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Bahrain Model United Nations
BAHMUN starts on all-time high
The Bahrain Model United Nations (BAHMUN), one of the largest youth
conferences held all over the world, started off its 11th session at the
Abdulrahman Kanoo International School yesterday.
The Secretary-General, Bill
Marczak, officially declared the
session open.
The inauguration ceremony
began with the Bahrain National
Anthem and was followed by
recitals from the Holy Quran.
Over 250 students are
participating in this years
programme.
The introductory remarks were given by Dr Lina Lewis, who has been
entrusted with the prime responsibilities of the BAHMUN XI.
Recalling his experience as the former Ambassador to the United Nations, and
previously as a junior diplomat, Dr Abdulghaar, in his keynote address, said,
What I have learned is that successful dialogue is the key to resolving
international issues, and that bringing countries, regions and civilisations
together requires a structured dialogue that builds trust and respect, and
draws out our common interests to reach a successful conclusion.
He also acknowledged that mastering the art of successful diplomacy requires
a delicate balancing of intelligence and intuition, of flexibility and firmness, of
thorough preparation and quick improvisation, all under the pressure of tight
deadlines and changing circumstances and that most of us spend our whole
lives trying to master this balancing act which is never easy a task.
He wished that the delegates would soon have a chance to put their abilities
into practice, and to represent their country at the headquarters of
international diplomacy.
Dr Abdulghaar also appreciated the eorts put forward by all the individuals
associated with the event. The Abdulrahman Kanoo Intl School was
TRIBUNE PLUS
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The man speaks
Bye, bye Sherlyn!
Amy in rehab? No,
no, no!
Bahrain Tribune Daily Newspaper, Bahrain http://www.bahraintribune.com/ArticleDetail.asp?A...
1 of 7 08/22/2009 01:51 AM
well-applauded for their unstinting support by creating the right ambience for
the august assembly.
The President of Rotary Club of Adliya, Khalid Fakhroo, highlighted the role
and importance of the Model United Nations.
The opening ceremony ended with a colourful staging of skit and songs on the
message of peace by the tiny tots of the Abdulrahman Kanoo International
School, which moved the hearts of the audience.By Shriya, Dhanya, Joel and
Aditya

Womens role acknowledged


The morning session at the GA gave insight into the fact that women are the
cornerstone of todays world. And as the saying goes, The hand that rocks the
cradle can rule the world and they are adept at bridging ethnic, religious,
political and cultural divisions.
With this objective in mind, the
first issue to be debated was
securing the role of women as
participants in peace talks,
post-conflict reconstruction and
UN projects. The first resolution
for this issue was brought
forward by China and Venezuela.
It was a resolution which was
basically education oriented and
had 2 clauses regarding the
same, but the practical implementation of these clauses were questioned by
many delegates. The whole objective and aim of this resolution was the
awareness of women of their own resources. It was a good debatable resolution
but 3 of the operative clauses were just perambulatory. It was the delegate of
Yemen who was strongly against this resolution and almost all its clauses.
During the voting the resolution failed by a majority.
The second resolution submitted by Russia which was co-submitted by many
had clauses which were absolutely perambulatory and many countries spoke
against it. Fiji absolutely opposed the resolution arguing that it was vague.
However there were many countries who were strongly for the resolution and it
was passed with a strong majority.
In the afternoon session the General assembly moved into debate on the issue of
democratic rights to protest and hold peaceful demonstrations with submission
of the resolution of Bosnia and Herzegovina co-submitted by ten countries. The
resolution addressed the related problems of demonstrations and protests in
different aspects; however it failed to provide action oriented solutions to these
problems. The resolution came under fire by the majority of the general
assembly for a variety of reasons from vague measures to controversial
clauses. The resolution failed to pass being voted against by an overwhelming
majority of the general assembly.
Bahrain Tribune Daily Newspaper, Bahrain http://www.bahraintribune.com/ArticleDetail.asp?A...
2 of 7 08/22/2009 01:51 AM

By Dhanya, Varun, Lavanya, Aditya and Joe
The morning session at the GA gave insight into the fact that women are the
cornerstone of todays world. And as the saying goes, The hand that rocks the
cradle can rule the world and they are adept at bridging ethnic, religious,
political and cultural divisions.
With this objective in mind, the
first issue to be debated was
securing the role of women as
participants in peace talks,
post-conflict reconstruction and
UN projects. The first resolution
for this issue was brought
forward by China and Venezuela.
It was a resolution which was
basically education oriented and
had 2 clauses regarding the same,
but the practical implementation
of these clauses were questioned by many delegates. The whole objective and
aim of this resolution was the awareness of women of their own resources. It
was a good debatable resolution but 3 of the operative clauses were just
perambulatory. It was the delegate of Yemen who was strongly against this
resolution and almost all its clauses. During the voting the resolution failed by a
majority.
The second resolution submitted by Russia which was co-submitted by many had
clauses which were absolutely perambulatory and many countries spoke against
it. Fiji absolutely opposed the resolution arguing that it was vague. However
there were many countries who were strongly for the resolution and it was
passed with a strong majority.
In the afternoon session the General assembly moved into debate on the issue of
democratic rights to protest and hold peaceful demonstrations with submission
of the resolution of Bosnia and Herzegovina co-submitted by ten countries. The
resolution addressed the related problems of demonstrations and protests in
different aspects; however it failed to provide action oriented solutions to these
problems. The resolution came under fire by the majority of the general
assembly for a variety of reasons from vague measures to controversial
clauses. The resolution failed to pass being voted against by an overwhelming
majority of the general assembly. By Dhanya, Varun, Lavanya, Aditya and
Joe


Internet abuse discussed
The Human Rights committee, introduced for the rst time in the BAHMUN XI,
commenced with the most contemplated issue Internet abuse. After a few
minutes of informal discussion regarding the issue, the debate embarked on
progress with the rst resolution submitted by the delegate of Germany.
The delegate of Germany
Bahrain Tribune Daily Newspaper, Bahrain http://www.bahraintribune.com/ArticleDetail.asp?A...
3 of 7 08/22/2009 01:51 AM
affirmed in his resolution on how
it has taken steps to initiate the
eradication of internet abuse. He
suggested measures to be taken
like the monitoring of students
and employees who disregard
the positive side of internet
usage, and avowed the
examination and supervision of
the adult websites which pervert the minds of the youth group. The Delegate
also acknowledged that public awareness and campaign operation would
attribute towards the eradication of Internet abuse. 11 countries co-submitted
this resolution. In spite of vague operative clauses the resolution suffered no
serious opposition or questioning and passed with a clear majority
Another resolution proposed by Canada was submitted with 8 co-submitters on
the same issue. Canada recommended restriction of internet usage to curb
internet abuse in general. The Canadian resolution was decimated by Germany
and the Bahamas on the question of problems specific solutions and
methodology. This resolution did not get passed failing to obtain a two-third
majority.
The third resolution submitted by El Salvador with 4 co-submitters required
adoption of strong measures against internet abuse but failed to give
practical solutions. But the clause couldnt get across.
The second session of the Human Rights came to a dynamic and energetic
start with the discussion about protecting the rights of children in war-torn
countries. Three resolutions were proposed, however only one managed to win
a majority and pass.
The resolution that was passed was that of the delegate of Slovenia who said,
Two million children worldwide have become the victims of wars during the
last decade. It was passed by an overwhelming majority of 23 votes to 5 votes.
By Benji, Asad and Joel

Delegates fight terror
The Security Council started o its day by discussing its rst issue The role of
mercenaries in the continuation of terrorism. A wave of operative clauses was
submitted by energetic and competitive delegates. After the lobbying and
merging, the young delegates started building a powerful resolution by
bringing ten strong clauses, out of which four clauses were passed.
The rst clause to be passed was
that of the USA. The delegate of
USA asserted Terrorism is a
global phenomenon which needs
global action. This enthusiastic
delegates clause solemnly
armed that the U.N carries out
research on the schools and
camps that train these mercenaries and nally close them to prevent further
exploitation of citizens within a framework of 8 months.
Bahrain Tribune Daily Newspaper, Bahrain http://www.bahraintribune.com/ArticleDetail.asp?A...
4 of 7 08/22/2009 01:51 AM
Whereas, the delegate of China emphasised the need for a strong education
system in under-developed countries to create awareness against terrorism.
The delegate of Czech Republic stated the formulation of a U.N body
consisting of experts to identify governments that support these mercenaries.
Another clause passed was by the delegate of India which asked for the
cooperation of all nations against terrorism.
Whereas the clauses of Cyprus, Spain and others were axed out due to a
negative Veto vote.By Anju, Andrew and Anuja


Service above self
The Bahmun chairperson, Dr Lina Lewis, has a very influential hand in the
beneficial effort for students.
The 50th anniversary of United Nation marked
the birth of Bahmun.
She says the motto of the rotary club is service
above self and she believes in putting her heart
and soul into it. She says Bahmun is a snowball
getting bigger and better every year.




Face to face
Rotarians feel that the BAHMUN is a window to involve students and
encourage them to use a dialogue as a concept to understand each
other. We have received a tremendous response from students and
their parents which is why we are consistent in conducting the
BAHMUN year after year. Unfortunately we couldnt secure enough
participation from abroad because of the political stance of certain
countries.
Khalid Fakhroo, President-Rotary Club, Adliya
We are glad to host the BAHMUN XI this year. The whole experience is
one of excitement and nerves but in turn moulds our leaders of
tomorrow.
Terry Creesboury, Liason of Kanoo School and
BAHMUN.
At the BAHMUN, children do more than memorise
information and at an event like this they can use
Bahrain Tribune Daily Newspaper, Bahrain http://www.bahraintribune.com/ArticleDetail.asp?A...
5 of 7 08/22/2009 01:51 AM
this information in a dynamic and creative way.
Randy McCord, Advisor, Bahrain
School
My post is one of immense responsibility but I am
enjoying it, its a challenging event for everyone
and being a comparatively smaller community a
close working relationship is inculcated amongst
the delegates. Over a hundred delegates in this
conference learn skills of leadership and by
learning from experience; the youth learns to face
the real world.
Bill Marczak, Secretary-General
This is no doubt that this is a stepping stone to success and a
platform for future leaders.
Rama Nair, Director Al Noor School
The participants involved in this get to enhance their leadership
skills, communication and the interaction with the other
participants. We would like to make it even better, bigger and
international as it is the only one of its kind in the Gulf so far.
Ismail Abdur Rahman, Al Hekma Model School
The BAHMUN XI, with its change in venue did involve basic problems
in the process of preparations and organisation with regards to
computers, air- conditioning etc. but the new venue compliments the
large number this year (the largest so far, in fact).
Yvonne Ahmed, Academic coordinator BAHMUN
By Rohan, Sharon, Varsha and
The rst clause to be passed was that of the USA. The delegate of USA
asserted Terrorism is a global phenomenon which needs global action. This
enthusiastic delegates clause solemnly armed that the U.N carries out
research on the schools and camps that train these mercenaries and nally
close them to prevent further exploitation of citizens within a framework of 8
months.
Whereas, the delegate of China emphasised the need for a strong education
system in under-developed countries to create awareness against terrorism.
The delegate of Czech Republic stated the formulation of a U.N body
consisting of experts to identify governments that support these mercenaries.
Another clause passed was by the delegate of India which asked for the
cooperation of all nations against terrorism.
Whereas the clauses of Cyprus, Spain and others were axed out due to a
negative Veto vote.By Anju, Andrew and Anuja


Bahrain Tribune Daily Newspaper, Bahrain http://www.bahraintribune.com/ArticleDetail.asp?A...
6 of 7 08/22/2009 01:51 AM
Bloopers
Hungry Delegate: During a heated debate a starved delegate was heard
asking for a motion to eat (??)
Mispelt?: The delegate in the General Assembly was unaware of her countrys
spelling.
Wanted!!: A delegate of the ECOSOC was found missing when his issue was up
for discussion.
Coupled?: A delegate during her opening speech paired up the Chair and
Co-chair when she addressed them as Mr and Mrs Chairman
Need a lift?: A director got stuck in an elevator, during the morning session.
Me, Myself and I: The delegate of a Republic addressed a point of
information to himself, instead of the person occupying the podium.
Lost?: A delegate was confused whether she represented The Peoples
Republic of China or Republic of China which is actually Taiwan.
By Anju, Aditya, Dhanya, Shriya and Varun
Last update on: 11-3-2005

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