Resolution

The following resolution is from the philadelphia conference and it passed. In this resolution we tackled the topic of conserving biodiversity.

The following resolution was created by students from my class and I. We were debating how to stop illiteracy; I was representing Venezuela.


Sponsors: Brazil, France, Italy, Venezuela, United Kingdom, United States
Signatories: China, Ethiopia, Russia, Sudan

Aware of the financial needs of every nation, and the extent to which they have the capabilities to provide for programs having to do with literacy

Recognizing the limited resources meaning educational programs that many nations have

Understanding the environmental conditions, focusing on war torn countries, endangering the well being of many students on their path to getting education

Deeply concerned with the lack of government regulations going on in developing countries

Keeping in mind that countries with low literacy rates; and they are mainly illiterate because of the lack of resources such as books, papers, pens etc.

Welcomes the use of microcredit and microloans to fund the building of schools. The funds need to be divided amongst the people who are creating these schools, along with the way that they will be run
a) The schools will be created (1-12) in safe areas for children to attend
b) More will be built with these funds
c) Buses with officers will transport children from their homes to school, and vice versa

Invites the use of NGO’s, countries, private organizations to fund also provide for the developing countries

Supports the literacy for developing countries which is meant to focus directly on developing countries and ensuring the development and progression of education and literacy in general
Suggests the development of a new program, Each One Teach One (EOTO), and a broad program that:
a) gathers teachers from different major cities of different impoverished states and take them to developed nations to improve literacy teaching skills
b) Funds for resources (books, trips, etc.) with the support of UNESCO, and all sponsoring developed nations
c) Volunteers from the developed nations would go to the underdeveloped nations and spread the ideas
Stressing the use of program such as “The Road to Success”
a) Focusing on infrastructure by building roads and schools
b) Funding by NGO grants and government organizations
c) Using blue helmets for the safety and protection of the development of the program
d) Using industries involved with literacy, to provide utilities for the students as well as aid, if they choose

6. Suggesting the need of transparency in these governments and the implementation of laws leaning towards the proliferation of the schools

7. Requests that the curriculum of the schools that will be built must be approved by their government

8. Encourage the government to have a meeting every year where the head of school meets with the government to see the progress of the pupils

9. Welcomes the creation of the international book drive week every year so that:
a) People from all around the worlds donate books, paper, pen, etc;
b) Money is being raised so that special books to teach children how to read and write is purchased;

An international issues affecting us today

Terrorism is a problem affecting the whole international community. It is a global issue that has to be addressed because it affects all of us. The following link will take you to another blog in which I go more in-depth about this topic.
http://chariiyaniiterrorism.blogspot.com/

Representing Benin

When I represented Benin I travelled to Boston. I visited Havard University one of the most prestigous University of the world. During the conference everyone was very competitive and viable. We wanted to make an impression to the people over there. The committee I had was not the best committee ever but the experience I gained was great.

Position paper

Committee: Historical General assembly 1980

Topic: Separatists Terrorist Groups

Country: Benin

Delegates: Charina Betances, Marcell Urena

The United Nation was created in order to “Prevent large scale conventional conflicts”. Separatist Terrorist groups are a threat to the world therefore it is of paramount matter to address this issue.

The Republic of Benin is a West African country. It is bordered by Togo to the west and Nigeria to the east. Benin is currently in the process of transitioning to a democracy. Benin was a former colony of France but a few years back it obtained its independence. Then it had a Marxist government and in 1979 the first election occurred. Benin has been through many transitions in the past couple of years but Benin knows how to get by them and this only makes our government stronger. Benin has had problems of its own; there has been poverty, low income, and hunger but we’ve done our best to get pass them. Benin is not a victim of separatist terrorist group just like many other nations.

Terrorism is an issue that we care about but it is not currently happening in our country. Even though we have different religious and groups of different background, we do not violate their human rights and their natural freedoms. We have country with refugees of different ethnicity, like from Togo, which have threatened the stability of our society and government but our efficient government knows how to deal with them. Unlike other countries where this causes separation and isolations of groups which eventually threaten the stability of their country and the world as a whole.

Benin doesn’t support nor promotes any terrorist groups. It does not have any terrorist groups in the country. Benin is a very peaceful country that is coping with its own issues by its own pace. Benin is experiencing growth very slowly but we are getting to where we want to be. In this year [1980] so far we’ve had an increase in development of 0.344% even though this number may seem insignificant; it is of great importance to us because through perseverance and by coping with issues that influences our growth.

Ultimately Benin believes that separatist terrorists cause threat to the international community. We first need to fix other problems such as poverty in continents such as Africa and Latin America. And for the countries that are coping with terrorism they need to enforce more their laws and meets their people’s need because that’s the main reason why they are having terrorist acts in their country. Benin also believes that we need to find the definition of terrorism because there is not a clear definition yet and this is why many countries are confused on what actions to take in this issue.

My partner Marcell & I

Posing in front of Havard University's library

Committee rooms over there.

Group picture. =]

My friends & I at the restaurant in Boston.

Representing Brazil

When I represented Brazil I gained a lot of knowledge about the environment and how difficult it is to come up with a resolution that will benefit every member of the international community and solve the problem that we are trying to fix. To attend this conference my group and I traveled to philladelphia. This historical location was just perfect for our experience and plus i tried the "aunthentic" Philly cheese steak.

Position paper

1-Conserving Biodiversity
Committee: United Nation Environment Program
Topic: Conserving biodiversity during industrialization
Country: Brazil
Delegate: Charina Betances, Tarchae Campbell

The main goal of United Nations Environment Program is “to provide leadership and encourage partnership in caring for the environment.” Although this is the main goal, it has not yet been established. Biodiversity exists all around the world and it is the task of every individual of the international community to ensure that biodiversity is conserved. Regardless of the admirable efforts taken by the United Nations to combat this issue, such as the Kyoto protocol, that focuses on climate change, which also helps, conserve biodiversity all around the world.

Brazil believes that eliminating biodiversity is in fact is a problem and needs to be prevented. In order to preserve biodiversity during industrialization, countries should spread awareness through education about how and why we should conserve biodiversity. Brazil cares very much about plants and animals and every member that makes up biodiversity. However Brazil is a developing nation that also looks out for the commonwealth of its people.

In 1996 Brazil launched the National biodiversity Program (PRONABIO). This program established the project on the conservation and sustainable use of the Brazilian diversity (PROBIO). Pro- Biodiversity is a program that invested in 14 projects that aimed to conserve biodiversity in the nation.

Furthermore, Brazil supports the national fund for the environment (FNMA). Brazil also supports the PPG-7 (launched in 1992) Atlantic forest sub-program. This program invested 9.4 million for conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity in the entire Atlantic forest. In August 2007, the Brazilian government created Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade (ICMBIO), an institute whose main function is to manage the country's federal conservation units.

Brazil is doing its best to conserve biodiversity in the country. We’ve established program that aim towards conserving biodiversity such as the Little Blue Macaw Project. This project focuses on conserving the nearly extinct Spix’s Macaw, a bird found in the Amazon rainforest. Brazil wants to maintain every species that makes up our ecosystem.

Spreading awareness through education remains the apparatus to conversing biodiversity in every nation. Having the government involved in conserving biodiversity will make the country richer and more developed overall. Developing countries need to keep in mind their environment and biodiversity in every decision that the country makes.

Position paper

2- Pollution prevention & control
Committee: United Nation Environment Program
Topic: Pollution Prevention and Control
Country: Brazil
Delegate: Charina Betances, Tarchae Campbell

Pollution is the contamination of air, water, or earth by destructive matter. Although this matter has become increasingly harmful, it still exists. Pollution has become one of the most harmful problems today and it is the mission of the international community to combat this problem. Despite the attempts made to fight against pollution, such as The Mediterranean Action Plan, the United Nations has felt short in putting this issue to an end.

Brazil believes that in order to prevent and control pollution, nations must join together to reduce the emission of Co2 in the atmosphere. This consists of decreasing the amount of fossil fuels used in factories by using an alternative source of energy. We also suggest countries to recycle used materials such as tires, batteries, and containers and raise awareness, training, and education on the environment.

Brazil is currently involved in many projects that aim to prevent and control pollution. Brazil was part of the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal. This is a world agreement that was established in 1992 and it’s still in effect today. This agreement intends to “minimize the generation of hazardous waste; ensure they are disposed in an environmentally sound manner and as close to the source of generation as possible; reduce the international movement of hazardous waste.” Brazil cares very much about its environment and we need to ensure that upcoming generations have a safety and healthy environment free of pollution.

Brazil is well aware of how pollution is such a massive problem today. This is the reason we developed a ban on practically all outdoor advertising (Clean City Law). The main focus on this project is tackling pollution but starting out small with visual pollution. This hits the problem were it is starting at, our lifestyles, which is one of the main causes. Brazil is also involved in numerous amounts of agreements that focus on pollution such as Hazardous Waste, Marine Dumping, Ozone Layer Protection, and Ship Pollution.

Brazil is a developing country and it is the leading economic power in South America. Brazil is doing its best to control pollution. The IBAMA, which is the Brazilian ministry of the environment enforcement agency, is in charge of creating new regulations that aims towards protecting the environment. Other nations should too establish institutions that focus on protecting the environment just how Brazil is doing. The international communinity needs put effort to protect the environment due to the fact that this issue can escalate to a bigger one and we will all get affected by it.

The key to change is unity. Nation must unite to dwindle the problem and eventually put an end to this problem. Brazil will give its support to any nation who is truly dedicated and determined to ending this dilemma. “In union, there is strength.” –Aesop

IMAGES

Notes from the conference

My UNEP committee

Giving a speech

A friend I met over there.

My friends & I at the conference

My class in front of the liberty bell.

Me and the Liberty Bell.


I was going to churn butter... lol

Representing Sudan

My partner Raiel Shwartz and me... We represented Sudan. We had an amazing time.

THE OPENING SPEECH

Everyone in this room has a mother. Females represent about half of the human population. With this being said Sudan considers that the topic of violence against women is of paramount importance to discuss in this committee. Violence against women is a violation of human right. Any country that violates the rights of women shall be subjected to the same level of punishment that occurs when a human right is violated.

The 2005 constitution of Sudan states that "the country should protect women, prevent injustices, promote gender equality, and empower women in public life" To end injustices and for all to be equal in Sudan we gave women the right to vote. To empower women in the political field Sudan was the first Arab country to appoint women as judges. This little yet significant actions is what helps a country overcome the struggles that women face in society.

We believe that countries should allow women to serve or be part in the government. This will promote gender equality and will also de-escalate violence against women. Furthermore Sudan believes that economically stabled countries need to provide developing countries with microloans. There is a relationship that exist between countries that have the most human rights abuse and countries that are developing. The countries that have the most human rights abuses are developing countries. Sudan is a developing country and we need all the help we can get. Poverty plays a major role in this situation.

Ultimately Sudan encourages the present countries to meet up in blocs in the next unmoderated caucus so we can come up a resolution that addresses all the issues presented in this topic. Women are the ones that give life, lets give them something back too.

POSITION PAPER

Country: Sudan
Committee: Human Rights Council
Delegates: Raiel Schwartz, Charina Betances
School: High School for International Business and Finance.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, “no one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment." All countries, including Sudan, have ratified this document. Why is it then that the rights of women are still being exploited worldwide? Everybody on this planet is born from a woman. Females are approximately 50% of the human population. Violence against women is happening everywhere, it permeates all states and it is the job of the international community to make sure that all humans are treated with equality and consideration. Sudan has made commendable progress in empowering women, still more can be done and it is the job of the international community to ensure that the rights of women are not violated.

The Interim National Constitution of The Republic of Sudan (2005) states “The State shall protect motherhood and women from injustice, promote gender equality and the role of women in family, and empower them in public life.” This shows that we are wholeheartedly committed to ending the atrocity. In 2000 Sudan appointed a state advisor for women’s affairs. Her name is Suad El-Fateh. We are working hard to represent the issues of women in our government.

Sudan recognizes that women greatly contribute to economical development. In 1973 we formulated a national women committee and established WID unit early in the year 1973. There are WID units all over Sudan and there is a WID Unit at the College of Agricultural Studies (DSRC), and it was establish in 1980, this unit conducts research and collects data and documents on women. This college also offers a course in gender development planning. In Sudan 80% of women participate in the Agricultural, animal husbandry, and fishing sectors and these activities are one of the most influential to our economy.

Women are politically represented in Sudan’s government. In 1953, all women were given the right to vote. The constitution grants Sudanese women 25% of federal parliamentary seats. Sudan is also the first Arab country to allow women judges. If women are empowered and encouraged to work in the government, then we believe that violence against women can be minimized. The countries in which violence against women are the most prevalent are the countries that under-represent women. In order for women to be protected, they need to be given the opportunity by their government rise up in their society.

Sudan believes that in order to end violence against women nations must seek to empower their women in all aspects of society. Programs that end work-place discrimination and ensure fair rights for women should be implanted in countries that need them the most. Women need to obtain equal rights in political, social, and economic fields in their communities. Sudan recognizes that no nation is exempt from gender violence and that’s why we need to combat this pressing issue today.

It is Sudan’s hope that this committee can bring around real change regarding violence against women. A nation’s sovereignty is something that should always be respected, but not at the expense of mankind being disrespected. Sudan is committed to negotiating with all countries to ensure that all women from the international community can rest at night without fear of abuse and violence.

Reflection

Meeting new people, resolving International problems, and learning about the world is what Model United Nations is all about. I started Model UN my sophomore year of High school. My global teacher Ms. Pollio introduced me to this program. Model UN was an after club school and we only met once a week. Junior year Model UN was introduced as a class. I participated in the class and we had a lot of fun. We went to different places in and out of state and the experience was just fantastic.

When I went to my first Model UN conference I felt like an alien that just came from space. The conference room was huge and my partner and I were new at this so we were frightened, scared, and didn't want to talk. Oh, and I forgot to say that we were both the shy type of girls. In my first conference I represented Germany and I was in the World Health Organization. The committee was really good and focused on women’s health. It was very intimidating because I had no idea what the people at the conference were talking about. They mentioned something about NGOs and I looked at my partner to see if she knew what they were talking about but her eyes just showed me that she was as confused as I was. The delegation that was next to us was the delegation of France and I remember that it was two kids from Bronx Science High School. They were good… I mean scary good. Let me tell you that they won the best delegation award at the end. They kind of helped us throughout the conference and it felt somewhat good having like the ‘big power’ right next to you.

The next country that I represented was Liechtenstein. This Conference was almost the same as the last. I again was in this huge room with. My partner for this conference was Waled Attareb. In this conference I had fun. Well my partner was kind of a clown and we were just laughing of the stupidest things. He actually made other people laugh too. In this conference I remember that we didn’t do very well. Even though he’s the type of guy that is ‘out there’ he didn’t want to talk as much… and trust me I wasn’t the type that was going to stand in front of thousands of people and give a speech. In this conference I realized that the committees that were big were not for me.

Then I represented Turkey. I think that this was one of the best conferences. I was in a small conference room and the topic that were discussing was one that I’m passionate about. The committee was UNICEF and the topic was access to primary education. I am a compassionate person that believes that every child has the right to education and education will allow people to progress in life. This conference showed me that I’m a humanitarian person that will rather discuss social topics rather than warfare and topics that deal with weapons.

The next Conference that I participated in was Harvard MUN. During this conference I had the privilege to travel to Boston, Massachusetts. It was very exciting and I had an amazing time with all my friends. In Harvard MUN I was representing Benin. My partner was my friend Marcell Urena. Before the conference we asked the teacher if we could be partners. The teacher told us that if we were to be partners that we wouldn’t have the committee that we wanted so we decided to face the ramifications that this deed was going to bring. We had the worst committee ever. We were left with the Historical general assembly discussing the war between Iraq and Iran in the 1980s. First of all I didn’t like war topics, secondly the committee was humongous, and thirdly we were to be there like basically the whole day. Even though the committee sessions were extremely dreary, the non-committee time that we had was extraordinary. The hotel had a mall right in it. A girl basically spending three days at the mall? Oh my god that’s the best thing ever. The socializing time that we had in this conference was great too. We attended the delegate dance. I had a lot of fun. Harvard MUN was a good conference I think that I would’ve enjoyed it more if I had a better topic/committee.

The next conference that I went to was PHYLMUN. We had to travel to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which is not very far from New York. In this conference I represented Brazil. I was in the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP). This was the best conference ever. My partner and me were constantly active and participating. The committee was not big it was a small committee and the Chair was an amazing person. In this conference I met amazing people that today I still keep in contact with.

Finally in the last conference I attended I represented Sudan. In this conference I was advocating the rights of women. I think that this conference was great. My partner and I were very up and about. We sponsored a resolution and it passed. We even “created” a program called Female Empowerment Movement (FEM). I was very proud at my accomplishment in this conference. My partner and I gave our best at the conference. We represented Sudan, a not so stable country, with great effort and I actually enjoyed my last MUN conference.

Overall I think that the Model UN experience open new horizons to me. I am more aware of international problems for example the situation in Darfur, Sudan. I also understand the process that it takes to solve world problems. I gained knowledge about the world. In the conference I heard of countries that I've never heard before; a country I heard in the conference that I never heard before was the country Djibouti. Also I now understand the value of compromise and one lesson that I learned was that you can't always have it your way, there will always be someone that to one extent will disagree with you.

My first MUN partner and I. (Representing Germany.)

Half of the group and I (Representing Liechtenstein)

At Harvard MUN (BENIN)

In philadelphia (BRAZIL)

UNA USA MUN (SUDAN)

Model United Nations

My first MUN Conference

My name is Charina Betances and I'm currently a junior of High School of International Business and Finance. This blog will give you an insight of my experience as a Model UN delagate. Model UN was part of my life since my sophomore year in high school. This program teaches you alot of lessons, but most of all, it shows you to be more open-minded about the world.

School: High School for Intl business & Finance
Course: Model United Nations
Teacher: Ms Pollio
Grade level: 11th
Date: 06/04/09