It’s Really Getting Bananas In Here

A timed crisis within the United Fruit Company (UFC) Adhoc tested the delegates cooperation and ability to compromise, but some ideas were more outlandish than others

Guatemala, Central America- The civilians of Guatemala have had enough of their government! In an extremely timed crisis update, the citizens of Guatemala gave an ultimatum to the government. This included demands such as completely removing U.S troops from the country, giving fair and equal payment for labor, and having proper resources such as soil for land and food.

The incentive to meet these demands was simple; the citizens would release Maria Delore’s husband and give information as to what happened to the president, who had recently passed away of unknown circumstances. The committee sprang into action immediately, initiating an unmoderated caucus to work together in the short twenty minutes given to them.

Many comments came from delegates, with one delegate even saying in regards to the civilian representative who delivered this news, “What if we just kidnapped you right now.” But the comment was lost in translation to the discussions that would ensue. Group leaders such as Chief of Armed Forces, Francisco Arana began to express ideas, such as negotiating with the U.S and creating a peaceful removal of troops.

These discussions also brought up more, out of the box ideas. Two delegates were overheard discussing their resources, using their large amounts of hippos in order to potentially stampede over people, but this was shut down. Another idea involved giving the U.S poison bananas to get them to forcefully pull out their troops.

Though everyone appeared to be working together, prominent Communist leader and ally to Arana, José Manuel Fortuny worked with two others, their plans were not disclosed to everyone but a paper was soon turned in before he joined the discussions. But his motives seem pure, as he immediately added to the discussions in trying to help the citizens and using his resources as well as his allies to give more soil and payment to the civilians.

The main focus of discussions revolved around removing troops from the U.S, with the most agreed upon idea being removing the taxes and tariffs on the U.S to get them out of Guatemala. The future is unclear on how this conflict will be resolved.

Written by IPC Delegate Jack Maloney

UNSC Directives

As the fourth committee session wrapped up, the United Nations Security Council began to eliminate many of the five-plus directives which had been proposed over the course of the past few sessions. The first directive proposed to the committee was titled “Ending African Involvement” and dealt with exactly what the title implies: ending the involvement of African countries in the conversations dealing with the committee’s first topic, the Algerian War. Unfortunately, the directive failed, with four countries abstaining their votes. Moving forward, the second directive proposed to UNSC during the fourth committee session was titled “Ending American Involvement. Similarly to the first directive proposed, “Ending American Involvement” also covered the implicit meaning of its name: ensuring the United States is no longer involved in the crisis. Much to the disapproval of Austria and New Zealand, co-sponsors of the directive, “Ending American Involvement” failed, leaving all countries present with a dissatisfied feeling, as they all believed the directive to be a “waste of their time” as they knew it would fail. After much deliberation over multiple directives, the committee concluded, having very successful, informative debate.

Reported on by IPC Delegate, Erin Delaney

Saturday, January 13th

The Existence of Hybrid Cars: Silent, but Deadly

Chaos runs rampant in the ACEA. The room is being burned down by, not fossil fuels, but by the car-owners themselves. Opel Cars CEO, Florian Huettl, has been targeted for his views on the progression of electric cars, as have many others focused on the same thing. “I know that companies such as Ferrari and Lamborghini have been against me in committee because I’ve supported an electric car transition, but they don’t like that”, says the kidnapped CEO. Directly after his kidnapping, an assassination attempt was made on the CEO.

The room seems to be divided among those who want a future with electric mobiles and those who want to “stay with their history of gas cars”, as Huettl put it. Many other pro-electric company CEOs feel the same. The CEO of Subaru, Atsushi Osaki, has voiced his agreement as well. Resolutions have yet to be passed to determine the future of electric cars and the room has seemed to turn to violence because of this. 

Another pro-electric company, Ford, has also been targeted. The explosion at Ford’s factory has resulted in 145 deaths, 25 of which were children on a school tour. Ford’s CEO, Jim Farley, has claimed this as evidence of an attack on those who are striving for a hybrid-centered future. This is only one of the many explosions that have taken place on pro-hybrid companies. Many of the CEOs that have been speaking out in favor are worried for their own safety.

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

All Mod. and No Res. Makes UNEP A Dull Boy

Although many of the delegates of the UNEP agree on the topics of clean energy and combating climate change, there are four main blocs that are racing to get their resolution passed. However, two resolutions seem to be at the forefront: APES and VIBES. Both papers revolve around sustainable development and the advancement of technology in lower developed countries. Countries such as the United Kingdom, DPRK, and Honduras have all expressed their disdain in the divide of the blocs. There have been many moderated and unmoderated caucuses alike on the topic, yet there seems to be no current mergers that are in effect and a resolution for Topic 1 seems to be a future dream. 

There have been many factors to this, part of which is the defiant nature from countries such as DPRK. “I’ve just been saying no to everyone and everything,” DPRK reported. The opposite seems to be happening in the committee, however. “Everyone in our delegation is basically saying the same thing, but no one wants to agree,” Honduras noted.

The slow-paced nature of the committee may be due to the fact that the delegates have gotten their note passing privileges taken away due to the impersonations that have taken place. “It’s made passing resolutions impossible,” The United Kingdom noted. Tensions seem to be high between the groups as no one is looking for a quick progression on the topic.

Reported on by IPC Delegate Chase Gheen

Saturday, January 13th: What is the next move? - Crisis committee of Imjin War

The crisis committee of the Imjin War, operating from 1592 to 1598, is working hard to regain its freedom from Japan and reconstruct Korea as a whole. The committee has been battling for justice from Japanese invasions and recently had a significant crisis drop just before the IPC’s entrance. According to Korean Seon Master Hyujeong, this specific crisis drop resulted in nearly all the Japanese troops leaving Korea and the delegates deciding on their subsequent response. There were discussions and debates on whether to attack Japan as a way of rehabilitation. Still, almost everyone in the room agreed that the primary focus should be on rebuilding Korea. The current discussions after the crisis all involve the same goals: reconstruction, stability, and self-reliance. There were also some talks about gaining independence and self-reliance over dependence on China for extra protection and resources. As the IPC interviewed Kwon Yul, it was clear that there would be a potential second invasion and that it was necessary to protect the southwest and push all the Japanese troops out. Despite some disagreement, the delegates have been working together and making a lot of compromises to find a solid and long-lasting solution. 

As a final observation, a lot had happened, and some delegates argued that the committee was moving fast. For example, it was mentioned that Korea was almost immediately taken back after Japan’s invasion, even though the derivatives had not been passed yet. Nevertheless, the delegates navigated the challenges of reconstructing Korea and achieving independence. The end goal was clear for everyone, and the delegates highlighted the importance of strategic decision-making and cooperation. 

“It’s Portuguese, Not French, I’m Making That Clear”

A one on one interview with Founder and President of the FLEC (Front for the Liberation of the Exclave of Cabinda) showcased how UNITA is swinging back in this Civil War

Cabinda, Angola- The brutal civil war between the MPLA and UNITA has had major damage and blows dealt to each side of the conflict. Right after rigorous voting procedure and passing of confidential military action, the FLEC Founder and President, Luis Rangue Franque decided to share the events of this battle from the side of UNITA.

Luis began by explaining the reason as to why UNITA is fighting back militarily against the MPLA, when asked as to what led the committee to military battles and fighting back, Luis addressed it by saying, “So we are responding to attacks from the MPLA, they have specifically attempted to target the reputation and civilian support of the UNITA and have taken military action as well, we are responding as we should.”

When asked to go more in-depth as to what has happened with the MPLA, Luis said, “They’ve had many things happen, and we’ve attempted to address them and change them in our papers which are confidential due to, like things we are planning. But the MPLA has had rigged elections, attacked our reputation and overall have been fighting hard in order to win this Civil War.”

The MPLA is a communist movement for the people of Angola that sprung up in opposition to the UNITA. On the other hand of this battle, UNITA stands for the National Union for Total Independence of Angola, which takes an anti-communist stand in how the government should operate, especially in the economic standing. 

When asked as to what the most important part of discussions were and what they were trying to achieve, Luis elaborated, “Yeah so it’s really getting the public on our side which is what I’m specifically trying to achieve, like getting them on my side, getting that influence will be the make or break of this war, and I’m ready to make it.”

To finish off this wonderful interview, Luis revealed, “Yeah so to say it my name is Portuguese, not French, though it seems. Thought I would just explain that.”

Written by IPC Delegate Jack Maloney

ECOSOC: The Pain of Brain Drain

By: Rhia Nagale

While attempting to propose resolutions on the issue of brain drain in the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) committee, disagreements occurred between developing and developed countries. Divided, the developing and smaller developed nations formed separate blocks from the larger developed nations.

Brain drain, a problem primarily for developing nations, takes place when highly educated people leave the underdeveloped nations for more prosperous opportunities in developed nations, Japan said.

Specifically, “[i]n Japan, our wages haven’t increased in three decades despite inflation, so it’s difficult to keep people in our country,” Japan said. To solve this issue, Japan is working on a resolution paper titled, “Sources need Workforces.” The main contributors include Belgium, Albania, Ghana, and Lebanon.

“We’re all just trying to solve a lot of problems like lack of education and lack of support for research projects and scientific innovations,” Japan said. “In our resolution, we are expanding education programs [and] giving people grants to get education and for research programs. All the big developed countries have very differing opinions because they benefit from brain drain.”

France, a developed country, worked primarily with other developed nations to outline a plan named the “Visa Development Program” that focuses on collaboration between other countries.

“This [program] allows for global cooperation between source and host countries to allow their countries to enter ours,” France said in a moderated caucus. “The developed nations do not want to enforce and infringe on the sovereignty of the developing nations. We want to make sure that source nations have adequate resources in their own country to keep their people in their country.” 

In the paper, the sponsors emphasize the necessity of temporary immigrant workers versus permanent workers in developed nations. To enforce this, the developed countries recommend outlining time limits for the work visas issued to immigrants. Later in committee, this working paper eventually developed into an eight clause resolution entitled “Plug the Drain” that dedicates one clause to the Visa Development Program.

“We do not want to infringe on anyone’s right and sovereignty and we do not want to take away the economic growth each country rightfully deserves,” France said. 

In comparison, the resolution Japan aided in drafting continues to define opportunities for grants and funding along with other solutions that target the source countries of brain drain.

France? Independence? Colonies? 

The United Nations Security Council is facing a debate unlike no other with one of the main contenders, France, leaving early. During the fourth committee session, UNSC was still on their first topic: colonization as a result of the Algerian War. As a result of the early, unexpected absence of France, the council encountered an alleged counterfeit scandal, sending the council into a frenzy. According to the United States, the debates and discourse have become “heated” with alliances forming around the ideas of (1) France gaining the new Algerian territories, or (2) Algeria keeping the colonies gained from the recently ended Algerian War. When France unexpectedly left, leaving only a note containing their prefrences and ideas for the end result, other delegates began to question the integrity of the paperwork. 

According to Mexico, the document, in summary, stated that France would agree to the idea of eventual independence of Algeria, although self-rule would not be permitted for another thirty-five to fifty years. In the opinion of Mexico, “At that rate, independence of Algeria would never happen.” This information, allegedly from France, was shocking for delegates to hear as France had previously stated, in-person, that the country would never support the independent rule of Algeria. These accusations are leaving the countries of the 2024 UNSC with multiple questions, who wrote the note? What does France really believe? And, most importantly, will the up-and-coming country of Algeria gain independence?

Reported by IPC Delegate, Erin Delaney

Reported on by IPC Olivia Watters on SOCHUM 

What’s so Artificial about Intelligence?

Artificial intelligence, or AI, is the first topic of debate in the SOCHUM committee. The topic of AI brings questions of difficulty regarding privacy, safety and job displacement. The United States’ delegation wants to create an organization that would help train workers to do things AI can’t perform. So far in the United States today, 4,000 workers have lost their jobs due to AI taking over. But with AI’s lack of critical thinking, the United States wants to press that weak spot. “I think this would help because it would help people get more jobs in places that AI can’t,” says the United States representative, Shalvi Bhambare. 

The Lebanon delegate, Chloe Chung, has concerns similar to the United States regarding the use of AI. “We just want security and for people to be protected from the dangers of AI,” says Lebanon. 

 Lebanon proposed to teach students and teachers courses related to coding to help the understanding of AI implemented in education. “This is so people have more of an understanding of AI in school and later they can pursue careers related to the artificial intelligence topic.” 

SOCHUM is one of the committees in this conference that is only allowed 4 working papers. The merging of papers is causing people to struggle in which country fits where, and where does each country stand. “Some countries working together had opposing ideas which I thought were interesting,” said Lebanon. “For example, one country didn’t want AI to be really big in their country but then they joined a paper who wanted AI to be more into the education system and health care, so I thought it was interesting.”

 The struggle to merge working papers contine in SOCHUM throughout today. It will be interesting to see what countries will bend out of their morals. 

Reported on by IPC Delegate Olivia Watters 

Notes from interview

Integrating AI into the education system

• Teaching students and teachers related to coding or science 

• Helps pursue careers 

• Myanmar didn't want AI in country but joined a paper based on integrating AI into their education system 

• wants

-whats your country

-whats your relationship with the united states

-do you support united states idea of creating an organization to train/fund workers 

- if not whats your idea

-what countries are you thinking about merging with or in other words what ideas are you signing onto