More Wages, Less Gaps

The world is moving past the era of ‘traditional’ housewives, and the delegations of UN Women strive to continuously build up women of all backgrounds, cultures, and communities.

UN Women Meeting Room, Palmer – Questions arise in developed and undeveloped countries to where women can fit into a modern business setting. Economic mobility has been a recurring topic throughout the committee, with many resolutions being presented and debated throughout the first session.

One directive presented, titled S.P.P.A.R.K.L.E., raised many questions as well as answered them. Supported by the delegations of Qatar, Brazil, Colombia, Czechia, Venezuela, and India, the paper stressed the importance of political progress through underdeveloped countries, as well as strength between neighboring and regional countries. 

The paper also presented ideals of equal healthcare for males and females, making birth control accessible and keeping menstrual products at retail price. Despite these policies being universally agreed upon in the committee, their ideas going towards sex education and health classes stirred up more controversy.

The paper argued for sex education in health classes for children starting at the age of ten, the average age of puberty. However, some cultures and regions addressed concerns over this decision because of their norms. The delegations of this paper pressed that sex education did not need to contain anything that the country’s culture prohibited.

A different group of delegates proposed other ideals in their paper, titled W.S.W. In an interview with one of the signatories on W.S.W., the delegation of Italy voiced their plans to uplift women into education. “...there are more schooling opportunities, scholarships, and grants [for women]...” he stated, “Most of these scholarships would be given to developing countries who don’t have many women [in schools] through a fund.” W.S.W. also focused on political representation for women and abolishing gender norms. The delegation of the Republic of Korea stated, “Girls should be learning about whatever their male counterparts are.”

Although most delegations seemed to be on the same page of uplifting women, delegations such as the Russian Federation held differing opinions. “I’m working on a paper that focuses on more traditional roles,” the delegate of the Russian Federation voiced, “It’s what my country supports.” 

It is clear that most of the UN Women's delegates intend to make a change in the way women are able to move up in the business world, and many more direct solutions were presented to the committee. Despite the large number of delegates in the committee, it's evident that many had one thing in mind: power to working women.

The UNSC faces foreign interference in the Algerian War

The UNSC’s room at 10:45 am was filled with the buzz of lively debate. Delegates from a diverse range of countries traded final thoughts about resolutions close to being submitted. The appearance of an inflatable dinosaur disrupted this debate, and delegates listened with fascination while the dinosaur played popular songs such as Katy Perry’s Firework and Billy Joel’s Piano Man. As the dinosaur exited the room, debate resumed.

Sudden allegations of France & the United States colluding to send troops into Algeria to secure French control of the region surfaced, as a note sent between the two materialized. When asked about these allegations, the delegate of Mexico said “The United States asked France to sign off on sending ground troops into Algeria, which France did” pointing at the note circulating the room showing just that. The delegates became embroiled in a heated debate about this alleged collaboration. Amid this, the chairs called for an end to the Unmod, and all delegates returned to their seats. Mexico proposed the introduction of all working papers on the floor, and delegates voted to support this motion.

The first resolution to be introduced was a paper by Austria & New Zealand. The resolution, titled “Ending African Involvement” targeted Nigeria & Niger’s involvement in the Algerian War. The resolution urged Nigeria & Niger to end their involvement in the war, threatening sanctions if they didn’t do so. As the Q&A period began, Peru asked valuable questions about this resolution, including questioning why this paper didn’t target larger countries as well. In response to this, the sponsors of this paper expressed worries about a possible veto by one of the P5 countries if they were targeted in this paper. When it came time to vote, it was a nearly even split. However, the UK, who had passed originally, decided to veto this resolution.

The second resolution introduced was also sponsored by Austria and New Zealand, entitled “Ending American Involvement”. This resolution contained essentially the same content, however, in Q&A, the delegate from Austria expressed that they wished to have a resolution dealing with America be a separate resolution, so the entire paper wouldn’t be vetoed. During voting procedure, the delegate from America vetoed the resolution, with the UK and China following suit. 

As the UNSC moves onto different topics, there is sure to be more heated debate & possible controversies. However, most delegates within the room seemed to remain hopeful that everyone will be able to meet in the middle & pass resolutions that will help solve problems that they are dealing with.

Reported on by IPC delegate Davis Mortenson

Saturday, January 13th: Dodge City

Dodge City - The heart of shootouts, brawls, and vanishing milk drinkers. Sand kicks up as a tumbleweed tumbles along the dusty dirt trail... 

KABLAM! 

The gunshot rings across the vast expanse of Kansas, signaling your arrival in the notorious Dodge City of 1883. 

Howdy, partner! Dodge City is buzzin' with tales of rising stars, from the sweet and innocent Christian lady, Ida Beeson, to the gritty and bold hired gun, Luke Short. So cinch up those saddlebags and ready your lasso 'cause we're headin' for a wild ride. YEEHAW! 

After the economic dynamite-like explosion, Dodge City is bustling with railroads, businesses, and, of course, a whole mess of violence. Trouble brews where the whiskey flows and the milk spills. Mayor Lawrence Deger tries to lay down the law by setting up sheriff posts, notably at his own watering hole, the "Long Branch Saloon." He aims to clean house, tossin' out the likes of troublemakers such as Luke Short. Well, Short ain't one to back down, so he rounds up some heavy-hittin allies like Bat Masterson and Wyatt Earp after catchin' wind of multiple threats. 

But things go from bad to worse as the sheriffs on duty turn hostile, ridin' the trail straight into corruption and flashing the early signs of lawman brutality. Them saloon regulars find themselves catchin' more than a fair share of beatings. 

One fine day, a feller dressed up like a lawman, Tom Sherman (how he got that badge is a real head-scratcher), goes chasin' down three patrons who vanish into thin air. 

Panic grips the city, and now it's up to the good folks of Dodge City to untangle this mess. The showdown looms on the horizon, and the fate of Dodge City rests in the hands of its own citizens. Saddle up, partner, 'cause this ain't no ordinary tale—it's a wild ride through the heart of the West!

By IPC delegate Thomson Zhou

MIDNIGHT Saturday, January 13th

Czechoslavakia…. At Niiiiggghhhtttt

In  MUNUM’s Thirty-Seventh annual Midnight Crisis, delegates were transported back to Russia as Czech soldiers to discuss how to properly take on the Bolshevik army and to properly escape from Russia

Russia, Europe- As the second day of MUNUM Thirty-Seven came to a close, an incredibly skilled group of sixteen delegates met up at the Michigan Union in order to participate in the Midnight Crisis. The room was filled with jitters, anxiety, and wonder as to what the topic of this crisis could be. The delegates were soon after transported back into the times of the Czechoslavakian Legion, an army group put together of war prisoners from Russia in order to fight for the freedom of Czechoslovakia, and themselves. 

Papers flew and so did discussions, as debate opened with going over specific positions and powers, but they were soon interrupted with a crisis update of a Czech soldier fighting a small group of Bolshevik soldiers, where a tussle took place due to something orange, or they were possibly drunk as well. This caused major pushback against the Czech soldiers due to their fighting, springing the committee to take action.

There were many different ideas, such as major general Radaba Gajida who called for the Bolsheviks to take total blame for the events that took place. He mentioned his military prowess, specifically stating, “I am not a doctor. I am a soldier, I have been a soldier, and I will die a soldier.”

But there were more ideas on how to not only fight the Bolsheviks, but to raise the morale of their troops. Traveling jester with the army Aleksander Kotomkin had ideas for this, calling for support by saying, “Roses are red, violets are blue, I support, and you should too.” He would then call for mandatory poetry, play, and sports sessions to help raise the moral, physicality, and mentality of the soldiers. 

The delegates would soon call for an unmoderated caucus, which could only be described as a reenactment of the Russian Civil War itself. Papers flew, words fought, and some delegates almost fell over in attempting to get people to support their ideas. But while they were meeting, Princess of Czechoslovakia, Anastasia, would be kidnapped and put onto a moving armored train, testing how quickly the committee could save her. 

These ideas came to a head in a rapid fire voting session where every paper was passed, aside from one that called for the total bombing of a prison that contained Czech and Russian soldiers. But soon after the committee was enticed by gold, as well as killing Russians on their way back to their home. The taste of victory has never seemed so sweet. 

Written By IPC Delegate Jack Maloney

Saturday, January 13th: Consumer Protection

Aaron Akunuru

Constitutional Masquerading: Corruption in the Consumer Protection Committee

The Consumer Protection Committee, racing to pass the Pure Food and Drug Act: a bill that mandates inspection of consumer products before sale as well as accurate labeling of all consumer goods, is split into two trains of thought. On one side, blocks unite on the sentiment of prosperity for the American people; on another, there is a braintrust of blocks who state there is more importance in a piece of dilapidated parchment. Senator Joseph Bailey, known in committee to emphatically accuse anyone who disagrees with him a “socialist!”, claims he “[does] not intend to protect consumers, it’s unconstitutional.”. This sentiment distills the objective of the conservative blocks which seek to uphold monopoly and collusion at the expense of the American people while peacocking as institutions of integrity. Senator Benjamin Tillman, a prominent thought leader in the Consumer Protection Committee, stated in among others in his block “It is 1906, federal power is something we really fear at this time”— but what is so terrifying about removing hair and feces from your food? In a conversation with an anonymous source, Tillman stated “It is my job to oppose the Pure Food and Drug Act as it will give the federal government the ability to bust Southern states for illegal activities and destroy our economies.”; while quite vague, we can elucidate his intentions by analyzing the goals of the blocks he is opposing.

Alice Lakey, American activist and major thought leader in her block, stated in an interview: “As important as it is to uphold American values, we must adapt to the needs of the people. We must ensure safety is provided to every citizen before letting the powerful line their pockets.” Alice hopes the Pure Food and Drug Act will grant our people this safety. William C. Adamson, representative of Georgia and prominent member of Lakey’s block, stated in an interview “We must prioritize the rights of the working class as workers are simultaneously consumers.”— it is clear which school of thought has the people in their heart. The damning reveal of the maliciousness of the conservative blocks was found in an interview with former representative of Indiana, Eugene Debs. Debs stated: “The problem with capitalism right now is the plague of monopolies in the packing industries which are lying to us and killing us by mixing cocaine and alcohol in our influenza and smallpox vaccinations.”— these are the “illegal activities” that Tillman is disregarding under the guise of constitutional fundamentalism and under the delusion of the good of the “economy”.

Saturday, January 13th: UNSC

Send Your Condolences To France 

When a member of the IPC entered the Security Council, there were hopes of getting a few interviews with countries to get a better grasp on what’s happening in the war ridden country of Algeria. Instead, countries were up in arms exchanging retorts on behalf of France. Where is France you ask? They fell victim to the snow storm. What was left was a paper written by France with notes to help pass a resolution. Japan and Peru were arguing over whether France really meant what they wrote. Japan states that the notes are fake, and act as propaganda. This is due to the notes being the opposite of everything France has stated since the beginning of the conference. Nigeria swoops in and explains that the chairs said that countries are allowed to take “inspiration” from France's notes, they just can’t act as France's “ideas”. Additionally, the UK expresses that the actual problem is the FLN (National Liberation Front). The United States retorts by exclaiming that even if Alergia was to get independence, who would govern them? No country was planning to pass the resolution Friday night without France present. Overall it’s difficult without the leading country France, it will be interesting to see how this gets resolved with France being in the committee Saturday. 

Reported on by IPC Delegate Lucia Coipel 

Saturday, January 13th: Wu Zeitan

Council of Empress Wu Zeitan, Reported by Alexander Grzesiak

Yesterday, upon hearing of the news of an incoming Turkish Khan invasion, Council of Empress Wu Zeitan members quickly began working on a threefold response. Differing Buddhist and Confucian ideologies came to a head as members rushed to respond to this urgent crisis. 

Buddhist members headed the Incorporation of Buddhism in the Military directive, restructuring the Tang Dynasty’s military around Buddhist values. This directive would not explicitly prevent non-Buddhists from entering the military but instead encourage conversion to Buddhism. Crown Princess Wei, who sponsored this directive, told the IPC that “it just wants to create unity in the military.” Supporters hope the military would be more effective in battle if it centered around the same values.

Confucianists led the Preparing Fighting Back Directive, which would reinforce the northern border by building defenses and mobilizing 160,000 soldiers, more than enough to crush the Turkish invasion. Crown Prince Li Zhe would provide resources for soldiers. During the presentation of this directive, a sponsor stated that soldiers would recite Confucian values in the mornings. Sponsors do not expect this change to slow troop movement.

A third directive, the Directive for Correspondence With the Turks, focused on avoiding war with the Turkish Khans. It sought to improve diplomatic relations with the Turkish Khans by sending Tang representatives to negotiate. However, this directive did not prevent troops from being sent to the northern border. Supporters of this directive understand that the public image of the Empress would be at stake if war were to break out, hence the apprehension for battle.

After much deliberation, Confucian and Buddhist members of the Council of Empress Wu Zeitan passed all three directives. Once troops arrived at the northern border, fighting broke out between them and the Turkish Khan attackers. Being so outnumbered, the Turkish warriors suffered heavy casualties, losing 90,000 before retreating. The Tang dynasty reported 45,000 casualties of their 160,000-troop force. While Buddhists and Confucianists agreed on this crisis, tensions between the two expect to rise as concerns about Empress Wu Zeitan’s contested regime escalate. 

Saturday, January 13th: Imjin War

Concerns of Spies Arise in Korea

The pressure rises as the Imjin War committee battles for justice as Japan takes over northern parts of Korea.

“Only the dead have seen the end of war.” This quote, made famous by George Santayana was assiduously embodied as the Imjin War delegates navigate the waters of their committee meeting. With King Seonjo missing and the Koreans battling the Japanese invasions, tensions have reached a summit. As they try to protect Chungcheong, the province in Korea with the most assistance needed, the Ming Dynasty general offered bows and arrows to help the efforts.

While a settlement seems imminent, delegates are apprehensive. As stakes rise, so do suspicions about treason and even spies. In the words of JO Ho-Ik, “I am sure that there are spies in every single province.” Now, even though the main focus is to alleviate Korea of the Japanese Troops invading them, the concern of spies is now lingering. 

The main goal now is to achieve bringing troops from the north to the south and making supply lines as Japan slowly takes over Korea. Prince Gwanghaegun, now in charge of the armys and supplies after his father disappeared, is actively pushing out troops and the navy.

The future of Korea rests in the hands of these hard working delegates, awaiting results of spies and the outcome of spending in troops and supplies. With many directives in motion, Prince Gwanghaegun and Bae Heung-Rip, right hand military officials, ensure that Korea will not go down without a fight.

Reported on by IPC Delegate Amelia Lawens

Saturday, January 13th: SOCHUM

SOCHUM 2024

During the second committee session, the SOCHUM committee focused on the effects of Artificial Intelligence throughout the various countries participating. The country of Sudan is currently developing an Artificial Intelligence Software system in order to help the humanitarian needs of the country. The Sudan representative, Saaya, stated, “Sudan is currently trying to promote the new software nationwide and is looking for guidance from countries with previous experience in expanding and educating their citizens on the importance of AI.” Similarly to Sudan, the country of Bahrain, represented by Joshua, is currently “building their Artificial Intelligence programs” with the desire to understand the growth patterns of agriculture across the country in order to expand food production, which, in turn, would limit the food shortages the country is currently facing. Bahrain also plans to utilize all aspects of AI by improving the country’s cyber security by increasing the privacy of internet users across the country. 

The country of Austria, represented by Alessa, is highly involved in the development of Artificial Intelligence. As a member of the European Union’s AI Act, Austria is “adamant about providing educational information” to developing nations, such as Eritrea, and teaching those countries how to properly and safely integrate this new wave of technology into society. The countries of SOCHUM, at this time, are still in the early stages of developing resolutions and discovering ways to merge the latest innovations.

Reported on by IPC Delegate, Erin Delaney

Friday, January 12th: SOCHUM

SOCHUM 2024

During the second committee session, the SOCHUM committee focused on the effects of Artificial Intelligence throughout the various countries participating. The country of Sudan is currently developing an Artificial Intelligence Software system in order to help the humanitarian needs of the country. The Sudan representative, Saaya, stated, “Sudan is currently trying to promote the new software nationwide and is looking for guidance from countries with previous experience in expanding and educating their citizens on the importance of AI.” Similarly to Sudan, the country of Bahrain, represented by Joshua, is currently “building their Artificial Intelligence programs” with the desire to understand the growth patterns of agriculture across the country in order to expand food production, which, in turn, would limit the food shortages the country is currently facing. Bahrain also plans to utilize all aspects of AI by improving the country’s cyber security by increasing the privacy of internet users across the country. 

The country of Austria, represented by Alessa, is highly involved in the development of Artificial Intelligence. As a member of the European Union’s AI Act, Austria is “adamant about providing educational information” to developing nations, such as Eritrea, and teaching those countries how to properly and safely integrate this new wave of technology into society. The countries of SOCHUM, at this time, are still in the early stages of developing resolutions and discovering ways to merge the latest innovations.