YOGYAKARTA – To enhance the ability of diplomacy and negotiation on an international level through the simulation of the UN General Assembly, Universitas Gadjah Mada held Jogja International Model United Nations (JOINMUN) 2012 from 3-6 May at Inna Garuda Hotel Yogyakarta. This event provides an opportunity for participants from various countries to serve as delegates in four forums, the Security Council, General Assembly, the Arab League and the G-20.
Committee chairman of JOINMUN, Adisty B. Pratama, said that the first trial simulation initiated by UGM MUN Community is for the first time held in Indonesia. Previously, this kind of activity is routinely carried out by universities in the United States, Netherlands and Korea. According to Adisty, this activity aims to embody the aspirations of potential future diplomats and build relationships between international students to care and provide solutions to global problems. The participants will discuss various international issues, such as the political crisis in Libya and Syria, the rights of minority groups, jurisdiction of international court, preservation of local cultural heritage to the global financial crisis. "The results of this resolution will be recommended to the UN as a youth’s thought," Adisty said to reporters at Faculty of Law, Monday (13/2).
He said the UN General Assembly simulation is planned to be followed by 200 participants from various countries, such as India, Iraq, Thailand, Taiwan, and Bangladesh. However, the participants who have registered will be selected first. The delegates should carry out research on the development of political and social conditions of other countries. "Each participant does not represent their respective countries. They are also required to also master the themes being discussed," he said.
Vice Dean for Academic Affairs in Faculty of Law, Universitas Gadjah Mada, Dr. Sigit Riyanto, S.H, LL.M welcomed JOINMUN administration as one of international activities. He explained, MUN activity follows the model of international activities at the UN, where participants act on behalf of the UN member country delegates who sit in an international conference. "It provides opportunity for participants to learn to understand and appreciate how the process of international organizations through research, drafting, and the practice of diplomacy and negotiations," he said.