique
place in history since its founding, as the only forum in which all nations in the world can
come together and receive equal representation. It serves as an opportunity for nations
to discuss questions and crises of the utmost international importance on equal footing.
The topics that the General Assembly debates reflect the full breadth of issues of concern
across the globe. Our organ is the most diverse of any United Nations body, and, as such,
has responsibility beyond what may initially be evident.
HMUN’s simulation of the General Assembly will be an experience of a lifetime for you
in many ways. As delegates, you will practice firsthand the foundation of international
diplomacy and debate, and hone skills that will be vital for years to come, such as the
ability to compromise, negotiate, and effectively present your ideas in a manner dedicated
to achieving a solution. As students, you will explore the nuances of some of the most
complex issues of our day, and look beyond them to devise possible solutions and produce
resolutions that, in some instances, may contain ideas that are even more effective than
those presented in the real United Nations. Finally, as global citizens, you will broaden your
horizons by adopting an international perspective, exchanging ideas, and forging friendships
with students from across the country and across the world.
As John F. Kennedy Jr. once said, “One person can change the world, and every person
should try.” I commend you on embodying this attitude and taking a step toward being such
a person by choosing to engage with your peers and to discuss problems that have immense
ramifications. To be able to reap the full benefits of this experience, you should begin
with this guide and then conduct your own individual research. A successful committee
experience is dependent in large part on your willingness and readiness to participate. Our
directors are some of the best that HMUN has ever seen, and I encourage all of you to take
advantage of their expertise and get to know them both before and during conference. Best
of luck in your preparations for HMUN, and please do not hesitate to contact me via email
with any questions or concerns you may have before then. Enjoy the fall and I look forward
to meeting you in January!
Sincerely,
Erfan Soliman
59 Shepard Street, Box 205
Cambridge, MA 02138
Voice: (617)-398-0772
Fax: (617) 496-4472
Email: info@harvardmun.org
www.harvardmun.org
Erfan Soliman
Under-Secretary-General for the General Assembly
Harvard Model United Nations 2011
274 Kirkland Mail Center
Cambridge MA, 02138
soliman@harvardmun.org
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Specialized General Assembly Agencies