Topic 1: Regulating non-discriminatory distribution and consumption of natural resources
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Topic 2: Discussing industrial and overfishing in international waters and protected areas
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Meet the chairs:
Maria Batzoli
Aristotelio College Thessaloniki Dear Delegates, I am truly honoured to participate as a student officer in this international conference. Prepare yourselves for four days of heated yet fruitful debates and being challenged as a delegate. After having participated in 4 MUN conferences and deeply believing in the importance of such institutions defending the fundamental human rights, I decided this year from the position of the student officer to help as much as I can so that new, applicable and subversive proposals will alleviate social discrimination, human rights’ abuse as well as the consequences of climate change. I am attending the 2nd grade of high school senior at the Aristotle College, Thessaloniki, Greece. I am intensely interested in current issues related to politics, economics, diplomacy, human rights and climate change. Thus, I try to be informed almost on a daily basis from various internationally recognised sources on these momentous issues. We, young people, must refuse to accept the status quo and raise our voice in the long-standing battle for a truly equal, peaceful and prospering future for us and the next generation. And this is why I believe Model United Nations was initiated. My experience in the previous MUNs was unique and filled me with joy and fullness as I realized that my peers are sensitive to the current problems facing our world but at the same time have awesome ideas for a better and fairer world. Undoubtedly, through this process not only have I learned to be patient, responsible and persistent to the goal that I have set but also I have thoroughly understood the value and the importance of teamwork since I strongly believe that great results and creativity thrives when people work together on a team as it fosters a blend of complementary strengths and builds trust that is essential for ideas to emerge. In the past, I participated in various committees but the committee that excites me the most and gives me the opportunity to realize the criticality of the times we live in is the UN Environment Assembly. I am greatly environmentally conscious and constantly look for ideas that would enhance the eco-friendly lifestyle. I am very proud of having represented my school in the pan-European entrepreneurship competition, where we have been awarded the pan-European innovation award for the first ever fully compostable and biodegradable exam table paper roll. Considering my noted experience and my profound knowledge on the committee’s issue combined with my passion to help the planet breathe again, I am quite sure that I will be able to orientate you in the right way, to give you in depth information on the subject of our committee as well as to assist you in whatever you need both during the conference and during the preparation. Therefore, I invite you to prove that our generation will be able with faith in its ability and its rights with a clear conscience towards humanity to change today’s unsustainable world for the better. I invite you to arm yourself with passion, patience and perseverance and I am sure that you will stand out with excellent proposals on the subject of our committee. I am looking forward with my wonderful co-chairs to meeting you all, even virtually. Let your passion echo through the voice you raise, the resolution you craft and the friendship you make. Together, let's “change the world, one resolution at a time!” Maria Batzoli, Chair of the UN Environment Assembly |
Bali Cuthbert
American School of Warsaw Dear Delegates, Welcome to ZYGMUN 2021. I am honored to serve as your chair this year. I’m a sophomore at the American School of Warsaw and have been doing MUN since I arrived here, which is almost three years ago. I have attended various conferences including PACMUN and CEESA MUN in middle school and ZYGMUN, JOMUN, and BERMUN in high school. MUN has helped me better understand the world around me from many different perspectives and has immensely improved my public speaking. During this conference, I hope to create a comfortable and encouraging environment for delegates to participate and openly express their country’s views on each of the topics. At this year’s Conference, we are addressing Sustainable Development Goal 11: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions: Promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies. The Committee will be tackling two very relevant topics which are “Regulating non-discriminatory distribution and consumption of natural resources” and “Discussing industrial and overfishing in international waters and protected areas.” The first topic connects to the theme of the conference because systematic racism and conflict often have a connection with natural resource consumption and distribution to such an extent that according to the United Nation Environment Programme (UNEP) 40 percent of all internal conflicts in the past 60 years have been linked to the exploitation of natural resources. Furthermore, the second topic addresses the unjust amount of fishing and the amount of area that is not managed or protected in the ocean. So much so that only 2.2 percent of the ocean is totally protected and 4.8 percent of the ocean is actively managed. I encourage all delegates to come well prepared with unique and innovative solutions for each of the topics. Bali Cuthbert, Chair of the UN Environment Assembly |
Eirini Theodosiadi
Anatolia College Thessaloniki Dear Delegates, I am beyond grateful to be serving as a chair in the UN Environment Assembly at this year’s ZYGMUN. I am a 10th grade student at Anatolia High School of Thessaloniki Greece and, since the MUN journey for most students at my school starts at 9th grade, this is my second year of participating in MUN conferences. I have previously attended various conferences, both online and in real life, such as DSAMUN, ACMUN and more, and I loved each and every one of them. MUN is such a unique experience, as it helps every participant, no matter the committee, develop crucial skills, such as public speaking and researching skills, but most importantly learn to express their ideas and communicate with their peers. It is important to value the small things in life, as we never know if we will be able to experience them again soon, as I think all of us have realized through the pandemic. Some small things I thoroughly enjoy doing include going on walks or bike rides in the city and listening to music, more specifically rock, while reading my favorite books. Furthermore, I also love travelling and seeing new places and faces, but due to COVID-19, we have to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe by keeping our distances and being overall careful. Personally, the Environment Assembly is one of my favorites, as environmental problems, climate change as a prime example, are some of the most pressing issues of today’s world. This year’s topics are “Discussing industrial and Overfishing in international and protected areas” and “Regulating non-discriminatory the distribution and consumption of natural resources”, both of which relate to this year’s theme; Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions: Promoting just, peaceful and inclusive societies. In today’s world, it is necessary to strive for what’s right, fight against discrimination and live in a world that ensures economic and food security for all. Taking into account everything that has happened this last year globally, protests, a pandemic and many more, it is undeniable that justice is really one of the most significant human concepts. I am really looking forward to seeing all of you virtually and see what ideas you all come up with. It is important to remember to stay positive in these difficult times, even when it gets difficult. I wish you all a great preparation for this year’s conference. Eirini Theodosiadi, Chair of the UN Environment Assembly |