Geneva International Model United Nations
Geneva International Model United Nations (abbreviated GIMUN) is an entirely student-run Non Governmental Organization in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations since 2007.[2] GIMUN is based in Geneva, Switzerland. It was created in 1999 by students of the Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies.[1] Its aim is to promote the ideals and principles of the United Nations by giving students a chance to participate in educative events.[3]
Geneva International Model United Nations | |
 | |
| Abbreviation | GIMUN |
|---|---|
| Formation | 1999[1] |
| Type | Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) |
| Location | |
Official languages | English and French |
| Affiliations | UN ECOSOC Special Consultative Status |
| Website | www.gimun.org |
| Partners | Graduate Institute of International and Development Studies, University of Geneva, Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, United Nations, United Nations Youth Association Switzerland, United Nations Association (Switzerland), Swiss National Youth Council. |
|---|
Organizational Structure
editExecutive Board
editThe members of the Executive Board are responsible for organizing and financing all GIMUN events (including the Annual Conference) and representing GIMUN on numerous platforms. The Executive Board oversees the different departments of the association.
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Shavonne McDonald | President |
| Alyssa Hersheson | Vice President |
| Lorenzo Tredici | Finance Director |
| Iren Neeranzona Khan | Public Relations Director |
| Marlamaa Natsag | Secretary General |
| Tomás Espinosa Rojas | Secretary General |
Departments
editCurrently GIMUN has seven departments, each focusing on a specific area of the association’s operations:
- Public Relations: The Public Relations department, led by the Public Relations Director, is responsible for managing communications, media relations, and the public image of GIMUN.
- Finance: The Finance department, headed by the Finance Director, manages budgeting, financial planning, and oversees the allocation of funds for GIMUN activities.
- Events: The Events department is responsible for organizing and managing GIMUN events, including conferences and workshops.
- Human Resources: The Human Resources department manages recruitment, member relations, and supports the organizational structure by ensuring the smooth integration and communication between GIMUN members.
- Translation: The Translation Team ensures bilingualism within GIMUN by translating and proofreading important documents, such as emails, registration forms, and official communications.
- Delegation: The GIMUN Delegation provides students with opportunities to develop public speaking and debating skills through weekly meetings focused on international affairs and MUN preparation.
Each department consists of small teams, typically led by two department heads. The President and Vice-President oversee the department heads to ensure effective communication and the smooth functioning of the organisations.
Advisory Board
editThe Executive Board is supported by the Advisory Board, composed of former members of the Executive Board. They ensure a smooth transition between terms and help with long-term planning of the Association.
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Natacha Pambou | President 2023-2024 |
| Maria-Teresa Failli | Vice President 2023-2024 |
| Mattia Morini | Finance Director 2023-2024 |
| Petri S. Räisänen Castañeda | Public Relations Director 2023-2024 |
| Matteo Dummar | Secretary General 2023-2024 |
| Kara Djakou | Secretary General 2023-2024 |
Past Executive Board Members
edit| President | Vice President | Finance Director | Public Relations Director | Secretary Generals | Mandate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yusra Suedi | Maeva Cherpillod | Aleksandar Stojanov | Fanny Rannaud | Alessia Anghileri, Fanny Charmey | 2012-2013 |
| Giulia Rigazio | Lena Becker | Charlotta Schuster | Mona-Lisa Kole | Aleksandar Stojanov, Quentin Nicaise | 2013-2014 |
| Simon Bianchi | Francesca Dal Poggetto | Esben Marcussen | Camille Fenter | Sandrine Chabbey, Jim Zouridis | 2014-2015 |
| Francesca Paschetta | Aida Fernández | Caroline Schmitt | Guillaume Zwygart | Antony Papadopoulos, Michaela Dorcikova | 2015-2016 |
| Flavio Baroffio | Iman Sarteur | Jesse Hanich | Cristina Valdés Argüelles | Emma Beelen, Pauline Legrand | 2017-2018 |
| Flavio Baroffio | Iman Sarteur | Jesse Hanich | Cristina Valdés Argüelles | Pauline Legrand, Emma Beelen | 2017-2018 |
| Cristina Valdes | Irene Cibiriain | Florencia Lorca | Natalie Joray | Pauline Legrand, Alessandra Ciccolella | 2018-2019 |
| Bartosz Gdaniec | Cindy Bischofberger | Matthis Pasche | Ylljeta Lufaj | Natalie Joray, Mihail Mouhlov | 2019-2020 |
| Antoine Gouthuey | Joanna Ruan | Ethan Catanzariti | Elisaveta Wermelinger | Erin Hayes, Sarah-Luna Mongin | 2020-2021 |
| Emma Fischer | Chiara Müller | Hugo Fenoli-Rebellato | Besma Abdallah | Darius Harnisch, Nicolas Cavadini | 2021-2022 |
| Sophie Martin | Erin Hayes | Matteo Pal | Minwoo Ki | Mathilda Pradal, Hibat-Allah Hably | 2022-2023 |
| Natacha Pambou | Maria-Teresa Failli | Mattia Morini | Petri S. Räisänen Castañeda | Matteo Dummar, Kara Djakou | 2023-2024 |
| Shavonne McDonald | Alyssa Hersheson | Lorenzo Tredici | Iren Neeranzona Khan | Marlamaa Natsag, Tomás Espinosa Rojas | 2024-2025 |
Activities
editAnnual Conference
editEvery year in February, GIMUN organizes its Annual Model United Nations conference. GIMUN is the only Model United Nations conference in the world to hold its entire conference within United Nations grounds,[4][5] which is the European Headquarters of the United Nations and formerly the League of Nations.[5]
The Annual Conference consists of around six committees with a about 30 participants per committee. It is a bilingual conference, held in both English and French with live interpretation. All outcome documents are also translated into English and French. It includes the roles of Bloc Representative,[6] Ambassador, as well as a team of journalists.
History of Annual Conferences
| Year | Dates | Secretaries-General | Theme | Committees |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Example | Nicolas Gérard, Jeremy Allouche, Jérôme Grimaud, Astrid Melchner | Example | Example |
| 2001 | 13 – 16 March | Alessandra Roversi | Focus on African Issues | Example |
| 2002 | Example | Simon Blondin | Example | Example |
| 2003 | Example | Elodie Schindler | Example | Example |
| 2004 | Example | Idaho Menu | Example | SC, Conference on Disarmament, WTO, UNDP, UNHCR |
| 2005 | 28 February - 4 March | David Lanz, Philipp Lustenberger | Rethinking Globalization | SC, Conference on Disarmament, UN Commission on Human Rights, ILO, UNHCR, WTO |
| 2006 | 4–10 March | David Lanz, Philipp Lustenberger | One Step Ahead: modelling a reformed United Nations[7] | Example |
| 2007 | 3–9 March | Andreas Lehmann, Fabian Grass | One Step Ahead: modelling a reformed United Nations | Conference on Disarmament, ECOSOC, Human Rights Council, International Court of Justice, Peacebuilding Commission, Security Council (reformed, 24 members), UNHCR |
| 2008 | 31 March - 4 April | Raphael Vogel, Caterina Luciani | Example | SC, HRC, ECOSOC, UNCTAD, UNFCCC, WHO |
| 2009 | 14–20 March | Martin Staub, Faraz Merchant | Humanitarian Intervention and the Responsibility to Protect | SC, ECOSOC, HRC, GA6 (legal), Historic SC, UNEP |
| 2010 | 13–19 March | Martin Staub, Faraz Merchant | ||
| 2011 | 12–18 March | Carla Niedek, Alexandre Steullet | Women and Development - Promoting a gender-balanced approach to development ethics[8] | General Assembly Sixth Committee, UN Women, Security Council, Historic Security Council, Human Rights Council, ECOSOC [8] |
| 2012 | 17–23 March | Fanny Charmey, Alessia Anghileri | Example[9] | Achieving Dialogue and Development through Cultural Diversity[10] |
| 2013 | 16–22 March | Fanny Charmey, Alessia Anghileri | Science for Peace and Development[5] | |
| 2014 | 22–28 March | Alexandre Stojanov, Quentin Nicaise | Access to Energy[9] | |
| 2015 | 21–27 March | Jim Zouridis, Sandrine Chabbey | Cross-border challenges and the new world architecture | Security Council, Human Rights Council, ECOSOC, International Organization for Migration, Sixth Committee (Legal), WHO |
| 2021 | 04-7 March | Erin Hayes, Sarah-Luna Mongin | Priorities in the new age: reshaping the future | Security Council, Economic and Financial Committee, World Health Organization, United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs, United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Human Rights Council |
| 2022 | 14–18 February | Darius Harnisch, Nicolas Cavadini | Restoring multilateralism in a fractured world: Questions that divide and matters that unite | Security Council, MUN Refugee Challenge, International Labour Organization, UN Human Rights Council, UNESCO, Historical Crisis Committee |
| 2023 | 13–17 February | Hibat-Allah Hably, Mathilda Pradal | Addressing conflicts and crisis: the new perspectives of the regional and international institutions | International Labour Organization (Host), Security Council, MUN Refugee Challenge, African Union, Organization of American States, Association of Southeast Asian Nations, International Court of Justice |
| 2024 | 12–16 February | Matteo Dummar, Kara Djakou | United in Diversity: Fostering Inclusion, Equity, and Cultural Understanding | International Labour Organization (Host), Security Council, High Commissioner for Refugees, Arab League, International Criminal Court, Human Rights Council, International Court of Justice, Bicameral Crisis |
| 2025 | 10–14 February | Maralmaa Natsag, Tomás Espinosa Rojas | Navigating Global Conflicts: Fostering Peace Through Multilateral Cooperation | TBA |
UN Day
editTo celebrate the anniversary of the entering into force of the United Nations Charter, GIMUN annually collaborates with the United Nations Office at Geneva to bring a conference entitled “UN Day”, organised on the 24 October. UN Day gives young people the opportunity to express their visions regarding a selected topic under an underarching theme, in one of various panels led by selected speakers who are specially invited for the occasion and specialised in the particular area of debate. In 2012, a special edition of UN Day was organised, in partnership with the Swiss National Youth Council SNYC, Youth Rep, and Junes, entitled "Decade". This was to commemorate the 10 year anniversary of Switzerland's adhesion to the United Nations.[11][12][13]
Youth Perspectives
editYouth Perspectives is a conference aimed at giving young adults the opportunity to exchange their points of view, negotiate contrasting perspectives, elaborate a common position and then develop a sustainable solution for various issues of contemporary international relations.[14] By gathering young people with the purpose of sharing their ideas, the conference aims at reaching conclusions that reflect the position of youth on those matters.[14] Due to GIMUN's Special Consultative Status, the outcomes of this conference have been submitted to the United Nations ECOSOC Ministerial Review.[15]
Study Trip
editSince 2009, GIMUN has organised educational trips, inviting students to visit a certain region of the world for a duration of between 1 and 2 weeks, to develop research on a particular theme of relevance to the United Nations mandate.[16]
MUN Delegation
editMUN Delegation was created in 2010 under the name of "MUN Society" - a weekly reunion of Geneva students who wished to learn about MUN Procedure and simulate committees for one academic semester.[1] In 2012, MUN Society added an objective of sending its participants to a Model United Nations Conference in Europe. In October 2013 and 2014, certain MUN Society members attended Oxford University Model United Nations. As of September 2014, MUN Society became MUN Delegation: a small group of selected students engaging in brief training sessions in specific preparation for an MUN Conference.[17] In October 2014, the students went to OXIMUN again, while in Spring 2015 they attended Moscow International Model United Nations, in Russia.
International Geneva
editSince June 2014, GIMUN has organised a week-long itinerary to visit and discover the vast array of international organisations in Geneva.
References
edit- ^ a b c "script.naepflin.com: GIMUN: 10 Years of Understanding IR Through Experience". naepflin.com.
- ^ "United Nations, ECOSOC, List of non - governmental organisations in consultative status with the Economic and Social Council as of 1 September 2014 (E/2014/INF/5), p. 42" (PDF).
- ^ "Genève Internationale (19 March 2012), Interview with Nicolas Vetterli, president of GIMUN".[permanent dead link]
- ^ "L'Auditoire – Quand j'aurai mon diplôme, je serai diplomate (Edition de décembre, p.23)" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2016-03-31. Retrieved 2015-11-29.
- ^ a b c Guo, Yike (14 May 2013). Amazon.com. BoD – Books on Demand. ISBN 978-3732242078.
- ^ "Saudi woman selected for UN meet". Arab News. March 24, 2014.
- ^ Robert TATERSALL (2 September 2006), CCHRE student at Geneva International Model United Nations (GIMUN)
- ^ a b "College students participate in GIMUN | College of Europe". www.coleurope.eu.
- ^ a b "Welcome! | UN GENEVA". www.ungeneva.org.
- ^ "Students participate in Geneva International Model United Nations". Vesalius College. March 28, 2012. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved March 5, 2021.
- ^ "Evénement DECADE 2012 "10 ans Suisse – ONU" : La jeunesse a son mot à dire! - News". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2015-12-01.
- ^ http://www.sajv.ch/media/medialibrary/2012/10/FINAL_REPORT.pdf [dead link]
- ^ DECADE – Une journée de commémoration et de célébration
- ^ a b "IHEID (6 December 2012), Geneva International Model United Nations". Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
- ^ "United Nations Economic and Social Council, Annual Ministerial Review, 2011 Substantive Session, High-Level Segment, 4-8 July 2011, List of Side Events, p. 4" (PDF).
- ^ MUN Planet (26 October 2015) - Following the Chocolate Way to Geneva - GIMUN 2016 Special Interview
- ^ ""UNO, You Know?!" Blog, "Last Wednesday at the MUN Delegation (week 1)"". Archived from the original on 2015-10-03. Retrieved 2015-12-01.