Leave it to our kids to make the rules, and the world could well become a better place.
Resolutions they recently undertook as simulated United Nations members included far more rigorous regulation of the arms trade– and in some instances an effective ban on arms transfer to potential global hot spots. The Sri Lankan delegation suggested a non-partisan body composed of 15 neutral third-party diplomats have to power to conduct such trade.
The U.S. delegation went one better and proposed a ‘licence raj’, whereby arms production companies would be annually scrutinized, and only if they consistently met all conditions would they be granted a licence to trade.
The UK delegation went even further: no party would be allowed to transfer any weapon where there was the risk it would be used in violation of the Charter of the United nations– or any violation of human rights, genocide or crimes against humanity. The event, held in Peel last week, drew the attention of Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Premier Dalton McGuity. Ban Ki-moon, UN Secretary General, also heeded the students’ call. The event however may have slipped below the radar-screen of U.S. President George W. Bush, Jr. But Governor General Michaelle Jean was at hand with words of inspiration.
“You are among today’s leaders. In fact, you are one step ahead of us, carving out new paths for yourself and for Canada. I am pleased to greet you for the student model United Nations,” she said, in a message to the students.
Sensitive issue .
It was a treat to watch the future leaders of the world debating the sensitive issue of international arms trade at the simulated United Nations in Mississauga last week.
Some 240 Peel District School Board secondary school students had gathered at the board’s 13th annual Student Model United Nations to discuss in length the actual UN resolution on international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional arms. The students also got the attention of several leaders of today’s world who encouraged and greeted them for their interest in solving global issues.
Student delegates representing 24 UN member countries discussed at length the actual resolution 61/89 of Dec. 18, 2006. Some delegates beautifully tabled alternate resolutions, clarifying their respective countries’ stance, position, its impacts and implications. Others supported the present resolution. The students had done their homework well; some of their research into international politics was little short of amazing. The enthusiasm and passion of the delegates about issues around global citizenship and leadership was really exceptional. The students exhibited concern at the proliferation of arms and tried to control that from the United Nations platform.
“These kids are outstanding. I’m always impressed to see hundreds of students discussing and contributing solutions to a global challenge,” said Janet McDougald, chair of the board and MC of the event. “I look forward to moderating the event’s debate each year and listening to the wisdom of our future world leaders as they tackle an important issue.” Other leaders who sent their messages to the students included John McKnee, Permanent Representative of Canada to the UN, and Kathleen Wynne, Minister of Education.
UN session.
* Representatives from Afghanistan, Bosnia, Cameroon, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Democratic Republic of Congo, France, Germany, India, Iran, Israel, Kenya, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Korea (South), Russian Federation, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Sudan, United Kingdom and the United States participated.
* The countries were selected to ensure all regions of the world were covered.
* The event proved a true United Nations: after tabling alternate resolutions, the delegates lobbied each other in order to get enough support– a two-thirds majority (16) in the house of 24 members– for a resolution to pass. However, none of the resolutions were passed
Pingback: sbo-betth เว็บแทงบอล ราคาดีที่สุด
Pingback: Japanese models