Virtual Cafeteria

By: Elina Palapattu

As we all know, meals during a typical MUNUM conference are a highlight of the day! We all look forward to the large selection of restaurants, stores and coffee we are fortunate to have at the conference. Some of my favorite MUN memories were during the lunch session, talking with other delegates, and bonding over our love for all the food that the cafeteria has to offer. Food and lunches are obviously something that we can't fully recreate in the virtual setting, so I decided to ask delegates what they ate for lunch. I interviewed people from my own committee (IPC) as well as some DISEC members on what they chose to eat for lunch. To my surprise, many people got very creative with our lunch break! Many of the people I talked to ordered out for lunch or made a cool dish, so I hope that reading this article inspires you to try something new for lunch- whether it’s recreating our usual delicious MUNUM cafeteria at home, or trying a restaurant recommended in the article:)

From sandwiches to sushi, the delegates at this conference had a variety of different foods. Out of all the people I talked to, 68% of them ate out for lunch. Philippines from DISEC had a veggie sandwich with hummus and pickles, from a restaurant in Dixboro. The restaurant is called Moonwinks, and the delegate absolutely recommends this restaurant and sandwich for anyone nearby. Jimmy Johns was another popular option- three people chose their classic sandwiches. The delegate from Spain stated that he was very hungry, having a “jimmy johns sub, with loaded baked potato soup, vanilla and strawberry ice cream, and pizza rolls.” One of my IPC committee members had sushi from Godaiko (restaurant in Ann Arbor), which she recommended and loved. Restaurants other delegates ate at include: Panera, Subway, Chick fil A. Three of my other IPC members ate pizza and two others ordered chinese food and ramen. I hope this long list and varieties of food gives you an idea of something new to try- and if not keep reading for some options you can have at home!

Although the majority of delegates chose to eat out for lunch, some decided to make something at home- and some even had breakfast. I interviewed two delegates from California (DISEC), and both had breakfast during our break due to the time difference. The Netherlands had an egg sandwich and tea for breakfast, while Germany had a spinach omelet. Both sound delicious! A rapateuor from DISEC ate in her dorm, and had cottage cheese, grapes and takis. Other foods people ate at home include a soft butter croissant and tacos. Although we are in the middle of a crazy time right now, it was so interesting to hear what people ate during our virtual conference; and I can’t wait for future years where we can all gather in the cafeteria and share MUN stories again!

The Journey to South American Independence

By: Elina Palapattu

This morning, debate is heated in the South American Independence Committee. This committee is tasked with defeating Spanish powers in South America so that it may  exist without a large colonial power. Things are moving fast as multiple directives are introduced and the delegation of Britain drops in with surprising news. 

The day started off with a directive idea from Bernard O'higgins and Jose Felix Ribas: The directive on Porto Cabello and Coastal Venezuela. The directive proposes an attack on Porto Cabello (to retake the city) and cut off spanish supplies. This directive earned support from Simon Bolivar immediately. Manuel Belgrano also agreed, but says that in order for this to work a strong military is needed. 

Debate was suddenly interrupted as the delegation of Britain entered the room and offered support. However, all delegates were concerned by the terms. Britain offered their help and coordination in return for control on carribean islands and ports. The delegation of Britain also requested total economic control. This news left delegates shocked and suspicious. José Antonio Páez pointed out that this situation sounds identical to the situation Latin America was just in with Spain, and the situation they are fighting to get out of. Many delegates agreed that giving Britain economic power is a bad idea, however delegates disagree on whether to negotiate with Britain, or flat out decline their support. José Antonio Páez, Jose Felix Rebas, and Simon Bolivar believe that there is no harm in negotiating, but Bernard O’Higgins does not want to engage with Britain at all (at first). However, consensus among all delegates is that they cannot accept the Britain offer as is.

Two new directives are now in the works: Retreating Troops from Caracas and Spread the Propaganda Directive. The Retreating Troops from Caracas directive recognizes that the battle is no longer top priority, and the Propaganda directive spreads information about the Spanish that will instill fear among common people. These directives will continue to develop as time goes on!

More secret information was revealed as Manuela Saenz received a message that a sewer pipe is open, and this could lead to the Spanish to invading Porto Cabello. After debate between Saenz and Belgrano, delegates decided this information is not top priority, and instead introduced the Porto Cabello directive, which passed. Recently the Crisis Backroom came with more information: Latin America took a win against the Spanish in Porto Cabello, but now the Spanish are looking for a forced battle to take another port. The delegates are now preparing for battle.

DISEC Debates Nuclear Weapons in the Middle East

By: Elina Palapattu

The debate is lively this morning as the delegates from DISEC are filled with ideas on how to best handle nuclear weapons in the Middle East. Everyone seems to agree that this is a large issue, but there are many ideas about how to reach a solution, and what a solution should look like. Delegates from Haiti, Tanzania, Ecuador and more countries seem to agree that a treaty is necessary as a first step towards peace. The morning session focused mainly on the treaty and it’s moving parts, and what would realistically be best for the middle east.

Delegates had two main questions about the treaty: to keep/modify what is in place or make a new treaty and how to enforce either option. Countries wonder if they should keep the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT) that is currently in place. The purpose of this treaty is to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, and promote using nuclear energy in a peaceful way. Another option discussed is to order a new document that is similar to the Treaty of Tadulako. Cambodia and Mexico propose a new treaty based upon international cooperation, while Sri Lanka looks favorably on smaller organizations. A third party moderator is also considered to ensure countries obey the content of the proposed treaty. Germany also proposed a treaty, and the delegate explained a three pronged plan that consists of establishing a multilateral nuclear weapon sharing agreement, restriction on nuclear sharing materials, and creating a control system and verification. Germany has seen something like this done before, and believes it could be useful again.

Delegates have also considered what would be best for the middle east. Many countries argue that nuclear weapons are a global issue that affects everyone, whereas Afghanistan urges other countries to focus on the middle east specifically. Mexico invites all middle eastern countries to speak up and debate. The Netherlands brought up power dynamics throughout the world. The delegate adds that if we take nuclear weapons from the Middle East, they might be at a disadvantage as other countries surrounding the middle east would still have nuclear weapons. Another question up for debate recently is the question of removing nuclear weapons vs promoting transparency and controlling them.  Countries such as Afghanistan wonder if it is even possible to remove all nuclear weapons, and believe the best option is to try to control them as much as possible. More ideas will come in the afternoon session, and these ideas will continue to develop.