DSTMUN 2020

Dear MUN Directors, Advisors, Delegates,

It is our great pleasure to hereby invite you to the 3rd annual session of the Deutsche Schule Thessaloniki Model United Nations conference that will take place on November 13th - 15th, 2020, on the premises of the German School of Thessaloniki.

DSTMUN is a three-day-long simulation of the proceedings of the United Nations that provides junior high school and high school students (grades 8 to 12) the opportunity to improve their English and debating skills while discussing global issues on an international level.

This year’s conference will consist of four General Assembly Committees (Disarmament and International Security Committee, Economic and Financial Committee, Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee, Special Political and Decolonisation Committee) as well as four Specialized Agencies (Security Council, Council of the European Union, Special Conference, International Court of Justice). Depending on the committee they will take part in, delegates are required to conduct research on a multitude of topics in order to draft resolutions while getting familiar with the rules set by the United Nations.

The theme of the 3rd DSTMUN is the 16th Sustainable Development Goal: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. According to the official website of the United Nations, “the threats of international homicide, violence against children, human trafficking and sexual violence are important to address, aiming to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. They pave the way for the provision of access to justice for all and for building effective, accountable institutions at all levels. To tackle these challenges and build a more peaceful and inclusive society, there needs to be more efficient and transparent regulations put in place, as well as comprehensive, realistic government budgets. One of the first steps towards protecting individual rights is the creation of more independent national human rights institutions around the world.”¹ Delegates who wish to delve into matters related to the aforementioned theme are invited to take part in this year’s Special Conference committee (SPECON).

Being a conference made by students for students, DSTMUN proves that youth is indeed capable of achieving important tasks, which is exactly what delegates will be called upon to do during the three days of our conference.

According to UNHCR (United Nations High Commission on Refugee), “worldwide, 70.8 million people have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict, violence, and persecution.” The agency believes that young people have a central role to play in finding ways to help these people thrive, not just survive.2 DSTMUN shares this vision and has, thus, decided to join UNHCR’s MUN Refugee Challenge, under the auspices of which delegates will debate upon crucial issues related to the ongoing refugee crisis. The best ideas will be shared with policymakers and be promoted on UNHCR’s social media channels, which are followed by millions of people. The delegates of the Second Committee of the General Assembly (Economic and Financial) will strive to find ways to support the economic inclusion of refugees in their host countries. Our SPECON will discuss measures that may counter toxic narratives about refugees and migrants, while the Security Council will debate upon issues regarding climate change and displacement.

On our website you will find all the necessary information concerning the upcoming session including the Agenda, preparation materials, as well as registration details. We urge you to take advantage of the first registration period, ending on June the 28th. 

For further information don’t hesitate to contact us at dstmodelun@gmail.com.

We look forward to seeing you in November!

 Best wishes,

The 3rd DSTMUN Organising Team